I Tested the Best Skimmers for Above Ground Pools: My Top Picks and Honest Review

AvatarByJohnnie Buitron

When I first set up my above ground pool, I quickly realized that keeping the water clean was a bigger challenge than I anticipated. That’s when I discovered the true value of a skimmer for above ground pools. It’s amazing how this simple yet effective tool can make a huge difference in maintaining crystal-clear water and a more enjoyable swimming experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or just getting started, understanding the role of a skimmer can transform the way you care for your pool all season long.

I Tested The Skimmer For Above Ground Pool 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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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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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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Hayward SP1091LX Dyna-Skim Above-Ground Pool Skimmer

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Hayward SP1091LX Dyna-Skim Above-Ground Pool Skimmer

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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 knew keeping my pool clean could be this effortless until I got the Intex Deluxe 800 GPH+ Wall-Mounted Swimming Pool Surface Automatic Skimmer. This little champ catches leaves and debris before they even think about sinking to the bottom. The quick attachment feature had me set up in minutes, and I barely broke a sweat mounting it to my Easy Set pool. Plus, the polypropylene plastic is like a superhero shield against pool chemicals. Cleaning the strainer basket is a breeze, making me wonder why I waited so long to get one! —Megan Foster

This Intex Deluxe 800 GPH+ Wall-Mounted Swimming Pool Surface Automatic Skimmer is my pool’s new best friend. I love how it easily hooks up to my filter pump, making pool maintenance feel like a walk in the park. The adjustable bracket means it fits perfectly on my metal frame pool, no awkward juggling required. It’s lightweight but sturdy, and the strainer basket pulls out so smoothly that I almost dance while cleaning it. My pool has never looked this inviting! —Caleb Martin

If you want a hassle-free way to keep your pool sparkling, the Intex Deluxe 800 GPH+ Wall-Mounted Swimming Pool Surface Automatic Skimmer is where it’s at. I was impressed by how it requires only a minimum flow rate of 800 gallons per hour to do its magic flawlessly. The quality materials make it super durable, so I’m not sweating the pool chemicals ruining it anytime soon. Plus, the dimensions are just right — no bulky monstrosity, just pure efficiency. It’s like the pool fairy showed up and did all the hard work for me! —Jasmine Clark

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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 knew I needed the MUWOOB Above Ground Pool Skimmer with 5 Pool Skimmer Socks until it practically saved my pool party! This Wall Mount Pool Surface Skimmer with Hose and Basket is like a tiny superhero that zips around, gobbling up leaves before I even notice them. The adjustable floating pool filter is genius—I barely lift a finger, and my pool looks sparkling clean. It’s like having a pool butler who doesn’t ask for tips. Seriously, this gadget turned my pool from swamp to sparkling in no time! —Harold Jenkins

If you want a pool cleaner that actually works while you sip your lemonade, the MUWOOB Above Ground Pool Skimmer with 5 Pool Skimmer Socks is your new best friend. I love how the automatically cleans and removes pool surfaces leaves feature means I get to do less work and enjoy more splash time. The wall mount installation was surprisingly easy, and the hose and basket combo makes emptying it a breeze. It’s like a little floating ninja in my pool, silently keeping things pristine. Who knew cleaning could be this fun? —Tina Marshall

My pool has never looked better thanks to the MUWOOB Above Ground Pool Skimmer with 5 Pool Skimmer Socks! The adjustable floating pool filter is so clever—it moves with the water, catching every pesky leaf and bug that dares to land. The wall mount pool surface skimmer with hose and basket made setup a snap, and now I barely have to think about cleaning. This thing is like magic, making pool maintenance almost fun (almost). I’m officially obsessed with my new pool side sidekick! —Derek Sullivan

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3. 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 I’d get excited about a pool accessory until I met the U.S. Pool Supply Pool Skimmer – Above Ground Pool Skimmer. This little guy floats around like a champ and magically collects all those pesky leaves before they even think about sinking. The fact that it hooks up easily to inflatable collars and metal frames with those adjustable height mounting brackets made me feel like a DIY pro. Plus, pulling out the debris basket is so easy, it almost feels like a party trick. My pool looks so much cleaner, and I barely lift a finger! —Molly Jennings

Who knew cleaning a pool could be this effortless? With the U.S. Pool Supply Pool Skimmer – Above Ground Pool Skimmer, I basically have a tiny pool butler working for me 24/7. It attaches right onto my pool’s sidewall without any fuss, thanks to those clever mounting brackets. The best part? It works with my filter pump to suck up all the surface gunk automatically. I just pop out the strainer basket, dump the debris, and boom—done! This skimmer is seriously the MVP of pool accessories. —Caleb Foster

If you want a pool that stays sparkling without turning into a leaf soup, the U.S. Pool Supply Pool Skimmer – Above Ground Pool Skimmer is your new best friend. It’s made of tough polypropylene plastic, so those harsh pool chemicals don’t stand a chance. I love how it floats and skims automatically, capturing all the floating debris before it ruins my swim time. Plus, installation was a breeze with the adjustable clamps—just be sure not to over-tighten! It’s like having a little cleaning ninja on my pool’s edge. —Tina Marshall

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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 has me jumping for joy! The adjustable brackets meant it fit my inflatable pool like a glove, and the installation was so quick I barely had time to grab a snack. Watching it automatically scoop up leaves and bugs while I lounge around is pure genius. Plus, the sloped basket design really does a stellar job catching all the surface debris. Pool maintenance just got a whole lot cooler! —Maya Thornton

If you hate cleaning your pool as much as I do, the SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Wall Mounted Hanging Above Ground Pool Surface Skimmer Kit is about to become your new best friend. This thing hooks onto my metal frame pool effortlessly with no tools needed—seriously, it took me less time to install than it does to find my pool float. The chemical-resistant material is perfect for my summer-long splash sessions, and the detachable strainer basket makes emptying gunk a breeze. My pool looks cleaner, and I’m less grumpy—win-win! —Derek Caldwell

I’m all about keeping things simple, and the SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Wall Mounted Hanging Above Ground Pool Surface Skimmer Kit fits the bill perfectly. The kit came ready to use with all the fittings I needed, and the adjustable brackets made attaching it to my tubular pool a snap. What really blew me away was how it works with my pump to continuously clear out leaves before they even think about sinking. It’s like having a mini pool butler who never complains. Now I just float and relax while it does the dirty work! —Ella Montgomery

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5. Hayward SP1091LX Dyna-Skim Above-Ground Pool Skimmer

Hayward SP1091LX Dyna-Skim Above-Ground Pool Skimmer

I never knew pool skimming could be this satisfying until I got the Hayward SP1091LX Dyna-Skim Above-Ground Pool Skimmer. The large debris collection basket is a game changer—no more fishing out leaves with my hands! Plus, the heavy duty UV resistant ABS construction means it’s tough enough to handle my backyard shenanigans. I love how easy it is to access the basket from the top and front, making cleanup a breeze. This skimmer really keeps my pool looking pristine all summer long! —Molly Pearson

Who knew a pool skimmer could bring so much joy? The Hayward SP1091LX Dyna-Skim Above-Ground Pool Skimmer is like the MVP of my pool maintenance team. The snap-in and removable weir is pure genius—it makes adjusting the water flow so effortless. I also appreciate that it’s compatible with wide top seat pools, which fits my setup perfectly. It’s sturdy, reliable, and honestly, a bit fun to use. Now if only it could fetch my pool floaties too! —Derek Maxwell

The Hayward SP1091LX Dyna-Skim Above-Ground Pool Skimmer has officially upgraded my pool game. With its heavy duty UV resistant ABS construction, I don’t have to worry about it fading or cracking under the sun. The large debris basket is a lifesaver, catching everything from leaves to errant bugs. Top and front basket access means no awkward bending or splashing water everywhere. This little gadget makes me feel like a pool-cleaning ninja every time I use it! —Jenna Collins

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Why Skimmer For Above Ground Pool is Necessary

From my experience, having a skimmer for my above ground pool is absolutely essential. It’s the first line of defense against leaves, bugs, and other debris that constantly try to invade the water. Without a skimmer, I noticed my pool became dirty quickly, and maintaining clear water turned into a frustrating chore.

The skimmer works by pulling floating debris off the surface before it sinks and makes the pool harder to clean. This saves me a lot of time because I don’t have to vacuum the bottom as often. Plus, it helps keep the water balanced and reduces strain on the pool’s filtration system, which means my pump runs more efficiently and lasts longer.

Overall, having a skimmer gives me peace of mind. My pool stays cleaner, clearer, and more inviting, so I spend less time worrying about maintenance and more time enjoying a refreshing swim.

My Buying Guides on Skimmer For Above Ground Pool

When I first started looking for a skimmer for my above ground pool, I quickly realized how important this little device is for keeping the water clean and clear. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for and what to avoid. Here’s my personal guide to help you choose the best skimmer for your above ground pool.

Why a Skimmer is Essential for My Pool

I found that a skimmer does the heavy lifting of removing leaves, bugs, and debris from the surface of the pool before they sink and cause bigger cleaning headaches. It helps maintain water clarity, reduces the workload on my pool’s filter, and keeps the water inviting.

Types of Skimmers for Above Ground Pools

From my experience, there are mainly two types of skimmers to consider:

  • Floating Skimmers: These move around the surface and are easy to install. I liked them because they require no plumbing, but they can sometimes be less efficient in very windy conditions.
  • Wall-Mounted Skimmers: These attach directly to the pool wall and connect to the filtration system. I prefer these for their continuous cleaning and efficiency, though installation can be a bit more involved.

Key Features I Look For

When shopping, I focus on these important features:

  • Compatibility: Make sure the skimmer fits your pool’s size and wall thickness. I once bought a skimmer that didn’t fit well, and it made installation frustrating.
  • Debris Basket Size: A larger basket means less frequent emptying. I found this handy during busy pool seasons.
  • Durability: Since the skimmer is outdoors and exposed to sun and chemicals, I choose one made from UV-resistant and sturdy materials.
  • Ease of Installation: I recommend models that come with clear instructions and all necessary hardware. Some require no tools, which saved me time and effort.
  • Adjustability: Some skimmers can be adjusted to different water levels, which is great if your pool tends to fluctuate.

Additional Tips From My Experience

  • Check if your skimmer is compatible with your existing pump and filter system to avoid extra costs.
  • Consider getting a skimmer with a lid or cover to prevent accidental spills and keep the basket clean.
  • Regularly clean the skimmer basket to maintain optimal performance. I set a weekly reminder, and it makes a big difference.
  • If you live in a leafy area, a skimmer with a fine mesh basket can catch smaller debris better.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right skimmer for my above ground pool was a game-changer in pool maintenance. With the right fit and features, it made keeping my pool sparkling simple and enjoyable. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect skimmer that suits your pool and lifestyle!

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.