How to Buy a Swimming Pool Hand Skimmer

If your pool is a receptacle for leaves, bugs and pollen, then you need a good swimming pool skimmer. Even though hand skimmers are relatively inexpensive, you don't want to make the purchase in haste. Here are a few tips for finding a high quality, long-lasting hand skimmer for your pool.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Select a basic skimmer if your pool has occasional leaves or bugs, but is free of large volumes of leaves.

2. Look for a lightweight skimmer that is easy on your back. Hold the skimmer in the store to get a feel for the weight.

3. Purchase a leaf skimmer net cover to put on top of your swimming pool skimmer. These covers allow you to catch smaller particles, such as pollen and gnats.

4. Find a deep leaf skimmer or leaf rake if many falling leaves plague your pool. These skimmers have deep nets, which allow you to collect large volumes of leaves at one time.

5. Consider purchasing a swivel skimmer if awkward movements bother your back. Swivel skimmers pick up and retain debris as you push and pull them across the top of the pool.

6. Use a remote control swimming pool skimmer for large pools with hard-to-reach areas. The remote control skimmer also helps minimize back pain that frequently results from repeatedly bending over.

Tips & Warnings

• Remote control skimmers come in fun styles, such as sharks and boats. In addition to cleaning the pool, they're entertaining for children and adults.
• Don't rely on a hand skimmer to save a person who is drowning. Keep life-saving equipment, such as a life preserver, in the pool area.