Skimmers pools

What is a pool skimmer?

A skimmer is a suction inlet located in the walls of the pool that forms part of the pool's filtration and water treatment system. They can be recognised as a type of window in which the water line sits approximately at its midpoint, so that it can continuously draw in water and prevent debris floating on the pool surface from sinking to the bottom of the pool.

How a skimmer works

A pool skimmer works by slowly but continuously drawing in water from the pool surface, collecting floating debris in its internal basket and preventing it from sinking to the bottom over time, which would make it harder to remove.

The suction produced by pool skimmers is barely perceptible to a person, and thanks to the movement it generates, it increases the amount of oxygen in the water and reduces the presence of phosphates, thereby preventing the growth and spread of algae in the pool. Don't hesitate to buy a quality pool skimmer — they are essential elements for enjoying clean water in your pool over time.

Types of pool skimmers

The rise of above-ground pools has led to the development of different types of skimmers for these pools. In addition to classic skimmers, there are now surface skimmers and floating skimmers depending on the intended use. Skimmers for above-ground pools are very useful products that allow us to keep our pool water in perfect condition.

Concrete pool skimmer

The skimmers we are most familiar with are those used in in-ground or concrete pools. They are installed flush with the pool wall and must be placed and installed during the pool construction phase.

Floating skimmer

Floating skimmers are designed for use in ponds or aquariums. They work in the same way as other skimmers and must be connected to the pool's filtration system. Unlike skimmers for liner or concrete pools, they float on the surface and do not need to be fixed to any part of the pool or pond where they are used.

Surface skimmer

A surface skimmer is used mainly in above-ground pools that do not have openings for the installation of other types of skimmers. Its use is the same as with other common skimmers, but they are attached to the edge of the pool using a clamp-arm fixing system or similar.

Parts of a skimmer

A pool skimmer, whatever type it may be, has two main parts to carry out its task of drawing in and cleaning the pool surface water: a leaf basket and the water suction flap.

• Leaf basket: this basket sits inside the skimmer and is where insects and debris from the pool surface are trapped. It acts as a pre-filter before the water passes through the pool's filtration system. It should be cleaned regularly to prevent blockages, and it can also be used to dissolve chemical products in tablet form such as chlorine or bromine.
• Flap or weir door: the flap or weir door of the skimmer is its visible part and features a hinged plate that prevents debris caught by the leaf basket from returning to the pool.

Best skimmer brands for swimming pools

There are many brands on the market that manufacture pool skimmers. We recommend two of them: Astralpool and Bestway.

Astralpool pool skimmers: the benchmark brand for pool vessel materials, specialising in the manufacture of skimmers for concrete pools. They have an extensive product catalogue and their results are the best on the market. At Mercapool you can buy Astralpool pool skimmers individually or in kits that include additional elements such as nozzles or pool drains.

Bestway pool skimmers: an affordable option that delivers good results. Bestway brand skimmers are specially designed for above-ground pools. Both surface and floating skimmers are available and their cost is quite low compared to other manufacturers of similar products.