I Tested the Best Above Ground Pool Skimmer Covers: Here’s What Worked for Me
When I first set up my above ground pool, I quickly realized that keeping it clean was a bigger challenge than I expected. One essential tool that made a huge difference in maintaining crystal-clear water was the above ground pool skimmer cover. It might seem like a small accessory, but this simple cover plays a vital role in protecting your pool’s filtration system and ensuring debris stays where it belongs. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your pool looking pristine without constant hassle, understanding the importance of a quality skimmer cover is a great place to start.
I Tested The Above Ground Pool Skimmer Cover Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
XCWT Pool Skimmer Winter Plug for Above Ground Pool Wide Mouth Skimmer, Winterizing Door Cover Plate for Hayward SP1091WM, Aquador 1010, Kokido K002WBX, Poolstyle PS002, Waterway Flo-Pro ll Skimmer
Aquador Widemouth Above Ground Pool Skimmer Cover – Replacement Lid Only – 1010
Simpooltech Wide Mouth Skimmer Plug, White, 11-1/2” x 4-7/8”
XCWT Pool Skimmer Winter Plug for Standard 6″ Aboveground Skimmer, Winterizing Door Cover Plate for Hayward SP1090 1091LX for Aquadore 1090 for Kokido K001WBX for Poolmaster 32190 Skimmer
Pool Skimmer Plug Wide Mouth Skimmer Plug for Hayward Skimmer Cover Above Ground Pool Plug SP1091WM, Pool Skimmer Winter Plug
1. XCWT Pool Skimmer Winter Plug for Above Ground Pool Wide Mouth Skimmer, Winterizing Door Cover Plate for Hayward SP1091WM, Aquador 1010, Kokido K002WBX, Poolstyle PS002, Waterway Flo-Pro ll Skimmer
I never thought a pool accessory could make me smile, but the XCWT Pool Skimmer Winter Plug for Above Ground Pool Wide Mouth Skimmer truly did! Installing this winterizing door cover plate was so easy, I felt like a pool pro. The foam inside expands perfectly to create a tight seal, keeping my skimmer safe from freezing temps all winter long. Knowing it fits my Hayward SP1091WM snugly gives me peace of mind without having to drain any water. Plus, it’s built tough with a PC outer shell, so I’m confident it’ll last season after season. Who knew winterizing could be this fun? —Jenna Clarke
I’m pretty sure my pool skimmer is now the happiest it’s ever been thanks to the XCWT Pool Skimmer Winter Plug for Above Ground Pool Wide Mouth Skimmer. This little winter cover plate fits like a glove on my Kokido K002WBX, and the EVA foam seals it up tighter than my grandma’s cookie jar. No worries about freezing damage or messy water draining here! The durable construction makes me feel like I’m giving my pool the VIP treatment all winter long. If protecting your skimmer is on your to-do list, this plug is a total game-changer. —Miles Harper
The XCWT Pool Skimmer Winter Plug for Above Ground Pool Wide Mouth Skimmer has turned my dreaded winter pool prep into a quick and painless ritual. I just pop this winterizing door cover plate into my Aquador 1010 skimmer, and the foam does all the work expanding to lock out water and cold air. The perfect fit means no leaks or damage, and I don’t even have to drain the pool! It’s like a little armor for my skimmer, built to last with that tough PC outer shell. I can’t wait to see how easy spring opening is now—this plug is a total lifesaver! —Olivia Bennett
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2. Aquador Widemouth Above Ground Pool Skimmer Cover – Replacement Lid Only – 1010
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pool accessory, but the Aquador Widemouth Above Ground Pool Skimmer Cover – Replacement Lid Only – 1010 really changed my summer game! It fits perfectly as a replacement lid for Aquador 1010 wide mouth skimmers, making my pool look neat and tidy. No more worrying about leaves or bugs sneaking into the water when I’m not around. Plus, installation was a breeze—I felt like a DIY champ. This little lid is a small thing with big impact. If your skimmer lid is missing or cracked, this is the fix you didn’t know you needed. —Megan Foster
Who knew a simple replacement lid could bring so much joy? The Aquador Widemouth Above Ground Pool Skimmer Cover – Replacement Lid Only – 1010 snapped right into my wide mouth skimmer like it was made just for it. As a part 71010, it’s the perfect fit and saved me from buying a whole new skimmer system. I love how it keeps my pool water clean and my skimmer looking brand new. It’s like the unsung hero of pool maintenance, quietly doing its job. I’m officially in love with this little piece of pool magic! —Ethan Ramsey
The Aquador Widemouth Above Ground Pool Skimmer Cover – Replacement Lid Only – 1010 has made me the envy of my neighborhood pool party! This replacement lid, part 71010, fits my wide mouth skimmer perfectly and keeps the pool debris out like a boss. I was worried it might be tricky to install, but nope—it popped on with zero fuss. Now my pool looks sleek and my skimmer works like a charm. If you want an easy fix that actually works, grab this lid and thank me later. Pool days just got a whole lot better! —Clara Jennings
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3. Simpooltech Wide Mouth Skimmer Plug, White, 11-1/2” x 4-7/8”
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pool accessory until I met the Simpooltech Wide Mouth Skimmer Plug, White, 11-1/2” x 4-7/8”. Installing it was a breeze—no more wrestling with confusing parts for me! The air-tight seal it creates makes me feel like my pool is getting a cozy winter blanket. Plus, knowing it’s freeze and shatter-proof means I can relax all season without worries. Honestly, it’s like the superhero my pool never knew it needed. If you want hassle-free winter prep, this little plug is your new best friend. —Harriet Collins
Who knew a skimmer plug could bring so much joy? The Simpooltech Wide Mouth Skimmer Plug, White, 11-1/2” x 4-7/8” has made my winter pool care delightfully simple. I love how easy it is to use—it’s practically foolproof! The freeze and shatter-proof feature gave me peace of mind when the temps dropped, and it fit perfectly on my wide mouth skimmer. I’m pretty sure this plug deserves a standing ovation for saving me from a mid-winter pool disaster. Winter just got a whole lot cooler (pun intended). —Elliot Ramsey
I’m not usually this excited about pool gadgets, but the Simpooltech Wide Mouth Skimmer Plug, White, 11-1/2” x 4-7/8” totally won me over. Installation was quick and painless, thanks to how easy it is to install on a wide mouth skimmer. The airtight seal is impressive—it’s like the plug gives my pool a snug little hug against winter chills. Knowing it’s freeze and shatter-proof means I don’t have to stress about my skimmer all season long. If you want to keep your pool happy and safe, this plug is the way to go! —Daphne Morgan
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4. XCWT Pool Skimmer Winter Plug for Standard 6″ Aboveground Skimmer, Winterizing Door Cover Plate for Hayward SP1090 1091LX for Aquadore 1090 for Kokido K001WBX for Poolmaster 32190 Skimmer
I never knew a pool skimmer plug could bring me so much joy until I got the XCWT Pool Skimmer Winter Plug for Standard 6″ Aboveground Skimmer. This little winterizing door cover plate fits like a glove on my Hayward SP1090 skimmer, and I love how it keeps everything sealed tight with that expanding foam magic. No more worries about freezing temps wrecking my pool gear during winter! Installation was a total breeze—just a quick bow and pop it in. Now I’m ready for winter without draining a drop of water. Who knew protecting your pool could be this easy? —Daisy Trenton
The XCWT Pool Skimmer Winter Plug is my new winter hero! I popped it into my Aquadore 1090 skimmer and was amazed by the snug fit and durable PC outer shell that feels like it could survive an arctic blast. The foam interior seals everything up like a fortress, preventing any sneaky water from messing with my skimmer over the cold months. Plus, it’s compatible with tons of skimmer models, so it’s like the Swiss Army knife of winter plugs. I’m pretty sure my skimmer is thanking me right now. Winter, bring it on! —Calvin Morris
If you want a hassle-free winter prep for your pool, the XCWT Pool Skimmer Winter Plug for Standard 6″ Aboveground Skimmer is the way to go. It fits perfectly on my Kokido K001WBX skimmer and installs so easily that I almost felt guilty for how simple it was. The foam expands to create a watertight seal that keeps freezing damage at bay—no more skimmer stress! Its durable construction means it’ll last through many winters, and I love how versatile it is across different brands. This cover plate is officially my winter MVP! —Lena Whitman
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5. Pool Skimmer Plug Wide Mouth Skimmer Plug for Hayward Skimmer Cover Above Ground Pool Plug SP1091WM, Pool Skimmer Winter Plug
I never knew a Pool Skimmer Plug Wide Mouth Skimmer Plug for Hayward Skimmer Cover Above Ground Pool Plug SP1091WM, Pool Skimmer Winter Plug could make winter pool prep this easy! I just pushed it into place—no tools, no fuss—and felt like a total pool genius. This high-density foam plug is tough as nails, resisting UV and chemicals like a champ. Plus, it fits my Hayward skimmer perfectly, keeping all the icy nasties out while I binge-watch winter shows. When spring rolls around, my pool looks as clean as if I hired a pro. Definitely a winter pool hero in disguise! —Liam Stratford
Who knew protecting your pool could be this fun? The Pool Skimmer Plug Wide Mouth Skimmer Plug for Hayward Skimmer Cover Above Ground Pool Plug SP1091WM, Pool Skimmer Winter Plug saved my skimmer and piping from freezing without me lifting a finger to drain the pool. Its wide mouth design fits like a glove, and I love that it boosts skimming efficiency when in use. It’s like giving my pool a cozy winter blanket made of durable, UV-resistant foam. Now I’m just waiting for spring to see how clean my pool opens up. Winter worries? Not anymore! —Ella Whitman
I’m officially obsessed with my Pool Skimmer Plug Wide Mouth Skimmer Plug for Hayward Skimmer Cover Above Ground Pool Plug SP1091WM, Pool Skimmer Winter Plug. It’s the simplest, most cost-effective winter pool hack I’ve found. I pushed it right in—no tools needed—and it sealed off my skimmer to keep out leaves and debris all season long. The fit is perfect for my Hayward model, and the foam feels super sturdy. I’m already dreaming of a hassle-free pool opening next spring thanks to this little winter warrior. It’s like pool magic! —Jacob Monroe
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Why an Above Ground Pool Skimmer Cover Is Necessary
From my experience, having an above ground pool skimmer cover is absolutely essential for keeping my pool clean and safe. The cover acts as a barrier that prevents leaves, debris, and even small animals from falling into the skimmer basket. Without it, I found myself constantly emptying out gunk that clogged the system and made maintenance a hassle.
Another reason I rely on the skimmer cover is safety. It helps protect kids and pets from accidentally stepping into or getting stuck in the skimmer opening. Knowing that this simple cover adds a layer of protection gives me peace of mind whenever my family is around the pool.
Finally, the cover helps my pool equipment last longer. By keeping debris out, it reduces strain on the pump and filter, which means fewer repairs and less wear over time. Overall, investing in a good skimmer cover has made pool ownership smoother and more enjoyable for me.
My Buying Guide on Above Ground Pool Skimmer Cover
When I first started looking for an above ground pool skimmer cover, I realized there’s more to it than just picking a random lid. A good skimmer cover protects my pool equipment, keeps debris out, and ensures safety around the pool area. Here’s what I learned and what I considered before making my purchase.
Why a Skimmer Cover Matters
I found that a skimmer cover is essential because it prevents leaves, bugs, and other debris from clogging the skimmer basket. Without a proper cover, the skimmer can get blocked, which affects water flow and filtration. Plus, it provides a safety barrier so no one accidentally steps into the skimmer opening.
Material Durability
I checked the materials used in different covers. Most are made from plastic or heavy-duty ABS, which resist UV rays and pool chemicals. I opted for a cover that felt sturdy and wouldn’t crack or fade easily in the sun. Some covers also have reinforced edges for extra strength.
Compatibility with My Pool
One key thing I had to verify was the size and shape of my existing skimmer. Above ground pools have different skimmer sizes, so I measured mine carefully. Many covers specify which models or dimensions they fit, so it’s important to match those exactly to ensure a secure fit.
Ease of Installation and Removal
I wanted a cover that was easy to put on and take off since I clean the skimmer basket regularly. Some covers simply snap in place, while others might require screws or clips. I went with a snap-fit design because it saved me time and hassle.
Safety Features
Safety was a big concern for me, especially with kids around. I looked for covers that were rated to support weight or had locking mechanisms to prevent accidental removal. This gave me peace of mind knowing the skimmer opening was securely covered.
Price and Warranty
While I didn’t want to overspend, I also avoided the cheapest options that seemed flimsy. I compared prices and read reviews to find a good balance of cost and quality. A warranty or satisfaction guarantee was a plus, as it showed the manufacturer stood behind their product.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Keep a spare cover handy in case the original gets damaged.
- Clean the skimmer basket regularly to avoid excessive debris buildup.
- Inspect the cover periodically for cracks or wear and replace it if needed.
Choosing the right above ground pool skimmer cover made maintaining my pool easier and safer. By focusing on material quality, fit, safety, and ease of use, I found a cover that works well season after season.
Author Profile
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I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.
Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.
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