Best Surface Skimmers 2024 - Top 10 Picks

This is the ultimate buyer's guide to finding the right surface skimmers to suit your needs. We review the 10 best surface skimmers on the market so you know that your next decision will be a smart one!

When you're trying to select the good surface skimmers, there are a lot of factors to consider. This page has everything you need to know in one place.

This guide will help you avoid the pitfalls that come with researching surface skimmers.

You don't have to try out every surface skimmers to find one that meets your needs. After extensive research and hours of in-person tests, we've found the best surface skimmers to be Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer. There are a lot of sub-par products out there, but this product is one of the highest quality you'll find. Next best option is Aquatop 65 GPH Internal Surface Skimmer – for Tanks Up to 100 Gallons, Salt & Freshwater Tanks, Removes Film & Oil from Water Surface, Suction Cup Mounts for Versatile Placement, SSK-65.

Choosing the surface skimmers can be a daunting task, especially if you're doing it for the first time. Here's what we recommend based on our extensive research. We've compiled a list of the highest rated surface skimmers. The following products are some of the best you can get right now.

List of Top 10 Surface Skimmers

Review of Best Surface Skimmers

1. Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer

  • Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer
  • Help catch leaves and debris before they sink to the bottom of the pool with the Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer.
  • The skimmer easily mounts to Easy Set or metal frame pool sidewalls with an adjustable bracket and attaches to the filter pump for automatic skimming.
  • The Durable polypropylene plastic is not affected by pool chemicals and the strainer basket pulls out for easy cleaning.
  • Requires an Intex filter pump with a minimum flow rate of 800 gph (3,028 L/hr).

2. Aquatop 65 GPH Internal Surface Skimmer – for Tanks Up to 100 Gallons, Salt & Freshwater Tanks, Removes Film & Oil from Water Surface, Suction Cup Mounts for Versatile Placement, SSK-65

  • SUBMERSIBLE SURFACE SKIMMER: The SSK-65 Surface Skimmer removes debris and oils from the surface of your aquarium water line which promotes gaseous exchange and deeper light penetration within the aquarium.
  • GREAT FOR FRESH & SALTWATER TANKS: This 65 GPH aquarium skimmer is ideal for both fresh and saltwater aquariums up to 100 gallons.
  • CREATES A HEALTHIER AQUARIUM: This fish tank skimmer helps remove surface film and oils from the water surface to create a better environment for your aquatic life.
  • SUPERIOR FILTRATION: Along with the SSK-65's surface skimming ability, the aquarium accessory includes a small sponge block for mechanical filtration and a quiet, energy efficient submersible pump with adjustable flow.
  • EASY INSTALLATION: The compact design of this aquarium surface skimmer is easy to install and provides flexible placement thanks to the suction cup mounts for placement anywhere along the surface of the aquarium.

3. OASE Indoor Aquatics CrystalSkim 350 Skimmer

  • Innovative surface skimming – OASE CrystalSkim 350 quickly and effectively frees the aquarium surface of biofilm, floating plant debris and substances
  • For a healthy aquarium environment – CrystalSkim eliminates any biofilm from the water’s surface. Removing biofilm is important for proper oxygen flow in the aquarium.
  • Catches the finest debris – Designed to catch even the finest plant debris that are almost impossible to remove with a net.
  • Individually adjustable – The flow is individually adjustable, ensuring a crystal-clear water surface at just the right output.
  • Compact and discreet – CrystalSkim is compact in size and has a powerful and quiet motor. In addition to skimming, the unit is designed with a bottom discharge that creates flow in what would be dead spots normally.

4. AQUANEAT Aquarium Surface Skimmer, Protein Skimmer, Internal Filter for Aquarium, 80GPH

  • Surface skimmer built-up to improve water quality, remove dust, oils and food fats from the water surface.
  • Includes two small sponge blocks for mechanical filtration, one is preinstalled, and the other is for spare use. Please note, the sponge block needs to be cleaned every two weeks.
  • Suction cups mounting allow you to fix the surface skimmer to the specific place as you wish
  • Suitable for both fresh water and salt water. Please note, Please clean it regularly in case of debris blockage, the pump would make noises or stop working if blocked by debris.
  • Ajdjustable flow rate, Max Flow rate: 80GPH;Dimension: 1.75”x1.25”x5.25” (L x W x H)

5. U.S. Pool Supply Premium Above Ground Pool Surface Skimmer, Wall Mount - Cleans Automatically, Attach to Inflatable Collars, Tubular & Metal Frame Pool Structures, Skim Debris Pool Maintenance Cleaner

  • Efficient Design: A premium wall mounted above ground pool surface skimmer that automatically skims out leaves and debris from the pool's surface before they sink. The skimmer is made of durable polypropylene plastic that is not affected by pool chemicals.
  • Easy to Install: The skimmer includes two adjustable mounting brackets allowing it to easily be appropriately mounted to the sidewall in different above-ground pools with inflatable collars, tubular structures, or metal frame structures.
  • Cleans Automatically: The skimmer works in conjunction with your filter pump by sucking the surface water through the strainer basket, which captures the debris, then the water is sucked down through the hose and into the filter pump for automatic pool cleaning.
  • Easy Cleaning: The strainer basket is easy to pull out, allowing fast debris removal and cleaning. The surface skimmer operates best with a filter pump with a minimum flow rate of 800 gph (3,028 L/hr) or higher. Includes a connector hose, an adaptor, and instructions.
  • Buy with confidence. If you're not satisfied with this item at any time within the first year of purchase, we'll provide a refund or replacement.

6. OASE Indoor Aquatics CrystalSkim 600 Skimmer

  • Innovative surface skimming – OASE CrystalSkim 600 quickly and effectively frees the aquarium surface of biofilm, floating plant debris and substances.
  • For a healthy aquarium environment – CrystalSkim eliminates any biofilm from the water’s surface. Removing biofilm is important for proper oxygen flow in the aquarium.
  • Catches the finest debris – Designed to catch even the finest plant debris that are almost impossible to remove with a net.
  • Individually adjustable – The flow is individually adjustable, ensuring a crystal-clear water surface at just the right output.
  • Compact and discreet – CrystalSkim is compact in size and has a powerful and quiet motor. In addition to skimming, the unit is designed with a bottom discharge that creates flow in what would be dead spots normally.

7. Betta SE Solar Powered Automatic Robotic Pool Skimmer Cleaner with Enhanced Core Durability and Re-Engineered Twin Salt Chlorine Tolerant Motors (Blue)

  • Utilizes 100% solar power to automatically and continually clean the surface of the water, removing debris such as animal hairs, leaves, dust, pollen, and dead insects. Equipped with four water depth bumper rods, it uses ultrasonic radar to sense obstacles and reroute itself to ensure the entire pool is cleaned.
  • Equipped with re-engineered twin Salt Chlorine Tolerant (SCT) Motors to drive the propellers directly, making it more reliable, responsive, and energy efficient. This innovative technology ensures excellent cleaning performance in both freshwater and saltwater pools.
  • Features a large fine-mesh debris basket with a top handle, making it easy to clean without having to remove the Betta from the water. Simply dock it, open the cover, and remove the basket for easy debris disposal.
  • Outfitted with special UV resistant coating and material that protects it from damages caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
  • Comes with a 1-year warranty, allowing you to stop manually cleaning the pool and instead, enjoy your pool without the hassle of long cables getting in the way. Note: Betta SE needs a minimum of 5 inches of water to operate. It is not compatible with infinity pools.

8. Marine Color Sunsun Aquarium Surface Protein Skimmer 5W JY03 Aquarium Oil Film Processor JY-03 Oil Removal Filter Fish Tank Filter

  • Effective surface skimming.
  • Adjustable flow rate.
  • Easy cleaning.
  • Adjust the water level within 4cm automatically.
  • Small and compact in size.

9. Ultum Nature Systems Aquarium Surface Skimmer - Internal Filter for Fish Tanks, Removes Film & Oil from Water Surface - 66 GPH (Delta Mini)

  • Efficient Aquarium Filters: Our Delta Mini Canister Filter is a powerful solution for fish aquariums ranging from 8 to 48 gallons. This aquarium canister filter ensures crystal-clear water by effectively removing debris and impurities.
  • Versatile Compatibility: Designed for freshwater, planted, and marine or reef aquarium tanks, our aquarium filter provides optimal conditions for various aquatic environments.
  • Adjustable Flow Rate: With a flow rate of 66 gallons per hour, our fish tank filters operate quietly while maintaining a steady water flow. The adjustable settings of our canister filters accommodate changes in water level, ensuring consistent performance.
  • Easy Setup and Maintenance: Installation is hassle-free, and the routine maintenance of this fish aquarium filter is a breeze. Spend more time enjoying your aquarium and less time on upkeep.
  • Energy-Efficient Design: Consuming only 3.5 watts of power at 60Hz voltage, this small canister filter offers efficient filtration without draining your energy resources.

10. Bestway Flowclear Wall Mount Surface Skimmer | Cleans Above Ground Pools | Attracts Floating Debris, One Size, Grey

  • CLEANS AUTOMATICALLY: Attach surface skimmer to the pool's filter pump for automatic skimming and suction, so it does the hard work while you relax and swim.
  • EASY SETUP: Simply place the surface skimmer over the pool edge and watch it filter out leaves and floating debris on the water surface before they sink to the bottom of the pool.
  • REMOVABLE FILTER BASKET: Dispose the pool debris with ease by removing the inner filter basket and dumping into the nearest garbage.
  • FOR BEST RESULTS: Compatible with most filter pumps with flow rates of 530 gal./h (2,006 L/h) and above (not compatible with steel wall pools)
  • REDUCES MAINTENANCE: By having an automatic cleaning system, you save time for fun activities rather than skimming the pool with a traditional hand-held net.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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