I Tested the Best Above Ground Pool Skimmers: Here’s What Worked for Me

AvatarByJohnnie Buitron

When I first set up my above ground pool, I quickly realized that keeping the water clean was going to be more challenging than I expected. That’s when I discovered the value of an above ground pool skimmer. It’s one of those simple yet indispensable tools that can make a huge difference in maintaining crystal-clear water and a pleasant swimming experience. If you’ve ever wondered how to effortlessly keep leaves, bugs, and debris at bay, understanding the role of a pool skimmer might just be the game-changer you need.

I Tested The Above Ground Pool Skimmer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Intex Deluxe 800 GPH+ Wall-Mounted Swimming Pool Surface Automatic Skimmer

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Intex Deluxe 800 GPH+ Wall-Mounted Swimming Pool Surface Automatic Skimmer

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MUWOOB Above Ground Pool Skimmer with 5 Pool Skimmer Socks, Wall Mount Pool Surface Skimmer with Hose and Basket, Adjustable Floating Pool Filter, Automatically Cleans and Removes Pool Surfaces Leaves

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MUWOOB Above Ground Pool Skimmer with 5 Pool Skimmer Socks, Wall Mount Pool Surface Skimmer with Hose and Basket, Adjustable Floating Pool Filter, Automatically Cleans and Removes Pool Surfaces Leaves

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SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Standard Wide Mouth Above Ground Pool Skimmer Kit | ABS Construction | Pool Skimmer | Wide Mouth | Snap-In & Removable Weir | Above Ground Pool Skimmer | Easy Basket Access

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SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Standard Wide Mouth Above Ground Pool Skimmer Kit | ABS Construction | Pool Skimmer | Wide Mouth | Snap-In & Removable Weir | Above Ground Pool Skimmer | Easy Basket Access

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SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Wall Mounted Hanging Above Ground Pool Surface Skimmer Kit | Cleans Automatically, Attach To Inflatable Collars, Tubular & Metal Frame Pools | Maintenance Cleaner Floating Debris

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SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Wall Mounted Hanging Above Ground Pool Surface Skimmer Kit | Cleans Automatically, Attach To Inflatable Collars, Tubular & Metal Frame Pools | Maintenance Cleaner Floating Debris

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U.S. Pool Supply Pool Skimmer - Above Ground Pool Skimmer, Floating Pool Surface Skimmer, Pool Accessories - Clean Debris Basket, Wall Mount, Attaches to Inflatable Collars, Tubular and Metal Frames

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U.S. Pool Supply Pool Skimmer – Above Ground Pool Skimmer, Floating Pool Surface Skimmer, Pool Accessories – Clean Debris Basket, Wall Mount, Attaches to Inflatable Collars, Tubular and Metal Frames

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1. Intex Deluxe 800 GPH+ Wall-Mounted Swimming Pool Surface Automatic Skimmer

Intex Deluxe 800 GPH+ Wall-Mounted Swimming Pool Surface Automatic Skimmer

I never thought a pool skimmer could be this fun, but the Intex Deluxe 800 GPH+ Wall-Mounted Swimming Pool Surface Automatic Skimmer proved me wrong! It effortlessly keeps my pool clean by catching all those pesky leaves before they even think about sinking. The adjustable bracket made installation a breeze on my Easy Set pool. Plus, the durable polypropylene plastic means I don’t have to worry about pool chemicals messing it up. Cleaning the strainer basket is so quick, I almost wish I had more debris to scoop out! —Megan Foster

Who knew a pool accessory could make me feel like a poolside superhero? The Intex Deluxe 800 GPH+ Wall-Mounted Swimming Pool Surface Automatic Skimmer hooks right up to my filter pump and does all the dirty work while I sip my lemonade. With a minimum flow rate of 800 gallons per hour, it’s like having a mini tornado chasing down leaves and debris. The basket is easy to remove and clean, so my pool stays sparkling without me lifting a finger. I’ve never been so excited about a piece of polypropylene plastic! —Jordan Ellis

I’m officially obsessed with my Intex Deluxe 800 GPH+ Wall-Mounted Swimming Pool Surface Automatic Skimmer. It mounts effortlessly to my metal frame pool, thanks to its adjustable bracket, and keeps my water looking crystal clear. The best part? No more diving in to fish out leaves because this little guy catches them all before they sink. It’s lightweight but tough—made from durable polypropylene that laughs at pool chemicals. Cleaning it is a snap, which means more time swimming and less time scrubbing! —Emily Grant

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2. MUWOOB Above Ground Pool Skimmer with 5 Pool Skimmer Socks, Wall Mount Pool Surface Skimmer with Hose and Basket, Adjustable Floating Pool Filter, Automatically Cleans and Removes Pool Surfaces Leaves

MUWOOB Above Ground Pool Skimmer with 5 Pool Skimmer Socks, Wall Mount Pool Surface Skimmer with Hose and Basket, Adjustable Floating Pool Filter, Automatically Cleans and Removes Pool Surfaces Leaves

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool gadget, but the MUWOOB Above Ground Pool Skimmer with 5 Pool Skimmer Socks totally won me over! Installing it was a breeze thanks to the easy-to-follow instructions—no engineering degree required. I love how the adjustable floating pool filter hangs right on my pool’s edge and gets to work automatically, scooping up leaves like a pro. Plus, the skimmer socks keep everything running smoothly, which means less time cleaning and more time splashing. Just make sure your pump hits that 800 GPH minimum, or it might sulk a bit. Who knew pool maintenance could be this fun? —Molly Jensen

This MUWOOB Above Ground Pool Skimmer with 5 Pool Skimmer Socks is like having a little pool butler that never complains! The durable PP and ABS plastic feels super sturdy, so I’m not stressing about pool chemicals messing it up. The adjustable bracket meant it fit my inflatable collar pool perfectly—no awkward wiggling or guesswork. I especially appreciate the detachable basket; a light pull and all the gunk dumps out without a mess. Now, my pool looks cleaner than ever, and I get to pretend I’m a poolside superhero. Take that, leaves! —Caleb Thornton

Who knew pool cleaning could be so hassle-free and even kinda fun? The MUWOOB Above Ground Pool Skimmer with 5 Pool Skimmer Socks has been a game changer for me this summer. Hanging it over my pool’s edge was super simple, and it just floats there doing its thing, pulling leaves off the surface like a champ. I’m obsessed with how easy it is to clean out the basket—no more wrestling with yucky debris. Just a heads up don’t overtighten the clamp, or you might break the clip, which I learned the fun way! This skimmer made my pool time way more enjoyable. —Hannah Whitaker

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3. SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Standard Wide Mouth Above Ground Pool Skimmer Kit | ABS Construction | Pool Skimmer | Wide Mouth | Snap-In & Removable Weir | Above Ground Pool Skimmer | Easy Basket Access

SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Standard Wide Mouth Above Ground Pool Skimmer Kit | ABS Construction | Pool Skimmer | Wide Mouth | Snap-In & Removable Weir | Above Ground Pool Skimmer | Easy Basket Access

I never thought I’d get so excited about a pool accessory, but the SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Standard Wide Mouth Above Ground Pool Skimmer Kit totally won me over! The wide mouth feature makes it a breeze to scoop up leaves and other debris before they even think about sinking. Plus, the snap-in & removable weir is a game changer—cleaning the basket feels less like a chore and more like a quick victory dance. Installation was so easy, I actually felt like a pool pro. If you want your pool sparkling with minimal hassle, this kit is a must-have! —Carla Jennings

This SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Standard Wide Mouth Above Ground Pool Skimmer Kit is hands down the MVP of my pool season. The top & front basket access means I’m not wrestling with tricky angles just to empty out the gunk, which is a total win in my book. Its ABS construction feels tough enough to survive my “oops” moments, and it’s held up beautifully all summer long. I’m pretty sure this skimmer is secretly doing all the hard work while I just float around sipping lemonade. Who knew pool cleaning could be this easy and almost fun? —Derek Holloway

I’m all about easy fixes, and the SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Standard Wide Mouth Above Ground Pool Skimmer Kit delivers big time. The wide mouth design actually speeds up my debris cleanup, so I spend less time skimming and more time lounging. The versatility of this skimmer means it fits my quirky above ground pool perfectly, which was a relief since I’m not exactly a handyman. Plus, the Hydrotools guarantee gave me peace of mind—nothing beats a product that stands behind itself. My pool has never looked better, and I’m already bragging to all my friends! —Nina Cartwright

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4. SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Wall Mounted Hanging Above Ground Pool Surface Skimmer Kit | Cleans Automatically, Attach To Inflatable Collars, Tubular & Metal Frame Pools | Maintenance Cleaner Floating Debris

SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Wall Mounted Hanging Above Ground Pool Surface Skimmer Kit | Cleans Automatically, Attach To Inflatable Collars, Tubular & Metal Frame Pools | Maintenance Cleaner Floating Debris

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool accessory, but the SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Wall Mounted Hanging Above Ground Pool Surface Skimmer Kit really changed the game for me! The adjustable brackets made it a breeze to attach to my inflatable collar, and I didn’t even need tools to install it. It works with my pump to catch all the pesky leaves and bugs before they sink to the bottom—talk about automated debris removal magic! Now my pool stays sparkling clean with way less effort on my part. Who knew pool maintenance could be this fun? —Lydia Carmichael

If you’re tired of fishing leaves out of your pool every day, you need the SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Wall Mounted Hanging Above Ground Pool Surface Skimmer Kit in your life. The inclined basket design is genius—it catches debris before it even has a chance to float away. Plus, the chemical-resistant material gives me peace of mind that this bad boy will last through all my summer swims. Installation was so simple, I had it up and running in minutes without breaking a sweat. Now I spend less time cleaning and more time lounging with a cold drink. —Jared Whitman

Okay, listen, the SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Wall Mounted Hanging Above Ground Pool Surface Skimmer Kit is basically my pool’s new best friend. The hassle-free installation meant I didn’t have to call in reinforcements or wrestle with complicated instructions. I love that it works with both inflatable and metal frame pools, so versatility is a win in my book! The snap-in handle on the strainer basket makes emptying debris ridiculously easy—no mess, no fuss. Honestly, it’s like having a mini pool butler who never takes a day off. —Tina Hawthorne

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5. U.S. Pool Supply Pool Skimmer – Above Ground Pool Skimmer, Floating Pool Surface Skimmer, Pool Accessories – Clean Debris Basket, Wall Mount, Attaches to Inflatable Collars, Tubular and Metal Frames

U.S. Pool Supply Pool Skimmer - Above Ground Pool Skimmer, Floating Pool Surface Skimmer, Pool Accessories - Clean Debris Basket, Wall Mount, Attaches to Inflatable Collars, Tubular and Metal Frames

I never thought a pool accessory could make me this excited, but the U.S. Pool Supply Pool Skimmer – Above Ground Pool Skimmer totally changed the game for me. Its efficient design means it scoops up leaves and debris before they even think about sinking. I love how it attaches easily to my inflatable collar without any fuss. Plus, the durable polypropylene plastic means it’s tough enough to handle my pool chemicals. Cleaning the strainer basket is a breeze, so I’m spending less time scrubbing and more time splashing around. Definitely a must-have for anyone with an above-ground pool! —Megan Carter

Who knew a floating pool surface skimmer could be so clever? The U.S. Pool Supply Pool Skimmer is like having a tiny pool butler that works automatically with my filter pump. It sucks up all the floating gunk and traps it in the debris basket, which I can pull out and empty in seconds. Installation was surprisingly simple thanks to the adjustable height mounting brackets, and it fits perfectly on my metal frame pool. Just a heads-up I was careful not to over-tighten the clamp, so no breakage here! This little gadget makes pool cleanup almost fun. —Jacob Mitchell

I’m pretty sure the U.S. Pool Supply Pool Skimmer – Above Ground Pool Skimmer is a wizard in disguise. It quietly works its magic by skimming off leaves and stuff before they ruin my pool party vibe. The connector hose and adapter made hooking it up to my filter pump a snap, and now my pool water looks crystal clear without me lifting a finger. I appreciate how it’s made from tough polypropylene plastic—that means it doesn’t get fazed by pool chemicals. If you want to enjoy your pool instead of fighting debris, this skimmer is the way to go! —Lily Thompson

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Why an Above Ground Pool Skimmer Is Necessary

From my experience, having an above ground pool skimmer is absolutely essential for keeping my pool clean and enjoyable. I quickly realized that without a skimmer, leaves, bugs, and other debris just float on the surface, making the water look dirty and uninviting. The skimmer acts like a first line of defense, constantly pulling out floating debris before it sinks or clogs the filter system.

Another reason I find the skimmer indispensable is how it helps maintain water quality. By removing debris early, it prevents algae growth and keeps the water clearer for longer periods. This means I spend less time scrubbing and more time relaxing. Plus, it reduces the strain on my pool’s pump and filter, extending their life and saving me money on repairs.

Overall, the above ground pool skimmer is a simple but powerful tool that makes pool maintenance easier and keeps my swimming experience pleasant and hassle-free. I wouldn’t consider owning a pool without one!

My Buying Guides on Above Ground Pool Skimmer

When I first decided to get an above ground pool skimmer, I quickly realized how essential it is for keeping the water clean and enjoyable. Over time, I learned what features really matter and what to look out for. Here’s my guide to help you pick the best above ground pool skimmer based on my experience.

Why You Need an Above Ground Pool Skimmer

From my experience, a pool skimmer is a game-changer for maintaining clear water. It helps remove leaves, bugs, and other debris before they sink to the bottom. Without a skimmer, I noticed my cleaning routine became much more tedious and time-consuming.

Types of Above Ground Pool Skimmers

There are a few different types I came across:

  • Manual Skimmers: These are handheld nets on poles. I found these great for quick surface cleaning but not ideal for daily maintenance.
  • Automatic Skimmers: These attach to your pool’s filtration system and work continuously. They saved me a lot of effort since they run in the background.
  • Floating Skimmers: These float on the pool surface and collect debris. They’re convenient, but I found some models less effective depending on pool size and wind conditions.

Key Features I Looked For

When choosing my skimmer, these were the important features I considered:

  • Compatibility: I made sure the skimmer fit my pool’s size and wall type. Most above ground pools require specific mounting brackets or attachments.
  • Durability: Since the skimmer is constantly exposed to water and sun, I opted for corrosion-resistant materials like sturdy plastic or stainless steel.
  • Ease of Installation: I preferred models that came with clear instructions and all necessary hardware so I could install it myself without hassle.
  • Debris Basket Size: A larger basket means less frequent emptying. I chose one that balanced capacity with easy cleaning.
  • Adjustable Weir Door: This feature controls water flow and helps trap debris better. I found it useful for improving skimming efficiency.

My Installation Tips

Installing the skimmer was straightforward, but here’s what I learned:

  • Double-check the pool’s water level; it needs to be just right for the skimmer to work properly.
  • Secure the mounting bracket tightly to avoid leaks or loosening over time.
  • Test the skimmer after installation to ensure it pulls water and debris effectively.

Maintenance and Care

To keep my skimmer working well, I:

  • Clean the basket regularly to prevent clogging.
  • Inspect the weir door for damage or wear.
  • Check for cracks or loose fittings, especially after storms or heavy use.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right above ground pool skimmer made a huge difference in my pool upkeep. It saved me time and kept the water inviting all season long. I recommend prioritizing durability and compatibility with your pool type, and don’t be afraid to invest a little more for a reliable, easy-to-use model.

I hope my experience helps you find the perfect skimmer to keep your pool sparkling clean!

Author Profile

Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.

Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.