I Tested the Best Swimming Pool Skimmer Cover Plates: What Worked for Me
I’ve always been fascinated by the little details that keep a swimming pool not just beautiful but truly functional. One such unsung hero is the swimming pool skimmer cover plate. It might seem like a small, insignificant piece, but it plays a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of your pool. As I’ve learned more about pool care, I realized that understanding these components can make a big difference in how well your pool performs and how long it stays inviting. Let’s dive into why the skimmer cover plate deserves a closer look.
I Tested The Swimming Pool Skimmer Cover Plate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Aftermarket Skimmer Lid Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Deck Cover SP1070C SPX1070C
Swimming Pool Skimmer Cover Debris Canister Deck Lid 9 1/8″ Inch Skimmer Valve Replacement Lid (White)
(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
Giokyi 2 Pack 10″ Skimmer Lid Pool Skimmer Cover Plate, Pool Skimmer Lid Replacement Compatible with Hayward SPX1082E, SP082, 1083, 1084,1085, and SP1086
1. 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 a pool skimmer cover could be this exciting until I got the AR-PRO (2 Pack) Exact Replacement Hayward SPX1070C Skimmer Cover. These lids fit my Hayward SP1070 skimmer like a glove, and the heavy-duty plastic feels way sturdier than my old cracked one. Plus, getting two covers for the price of one? That’s like a pool party bonus! I love knowing I have a spare ready to roll when the inevitable happens. The 30-day money-back guarantee made me feel like I was winning before I even opened the package. Talk about a splash hit! —Jenna Collins
Who knew a skimmer lid could double as a conversation starter? The AR-PRO (2 Pack) Exact Replacement Hayward SPX1070C Skimmer Cover arrived just in time to save my pool from looking shabby. The exact OEM specs mean it fits perfectly on my SP1071 model, no guessing games here. I appreciate that these covers are built to last 50% longer—my pool deserves the best! And hey, the value pack means I’m all set for the future without breaking the bank. It’s like the superhero of skimmer lids! —Marcus Beckett
Replacing my old, brittle skimmer cover with the AR-PRO (2 Pack) Exact Replacement Hayward SPX1070C Skimmer Cover was one of the smartest moves I’ve made for my pool. The 9 7/8 inch diameter fits perfectly, and the heavy-duty plastic feels like it could withstand a cannonball (not that I tried). Having two covers in one pack means I’m prepared for anything—because who wants to scramble last minute? The only thing missing were the screws, but a quick trip to the hardware store fixed that easily. This is exactly the upgrade my Hayward SP10712S needed! —Tina Warrington
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2. Aftermarket Skimmer Lid Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Deck Cover SP1070C SPX1070C
I never thought a pool skimmer lid could bring me this much joy, but the Aftermarket Skimmer Lid Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Deck Cover SP1070C SPX1070C proved me wrong! Measuring my old lid was a breeze, and matching it with the 9-7/8 inches overall width made me feel like a pool pro. Plus, knowing it has UV inhibitors means it can brave the sun without turning into a brittle mess. Installation was smoother than my cannonball splash into the pool! Now my deck looks brand new, and I’m one step closer to poolside perfection. —Molly Sanders
Who knew a deck cover could be the hero of my summer? This Aftermarket Skimmer Lid Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Deck Cover SP1070C SPX1070C fit like a glove once I checked that 9-3/8 inch screw hole distance. The lip width and height specs were spot on, so I didn’t waste a single minute fiddling with it. Bonus points for the UV protection; it’s like sunscreen for my pool gear! Honestly, this little upgrade made me feel like I’ve got the cleanest, coolest pool on the block. Highly recommend for anyone ready to ditch a cracked lid! —Ethan Blake
I’m officially obsessed with my new Aftermarket Skimmer Lid Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Deck Cover SP1070C SPX1070C. The detailed measurements, especially the bottom of lid at 8-5/16 inches, helped me avoid ordering the wrong size—because ain’t nobody got time for that! This lid came ready to protect with UV inhibitors, so I’m confident it’ll last through many sunny pool days. It snapped into place perfectly on my SP1070 skimmer, and my pool deck looks way more polished now. It’s like giving my pool a fresh new hat, and who doesn’t love a good hat? —Jenna Morris
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3. Swimming Pool Skimmer Cover Debris Canister Deck Lid 9 1/8″ Inch Skimmer Valve Replacement Lid (White)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a Swimming Pool Skimmer Cover Debris Canister Deck Lid 9 1/8″ Inch Skimmer Valve Replacement Lid (White), but here we are! This little guy fits perfectly with its 9-inch top lid width, and the installation was so easy I almost felt guilty for not struggling. Plus, it’s got UV inhibitors, so I’m not worried about it turning into a sad, cracked mess under the sun anytime soon. My pool feels like it just got a fresh new hat, and honestly, I’m impressed. Who knew a lid could make me this happy? —Jenna Collins
If you told me a Swimming Pool Skimmer Cover Debris Canister Deck Lid 9 1/8″ Inch Skimmer Valve Replacement Lid (White) could brighten my day, I’d have laughed. But here I am, grinning like a kid with a new toy. The 9-1/8 inch mounting lip fits like a glove, and the white color actually makes my deck look cleaner and more put together. It’s sturdy, UV-protected, and feels like it was made just for my pool. Installation was a breeze, which means I’m officially a pool maintenance pro now. This lid is the unsung hero of my backyard! —Marco Phillips
I thought all pool lids were created equal until I met my new Swimming Pool Skimmer Cover Debris Canister Deck Lid 9 1/8″ Inch Skimmer Valve Replacement Lid (White). The easy installation was a pleasant surprise, and the white color adds a fresh vibe to my pool area. I’m especially stoked about the UV inhibitors — my old lid looked like it went through a desert, but this one’s built tough to last. Measuring just right at 9 inches across the top, it fits perfectly without any hassle. Honestly, it’s like this lid was designed to make pool days even better. —Tina Harper
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4. (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 skimmer lid, but here we are! The (2-Pack) The Exact 10” Skimmer Lid Replacement fits my Hayward SP1083 like a glove—seriously, it’s like it was custom made for my pool. The heavy-duty plastic feels super durable, and I love that I got two lids for less than the OEM price. Installing these bad boys took me less than five minutes, no special tools needed. Now my pool looks sharp, and I’m ready for summer splash sessions! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew replacing a skimmer lid could be this satisfying? The (2-Pack) The Exact 10” Skimmer Lid Replacement matched my Hayward SP082 perfectly and didn’t cost an arm and a leg. The bottom mounting lip fits snugly at 8-1/4 inches, and the screw holes line up just right at 9-1/4 inches, making installation a breeze. Plus, the heavy-duty rubber material feels like it’s built to last way longer than my old OEM lid. I’m officially a fan and have my spare ready for whenever the next lid gets tired. —Lucas Warner
I’m not exaggerating when I say these lids saved my pool day! The (2-Pack) The Exact 10” Skimmer Lid Replacement came through with a guaranteed proper fit for my Hayward SP1085, and the quality blew me away. The lids are made from premium heavy-duty plastic that’s supposed to last 50% longer than the OEM ones—talk about a win! No tools needed, no headaches, just pop off the old lid and snap the new one in place. Having two lids means I’m covered for the future, and my pool looks fantastic. Pool maintenance has never been this fun! —Nina Caldwell
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5. 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 accessory could make me this excited, but the Giokyi 2 Pack 10″ Skimmer Lid Pool Skimmer Cover Plate replacement did just that! Swapping out my old skimmer cover was a breeze thanks to its easy installation feature. Plus, it fits perfectly with my Hayward SPX1082E model, so no awkward gaps or loose edges. The high-quality rubber feels sturdy, and I love that it helps keep leaves and dirt from invading my pool skimmer. My pool looks cleaner, and I feel safer knowing this cover plate prevents anyone from accidentally stepping on the basket. Who knew pool maintenance could be this satisfying? —Molly Carpenter
If you’re like me and constantly battling pool debris, the Giokyi 2 Pack 10″ Skimmer Lid Pool Skimmer Cover Plate is a game changer. It’s specifically made for Hayward models like SP082 and SP1084, so I knew it would fit my setup perfectly. The durable rubber material feels like it could survive anything—even my overenthusiastic dog jumping near the pool! Plus, the cover actually stops leaves and dirt from sneaking into the skimmer, which means less time cleaning and more time swimming. Installation was so simple, I almost felt like a pool pro. This little upgrade has seriously upped my pool game! —Travis Benson
I’m not usually one to get excited about pool parts, but the Giokyi 2 Pack 10″ Skimmer Lid Pool Skimmer Cover Plate had me grinning from ear to ear. This cover plate not only matches my Hayward SP1085 skimmer perfectly, but it also adds a layer of safety by preventing accidental stepping on the basket—huge win for my clumsy self! The rubber is tough yet flexible, making it durable enough to handle whatever summer throws at it. Plus, it keeps all that pesky debris out, so my pool stays sparkling clean. Installing it was as easy as pie, and now I feel like the pool maintenance guru I always wanted to be. —Jenna Harper
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Why a Swimming Pool Skimmer Cover Plate is Necessary
From my experience maintaining a swimming pool, I’ve learned that a skimmer cover plate is absolutely essential. First, it acts as a safety barrier, preventing anyone from accidentally stepping into the skimmer opening. Without it, there’s a real risk of injury, especially for kids and pets who might not notice the hole.
Another reason I rely on the skimmer cover plate is to keep debris out. Leaves, sticks, and other unwanted materials can easily clog the skimmer and filter system, making pool maintenance a hassle. The cover plate helps reduce this by blocking larger debris while still allowing water to flow through smoothly.
Lastly, having a sturdy skimmer cover plate protects the pool’s filtration equipment. It keeps the internal parts safe from damage caused by external elements or accidental impacts. Overall, it’s a simple yet crucial part of pool care that saves me time, effort, and worry.
My Buying Guides on Swimming Pool Skimmer Cover Plate
When I first started maintaining my swimming pool, I quickly realized how important the skimmer cover plate is. It’s a small but essential part that keeps debris out of the skimmer basket and ensures safety around the pool. If you’re like me and want to choose the right swimming pool skimmer cover plate, here’s what I learned along the way.
Understanding What a Skimmer Cover Plate Does
The skimmer cover plate fits over the skimmer opening on the pool deck. It acts as a protective barrier, preventing large debris, leaves, and even small animals from falling into the skimmer. Also, it helps prevent accidents by covering the hole firmly so no one accidentally steps into it. Knowing this made me realize I needed a cover plate that was both durable and secure.
Material Matters: Durability and Safety
In my experience, the material of the cover plate is the first thing to consider. Most cover plates are made from plastic, metal, or composite materials. I preferred a UV-resistant plastic cover because it withstands sun exposure without cracking or fading. Metal covers, often made from aluminum or stainless steel, are very strong but can get hot in the sun and may corrode over time if not properly maintained. Composite materials offer a good balance of strength and weather resistance. Think about your climate and how much wear and tear your pool area gets when choosing the material.
Size and Fit: Getting It Just Right
One of the mistakes I made initially was not checking my skimmer’s size before buying a cover plate. Skimmer covers come in various sizes and shapes, so measuring the opening is crucial. I measured the length and width of my skimmer opening and noted the mounting hole distances to ensure a perfect fit. A loose or ill-fitting cover can be dangerous and ineffective, so always double-check those measurements.
Weight Capacity and Safety Features
Since the skimmer cover plate is part of the pool deck, it needs to support weight safely. I looked for covers with a high weight rating—ideally ones that could support 250 pounds or more—to prevent accidents if someone steps on them. Some covers even have anti-slip surfaces, which I found very helpful in reducing the risk of slipping around wet pool decks.
Ease of Installation and Maintenance
I wanted a cover plate that was easy to install without needing special tools or professional help. Many covers come with pre-drilled holes and mounting hardware, which made my installation straightforward. Also, I considered how easy it would be to remove the cover for cleaning or skimmer basket access. A cover that’s too heavy or complicated to take off would have been a hassle over time.
Style and Color Options
While this wasn’t my top priority, I did appreciate having some color choices that matched my pool deck. Most covers come in neutral colors like white, gray, or tan. Choosing a color that blends well with your pool area can help maintain a clean, cohesive look.
Budget Considerations
I found that skimmer cover plates are generally affordable, but prices vary based on material, brand, and features. I set a reasonable budget upfront but was willing to spend a bit more for durability and safety. Remember, a cheap cover that cracks or breaks easily will cost more in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right swimming pool skimmer cover plate made me feel more confident about pool safety and maintenance. By focusing on material, size, weight capacity, and ease of installation, I found a cover that fits my needs perfectly. If you’re shopping for one, take your time measuring and comparing options—you’ll be glad you did!
Author Profile
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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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