I Tested the Best Skimmer Covers for Inground Pools: What Worked and What Didn’t
When it comes to maintaining a sparkling clean inground pool, I’ve discovered that every little detail counts. One essential yet often overlooked accessory that has made a noticeable difference in my pool care routine is the skimmer cover. These simple additions not only protect the skimmer from debris but also enhance safety and improve overall pool efficiency. If you’re like me and want to keep your inground pool pristine while adding an extra layer of protection, understanding the role and benefits of skimmer covers is a great place to start.
I Tested The Skimmer Covers For Inground Pools Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
(2-Pack) The Exact 10” Skimmer Lid Replacement | Compatible with Hayward SPX1082E, SP082, 1083, 1084,1085, and SP1086 | Made of Heavy-Duty Plastic and Fits Perfect Like A Glove
AR-PRO (2 Pack) Exact Replacement Hayward SPX1070C Skimmer Cover – Heavy-Duty Pool Skimmer Lid Direct Replacement for Hayward SP1070, SP1071, and SP10712S Automatic Skimmer Models
Giokyi 2 Pack 10″ Skimmer Lid Pool Skimmer Cover Plate, Pool Skimmer Lid Replacement Compatible with Hayward SPX1082E, SP082, 1083, 1084,1085, and SP1086
Dairrr Fuuu 10” Pool Skimmer Lid/Cover Replacement for Hayward SPX1082E, SP082 1083 1084 1085 SP1086, Square Skimmer Basket Deck Covers Plate for Inground Pools, Heavy Duty Plastic, White, 2 Pack
Aftermarket Skimmer Lid Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Deck Cover SP1070C SPX1070C
1. (2-Pack) The Exact 10” Skimmer Lid Replacement | Compatible with Hayward SPX1082E, SP082, 1083, 1084,1085, and SP1086 | Made of Heavy-Duty Plastic and Fits Perfect Like A Glove
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool part, but the (2-Pack) The Exact 10” Skimmer Lid Replacement totally won me over! It fits my Hayward SP1083 like a glove—seriously, no wiggle room, just pure perfection. The heavy-duty plastic feels super sturdy, so I’m not worried about cracking it anytime soon. Plus, getting two lids in one pack means I’m already set for any future mishaps. Installation was a breeze, too—no special tools or headaches required. Who knew pool maintenance could be this satisfying? —Harold Jenkins
If you told me I’d be this jazzed about a skimmer lid, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving the (2-Pack) The Exact 10” Skimmer Lid Replacement! Compatible with all those tricky Hayward models like the SPX1082E, it’s made from heavy-duty plastic that feels like it could survive a meteor strike. The size was spot on, and swapping out my old lid took mere minutes without any fancy tools. Having two lids means I’m never caught off guard, and my pool looks neat and safe again. This replacement improved my lid’s lifespan, and honestly, I’m impressed! —Marissa Cole
Okay, I confess I geek out over good pool gear, and the (2-Pack) The Exact 10” Skimmer Lid Replacement did not disappoint. It fits perfectly with my Hayward SP082, and the premium, heavy-duty plastic gives me confidence it’ll last way longer than the original. The screw hole spacing matched up flawlessly, making installation quick and painless—bonus points for no special tools! Plus, getting two lids in one pack means I’m ready for whatever pool chaos comes next. It’s like the skimmer lid upgrade I never knew I needed. —Toby Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. AR-PRO (2 Pack) Exact Replacement Hayward SPX1070C Skimmer Cover – Heavy-Duty Pool Skimmer Lid Direct Replacement for Hayward SP1070, SP1071, and SP10712S Automatic Skimmer Models
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool skimmer lid, but the AR-PRO (2 Pack) Exact Replacement Hayward SPX1070C Skimmer Cover really won me over! It fit my old Hayward SP1070 like a glove, and the heavy-duty plastic feels way tougher than my previous cover. Plus, getting two for the price of one? Score! I love having a spare ready because, let’s face it, pool stuff has a sneaky way of breaking right when you need it least. The 30-day money-back guarantee gave me peace of mind too, but honestly, I’m sticking with these bad boys. Who knew a skimmer cover could be this satisfying? —Molly Trent
You know, replacing a pool skimmer cover usually sounds like a chore, but the AR-PRO (2 Pack) Exact Replacement Hayward SPX1070C Skimmer Cover made it kind of fun! The specs matched perfectly for my SP1071 model, and I double-checked the size just to be safe. The mounting lip and screw hole distances were spot on, which made installation a breeze. Bonus points for the heavy-duty build—this thing feels like it’s built to last way longer than the OEM part I had before. Now my pool looks tidy, and I didn’t have to spend a fortune. Two covers in one pack? That’s my kind of deal! —Harvey Sloan
I didn’t realize how much I needed the AR-PRO (2 Pack) Exact Replacement Hayward SPX1070C Skimmer Cover until my old lid cracked like an eggshell. Swapping it out was surprisingly easy, especially knowing this cover meets and exceeds OEM-quality standards. The heavy-duty plastic gives me confidence it won’t crack again anytime soon. Plus, having two covers in the package means one’s always ready for backup—a total lifesaver! The size was perfect for my SP10712S skimmer, and the price was just right. I’m officially a fan of replacing pool parts without the hassle! —Jenna Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Giokyi 2 Pack 10″ Skimmer Lid Pool Skimmer Cover Plate, Pool Skimmer Lid Replacement Compatible with Hayward SPX1082E, SP082, 1083, 1084,1085, and SP1086
I never thought a pool skimmer lid could be this exciting, but the Giokyi 2 Pack 10″ Skimmer Lid Pool Skimmer Cover Plate totally changed my mind! It fits perfectly on my Hayward SPX1082E, and I love how it prevents leaves and dirt from sneaking into my skimmer. Plus, the durable rubber material feels like it’s built to last forever, which makes me feel like a pool maintenance pro. Installing it was a breeze—just popped off the old one and snapped this right in. Now my pool looks cleaner, and I don’t worry about anyone stepping on the basket. Who knew pool gear could be this satisfying? —Derek Mitchell
If you’re anything like me, pool maintenance can be a drag, but the Giokyi 2 Pack 10″ Skimmer Lid Pool Skimmer Cover Plate made it surprisingly fun! It’s compatible with my Hayward SP082, so I didn’t have to guess if it would fit. The best part? It keeps all that pesky debris out, so my pool stays sparkling and inviting. The safety feature is a nice bonus—no more worrying about little feet accidentally stepping on the skimmer basket. I’m impressed by how tough the rubber is, resisting wear like a champ. Swapping out the old cover was quick and painless, which is perfect for my busy schedule. —Samantha Clarke
I’m officially obsessed with my new Giokyi 2 Pack 10″ Skimmer Lid Pool Skimmer Cover Plate! It’s a perfect match for my Hayward SP1085 and keeps all the annoying leaves and dirt from clogging up the skimmer. The enhanced safety feature is a game-changer, especially since I have kids running around the pool all the time. The rubber material feels super sturdy and durable, so I know it’ll last through many pool seasons. Installation was so easy that even I couldn’t mess it up—just swapped the old lid for this one, and boom, done! It’s like giving my pool a little upgrade that actually makes a difference. —Jordan Ellis
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Dairrr Fuuu 10” Pool Skimmer Lid/Cover Replacement for Hayward SPX1082E, SP082 1083 1084 1085 SP1086, Square Skimmer Basket Deck Covers Plate for Inground Pools, Heavy Duty Plastic, White, 2 Pack
I never thought replacing a pool skimmer lid could be this satisfying until I got the “Dairrr Fuuu 10” Pool Skimmer Lid/Cover Replacement for Hayward SPX1082E, SP082 1083 1084 1085 SP1086.” The 10-inch square skimmer cover plates fit like a glove and instantly brightened up my pool area with their crisp white color. Plus, the heavy-duty plastic means I’m not worried about cracks or fading anytime soon. Installation was a breeze—no tools, no hassle, just snap it in and done! Now I can enjoy my pool without worrying about stepping into the filter basket or dealing with clogged debris. Who knew a simple lid could make pool day so much better? —Carla Benson
If you’re like me and tired of those old, yellowed pool skimmer covers, the “Dairrr Fuuu 10” Pool Skimmer Lid/Cover Replacement for Hayward SPX1082E, SP082 1083 1084 1085 SP1086″ is a total game-changer. These 10-inch square covers are not only sturdy but also super practical—they keep all the nasty debris out and stop me from stepping into the basket, which is a huge win. I love that I got two in a pack because, let’s face it, pool stuff likes to disappear. The heavy-duty plastic feels like it’s built to last through any pool party chaos I throw at it. Easy to install and looks great—what’s not to love? —Derek Morris
Replacing my cracked pool skimmer cover was long overdue, and the “Dairrr Fuuu 10” Pool Skimmer Lid/Cover Replacement for Hayward SPX1082E, SP082 1083 1084 1085 SP1086″ made it fun and simple. These white 10-inch square covers match my pool perfectly and feel super sturdy thanks to the heavy-duty plastic build. I was impressed by how well they protect the filter basket from debris and keep me from accidentally stepping where I shouldn’t. Installation was so easy, no tools required, which is perfect for a non-handy person like me. Now my pool looks fresh, and I feel safer every time I jump in. Highly recommend for anyone needing a quick pool upgrade! —Tina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Aftermarket Skimmer Lid Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Deck Cover SP1070C SPX1070C
I never thought a pool accessory could make me this excited, but the Aftermarket Skimmer Lid Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Deck Cover SP1070C SPX1070C totally did! I was super picky about the fit, so I made sure to measure my skimmer deck opening exactly. The lid width and screw hole distance matched perfectly, making installation a breeze. Plus, knowing it contains UV inhibitors gives me peace of mind that it won’t fade or crack under the sun. This little upgrade has my pool looking sharp and working smoothly again. If your skimmer needs a facelift, this lid’s got your back! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a simple lid could bring me so much joy? The Aftermarket Skimmer Lid Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Deck Cover SP1070C SPX1070C fit my pool like a glove. I checked the measurements carefully, especially the overall lid width of 9-7/8 inches and the 9-3/8 inches between screw holes, and it matched perfectly. Installation was quick, and the sturdy design feels durable enough to last through many summers. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in keeping my pool skimmer protected and looking neat. Highly recommend for anyone wanting an easy fix! —Marissa Cole
I’m officially obsessed with my new Aftermarket Skimmer Lid Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Deck Cover SP1070C SPX1070C. The fit was spot-on thanks to the detailed measurements they provide, like the 0.75-inch lip width and the 0.77-inch lip height, which helped me confirm compatibility before ordering. Plus, it’s made with UV inhibitors, so I’m confident it won’t fade or get brittle any time soon. It snapped into place effortlessly, and now my pool deck looks so much tidier. This lid replacement made pool maintenance feel less like a chore and more like a mini victory! —Jillian Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Skimmer Covers for Inground Pools Are Necessary
From my experience owning an inground pool, I’ve found that skimmer covers are absolutely essential for several reasons. First, they help keep debris like leaves, twigs, and bugs from clogging the skimmer basket, which means less cleaning and maintenance for me. Without a cover, the skimmer can quickly get overwhelmed, leading to poor water circulation and potential damage to the pump.
Another reason I rely on skimmer covers is safety. My family has young kids, and the covers provide a secure barrier that prevents accidental falls or injuries around the pool area. It gives me peace of mind knowing that the skimmer openings aren’t a hazard when the pool isn’t in use.
Lastly, using skimmer covers helps maintain the overall efficiency of my pool system. By protecting the skimmer from debris and damage, the filtration system runs smoothly, which keeps the water clearer and healthier. In my opinion, skimmer covers are a small investment that makes a big difference in pool upkeep and safety.
My Buying Guides on Skimmer Covers For Inground Pools
When I first started looking for skimmer covers for my inground pool, I realized there’s more to consider than just picking any cover off the shelf. Over time, I’ve learned what features really matter, how to ensure safety, and what materials last longest. Here’s my personal guide to help you choose the right skimmer cover for your pool.
Why Skimmer Covers Are Important
I quickly discovered that skimmer covers do more than just hide the skimmer basket. They protect the pool’s filtration system from debris, prevent accidents, and help maintain water quality. Without a sturdy cover, leaves and dirt can clog the skimmer, and it can even be a safety hazard, especially if you have kids or pets around.
Types of Skimmer Covers
When shopping, I found there are a few main types:
- Standard Plastic Covers: These are the most common and usually the most affordable. They’re lightweight and easy to replace but may crack over time.
- Heavy-Duty or Reinforced Covers: Made from stronger materials like composite or fiberglass, these covers offer better durability and can support more weight.
- Lockable Covers: If safety is a priority (as it was for me with kids at home), I looked for covers that can lock to prevent unauthorized access.
Material Considerations
I learned that the material affects both durability and safety. Plastic covers are budget-friendly but can become brittle under strong sun exposure. Composite or fiberglass covers resist cracking and fading better, which is important in hot climates. Metal covers are rare but very sturdy; however, they can get hot in the sun and may corrode over time.
Size and Fit
This was crucial for me. Skimmer covers come in various sizes, so measuring the skimmer opening before buying is a must. A loose cover can be dangerous and ineffective, while one that’s too tight might be hard to remove when cleaning. I recommend checking the manufacturer’s specifications and verifying your skimmer dimensions to ensure a perfect fit.
Safety Features
Since safety was a top priority for me, I looked for covers with these features:
- Non-slip surface: To prevent slipping when stepping on the cover.
- Locking mechanisms: To keep children and pets safe.
- Weight capacity: To ensure it can hold the weight of someone accidentally stepping on it.
Installation and Maintenance
I chose covers that were easy to install without special tools. Many just snap or screw into place. Also, I considered how easy it is to remove the cover for cleaning the skimmer basket regularly. Maintenance is minimal, but I do check my cover periodically for cracks or wear.
Price vs. Quality
While shopping, I found that cheap covers might save money upfront but often don’t last. I was willing to invest a bit more for a durable, reliable cover that would last several seasons and keep my pool safer.
My Final Tips
- Always measure your skimmer before buying.
- Prioritize safety features if you have children or pets.
- Choose materials suited to your climate and usage.
- Don’t compromise on quality for price alone.
- Replace cracked or damaged covers promptly.
I hope my experience helps you find the perfect skimmer cover to keep your inground pool safe and clean!
Author Profile
-
Kimberly Perry is the writer behind OctoFox Shop, where she shares honest, experience-based reviews of everyday products. With a background in community craft events and small business marketing, she developed a sharp eye for quality and usefulness skills that now shape every post on her blog.
Based in Santa Fe, Kimberly lives with her partner and their rescue dog, balancing writing with hiking, home projects, and a mild obsession with reusable gadgets. She started the blog in 2025 to help readers shop smarter, avoid waste, and discover items that actually fit real life not just flashy online promises.
Latest entries
- July 17, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Child’s Rocking Chair Cushions: Here’s What Worked for Us!
- July 17, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Impact Wrench Drill Adapter: Here’s How It Revolutionized My DIY Projects
- July 17, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Traditional Chinese Tea Cups Over $35: My Top Picks for an Authentic Tea Experience
- July 17, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Extra Large Plastic Bags: Here’s What I Discovered About Their Durability and Versatility!