Wondering how to replace a skimmer net?
Then this post will help you to change the old skimmer mesh and install a new one.
Let’s not talk about pool skimmer net replacement in the first place. Rather, let’s know everything about the pool leaf skimmer and leaf rake.
Dive in with me.
Why is it necessary to replace a skimmer net?
It is important to skim your pool regularly. Various detritus such as leaves, spiders, bark, ants, and twigs can fall into your pool. A swimming pool with these junks floating around is not pleasant. Most seriously, swimming in this pool can be a health hazard. Moreover, if there are drifting leaves, they easily attract the bugs to snack on in the water.
Over time, aqueous debris such as leaves will sink to the pool bottom, decompose and pollute the pool water. Decomposed elements or impurities will become the food source of several pathogens and bacteria, turning your dream pool into a health hazard.
Skimming is the first line of defence in maintaining your pool by keeping the physical contaminants out.
A pool skimmer is a handy tool to get rid of dirt and debris from your pool or spa. It would help if you skimmed it regularly to maintain its delicate ecosystem.
Junks that get caught into the net of your dedicated pool filtration system can cause significant wear and tear that adversely affect its performance.
Regular skimming manually or using an automatic device helps keep impurities out of your pool.
What is a Pool Skimmer?
In fact, it is a part of your pool filtration system that sucks, cleans, and pushes the filtered water back into the pool. The skimmer is an opening built into the side of an in-ground pool. In general, the skimmers of above-ground pools are hung from the pool’s sidewalls, and they float on the water surface.
How Does A Pool Skimmer Work?
With the suction power, skimmers draw water from the pool’s top layer, filter the leaves, dirt, and debris out, and help keep the water clean.
In general, a pool skimmer is installed during the pool installation process. A strainer basket is connected to the filtration system’s suction line that catches the debris and trash.
If the skimmer basket is clogged, your pool pump will require to work harder to cycle the water. It ultimately will reduce the lifespan of the pump.
Keeping the skimmers clean ensures your pool’s filtration system works optimally. It will also help reduce pool maintenance costs and optimize pool cleanliness.
Pool experts recommend emptying the built-in basket at least once a week during the swimming season.
Alternative to Built-in Pool Skimmers
However, there are several alternatives to a built-in pool skimmer to clean the visible debris and leaves from the surface and down of your pool.
These are:
Automatic/ Robotic Skimmers
The robot pool skimmer works like a self-guiding cleaner. This device automatically collects the floating dirt and debris to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pool. It works for both above-ground and in-ground pools.
Experts suggest a skimmer for every 500 square feet of pool surface to ensure your pool water always stays clean.
A Robotic Cleaner is a great device to reduce the time and effort of your pool maintenance.
Self-Propelled skimmer
>It is one kind of floating device that glides along the pool water surface. It collects the floating garbage from the pool and deposits it into a collection canister.
This type of skimmer features an onboard energy source, and it is generally powered by solar.
This variation is more expensive than robotic skimmers, but it’ll help you save on electricity.
Manual/ Hand Skimmers
The handheld skimmer features a long stick that has a fine mesh netting on end. Some manual skimmers may have a telescopic pole to extend their reach and enhance convenience. You have to place the basket into the pool or spa water to capture the nasty leaves and large debris you see. Using a handheld leaf skimmer is time-consuming, but it is a budget-friendly option.
How to Use a Pool Hand Skimmer
Depending on the model, you can use a hand skimmer mesh net by itself or by attaching it to the pole. If you decide to use it by itself, you may have to get into the hot tub or pool water to reach the middle.
If the pole is long enough, you can collect the debris with it while standing outside the pool.
- Sweep the skimmer from one end of the tub or pool to the other. Do this in horizontal motions and slowly. Repeat it until you catch all the floating leaves and debris.
- Repeat the same into deeper water to collect the debris from the bottom of the pool or hot tub.
- Do the same going from one side of the pool to the other. Repeat in the deeper water.
- Continue skimming until you lift out all the debris.
Depending on the size of your pool, this can take a few minutes to an hour.
How to Replace a Skimmer Net
If the skimmer net is made well, it’ll last several seasons. Ensure you don’t leave the collected debris and wet leaves in the skimmer net bag. Because these may decompose and accelerate the deterioration of the mesh net.
However, over time, it may get damaged. So, you need to replace it.
Different models of handheld leaf skimmers are available. Before purchasing a new net for replacement, look at and note the model number of the old ones.
Pool skimmer net replacement is relatively easy.
Below, I’ll explain the steps to replace the net of Poolmaster 21181 Premier Pro Aluminum Fine Mesh Swimming Pool Leaf Skimmer
What you’ll need:
The step-by-step approach:
Removing the old skimmer net
Before you replace the new net, you have to remove the old one.
Step 1: Using a flathead screwdriver, snap away one side of the skimmer handle. Follow the arrow mark on the net frame.
Step 2: Similarly, snap out the other end of the handle.
Step 3: Pull the handle off from the net frame by unseating both the of the handlebar.
Installing the new net
Step 1: Insert the rounder corner of the handle into the rim of the skimmer mesh net. Position one end of the handlebar around and under the side of the net frame.
Step 2: Secure this side with one hand and pull the other side of the handlebar over and under the opposite side of the net frame.
Step 3: Push One rounded corner of the handlebar into the net frame until it snaps into place. Do the same for the other round corner of the handlebar.
What is the difference between a Leaf Rake and a Leaf Skimmer?
Several kinds of nets with different configurations are available for your pool.
One of them is a flat net that’s called a skimmer net. There is no depth to the net bag. They are basically a frame with a piece of netting stretched across it. These are right for skimming the surface and getting leaves off the surface.
The pool leaf rake comes equipped with a deep mesh net bag that you can pull or push across the water surface to collect the debris from the water. Moving a leaf rake across the water collects and contains underwater stuff as it goes through. If you don’t use a POOL LEAF NET COVERS, pool leaf rakes are also useful to remove leaves from winter pool covers.
My Recommended Best Pool Leaf Rake, And Pool Skimmer Nets
So, looking for the best hand pool skimmer or pool leaf rake?
To help you find the perfect one, I’ve put forth the effort to recommend the top-rated models.
#1 Sunnyglade PCN– Best Pool Leaf Rake Fine Mesh Frame Net
- Color: Blue
- Size: 17.5 x 11.8 x 1.2 inches
- Mesh: Standard
- Material: Plastic
- Applicable Pole Type: Most Household Poles
Sunnyglade Leaf Skim Net is a perfect option to scoop out leaves and other floating debris from your koi pond, swimming pool, and hot tub.
You can attach the net frame to most household poles.
You can use this Sunnyglade Pool Leaf Rake Net directly for collecting the floating leave and debris. You can also attach a pole or tube to the net frame to increase the length to achieve an extensive skimming range. Conveniently, it is perfect for attaching to most household poles.
The frame is made of ABS plastic, which is durable and light in weight; the curved border design will not scratch your pool’s edge.
Sturdy plastic frame
No worry about the skimmer frame-breaking! So, no hassle with replacing your hand skimmer each season! The ABS plastic made net frame is durable and lightweight. Moreover, the curved border design of the frame won’t scratch your pool’s edge.
Strong nylon netting
This skimmer net can handle anything you left to it. The netting design and high-quality plastic frame let you easily skim it through the pool water. Thanks to its heavy-duty but lightweight design.
Installation is super easy to attach any pole with the press of a button.
Pros
- Made of High-quality materials
- Super easy installation to any pole
- Heavy-duty and well made
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- Not perfect for collecting debris from the bottom of pool water.
- You have to buy the pole separately if you like to increase its length.
#2 U.S. Pool Supply USP LS-118– Best Pool Hand Leaf Skimmer Net with Pole
- Color: Blue
- Size: 24” (L) x 11” (W) x 6” (Depth)
- Mesh: Ultra-fine
- Pole: Aluminum
USP LS-118 is a short-handled, lightweight, and durable hand skimmer that makes the work of skimming your tub or swimming pool quick and more manageable.
2-foot long leaf skimmer
It includes a 12-inch long frame and 12-inch long aluminum pole, making the total length 2 feet. This long handheld leaf skimmer makes cleaning up your above-ground pools or hot tub faster, easier, and more efficient. The pole is detachable and durable.
Ultra-fine mesh netting for spa and hot tub skimming
Cleaning large volumes of leaves and debris in spas and hot tubs is efficient. Thanks to its 11-inch wide and 6-inch deep ultra-fine mesh netting basket. The deep net bag allows full capture and holds the leaf while maneuvering the skimmer throughout the water. The net and aluminum pole makes this stuff long-lasting.
Durable Plastic Frame
The frame is lightweight for easy maneuvering, and it is durable too. Moreover, the plastic frame is safe to use in all types of pools without marring the pool liners.
Pros
- Wide and deep net bag
- Sturdy and lightweight pole
- Detachable pole for versatile uses
- 1-year guarantee
Cons
- The handle is only about two feet long, which may not be perfect for reaching all the way across your large pool.
#3 Sepetrel Swimming Pool Leaf Skimmer– Best Deep Rake Net
- Color: Green
- Mesh bag size: 17″ x 11″ x 15.5″
- Mesh: Standard
- Material: Plastic
- Applicable Pole Type: standard pool pole with a 1-1/4″ diameter
You’ll love the strength and solid design of this pool leaf rake. It does an excellent job skimming pool or spa with ease!
Reinforced frame
In some hot regions such as Texas, the skimmers and brushes do not last long because of the hot sun. But Sepetrel Rake Net is durable and long-lasting. It won’t twist or break and will work for a long time if it is removed after use and stored in a covered location.
High-density mesh net with sewed corner
The mesh bag measures 17″ long x 11″ wide x 15.5″ depth. Sewed corner makes it easy to empty the debris. The large and deep bag is great for picking up and holding all those pesky fall leaves. You can grab so much more than those flimsy ones and clean the pool in less than half the time. The corner sewed design of the mesh bag makes it easy to empty the debris.
Wide and inclined front lip
This design is excellent for easily scooping leaves and debris from the bottom of the spa or pool. The curved edge also ensures no damage to the pool liners.
EZ-clip
The big white button makes attaching the pole to the net easy and safe. It prevents your fingers from getting pinched while installing or removing the pole.
Pros
- Easier to get stuff off the bottom of the pool
- Lightweight; easy to maneuver
- Well-made and durable
- Easy and safe to connect to the pole
Cons
- Mesh is not super fine to get all the tiny stuff.
- It doesn’t come with a pole.
Conclusion
Replacing your old net seems to be a piece of cake now since I’ve shown you how to replace a skimmer net through this post.
Plus, don’t forget to get the best hand skimmer to clean those pesky leaves and debris from your pool or spa.
Certified Pool & Spa Maintenance Specialist (CMS)
Patrick Martinez is a pool and hot tub professional. He is a Certified Pool & Spa Maintenance Specialist (CMS). He has a strong understanding of patio, spa, pool safety, maintenance, and water chemistry. (See Full Bio)