The Skimmie Basket Buddy Grate Keeps Debris from Pump Line - Sacrificial Aluminum Anode Grate Helps Prevent Pool Equipment Corrosion

I purchased this in June 2023 to stop leaves from getting to the pump strainer. There is a drain plug in the bottom of my skimmer so this grate does not lay flat but it gets the job done. My pool isn't covered and I have a lot of trees including Cypress. If you're not familiar, think of Cypress droppings in a pool like cat hair on black pants. It will plug a skimmer basket in minutes. This grate catches the majority of what gets past the skimmer basket. I just pull the grate, knock everything off, and drop it back in. Be aware that it is designed to corrode, which might prolong your equity life. If you have trees around your pool, get this. You can thank me later.

If you've owned an in-ground pool for a while, you know that the water motion and dissimilar metals in the pool and filtration system can cause problems from electrolytic corrosion. This strainer, made of a less noble metal will sacrifice itself first if there is any electrolytic issue. This is a comfort to know, but I also discovered that in my pool skimmer the thick aluminum grate helped prevent blow-out of the plastic pool skimmer basket. I have an open pool with no screen enclosure. There are several nearby trees that seasonally lose leaves and drop into the pool. Its difficult to keep up with the load of leaves in the basket and when it gets clogged the suction of the pump pulls the bottom or sides out of the plastic basket. I buy the baskets by the half dozen at a time because they're constantly needing replacement. Since I installed the 'Skimmie' the baskets last much longer because the plastic skimmer basket distorts only so far. The thick grate underneath then supports the basket delaying the inevitable basket blow-out. The suction rating asks about suction power but I'd have to rate the Skimmie five stars for preventing suction power from ruining my baskets.

This really works and stops big leaves from falling down and getting jammed. It also stops other stuff. I purchased only one to see how well it did and now plan on purchasing a second one. It’s now rusting after months of being in pool.

This little jewel can save you a little embarrassment and a fair amount of money. My pool service tech has a crew member who accidentally dropped a river rock into the skimmer port while cleaning out the basket. It got sucked into the labyrinth headed toward the pump. River rocks are used to weigh down the skimmer basket in the port. After several unsuccessful attempts to blow it out, the valve manifold had to be removed and replaced. I bought these to prevent future accidents. The old valve manifold was mounted on a plaque and presented to the crew member in a ceremony earning him the nickname, "Skimmer Greer!"

Too large for my skimmer - but might be perfect for yours.

A great accessory for your skimmer

Serves its purpose but does not work for salt water pools. Disintegrates in 3-4 months when used in salt water pools.

Seems to work as it should. When it gets corroded, I buy another one. So far it lasts about 3-4 months in my large built in pool. Goes right in the skimmer.