Best Skimmer For Concrete Pool: Compare U-3 and Gunite Models

#1 · Best Overall

1. Sta-Rite U-3 08650-1403

• Weight: 8 lb

Best for: NPT fittings with float and valve.

Why it ranks #1: Explicitly made for concrete pools, it includes a basket, float and check valve, with 2-inch NPT connections and 11⁄2-inch NPT reducers.

NPT connections set this Sta-Rite U-3 apart: it specifies 2-inch NPT with 11⁄2-inch NPT reducers for concrete-pool plumbing. The included basket, float, and check valve also make it a fuller package for buyers who need those parts together, with a white lid and frame.

The 2-inch NPT connection and 11⁄2-inch NPT reducers give installers two stated threaded pipe sizes to work with, a useful distinction from slip-connected U-3 versions. The package also lists a basket, float, check valve, lid, and frame, reducing the need to source those named components separately. Its 151⁄8-by-193⁄4-by-105⁄8-inch dimensions help with space checks, while the white finish makes the lid and frame the visible choice for the pool area.

Skip it if you need slip fittings; the Sta-Rite 08650-2404 lists slip connections and includes a float and check valve.

Choose this version when a concrete-pool installation calls for NPT fittings and the listed basket, float, and check valve. Its white lid and frame and stated dimensions help narrow the fit, but confirm the plumbing uses threaded connections.

Listed on Amazon as: Sta-Rite 08650-1403 U-3 SwimQuip Inground Skimmer for Concrete Pools, 2 Inch NPT with 1 1/2 Inch NPT Reducers, White w/ White Lid & Frame

#2 · Best Slip Complete

2. Sta-Rite U-3 08650-2404

• Dimensions: 15.12 x 10.62 x 19.75 in
• Weight: 4 oz

Best for: Tan trim with float and check valve.

Why it ranks #2: This concrete-pool U-3 includes a basket, float and check valve, plus 2-inch slip connections and 11⁄2-inch slip reducers.

This Sta-Rite U-3 pairs a tan lid and frame with a basket, float, and check valve, giving buyers a fuller listed package for a concrete-pool skimmer. Its 2-inch slip connection and 11⁄2-inch slip reducers specify two plumbing sizes, and the product description states NSF certification.

The 2-inch slip connection and 11⁄2-inch slip reducers give installers stated connection options for those pipe sizes. The included basket, float, and check valve bring several named components together, which can simplify choosing a package when all are needed. Its tan lid and frame set the visible finish, while the listed 151⁄8-by-193⁄4-by-105⁄8-inch dimensions support an installation-space check. The description also states NSF certification, a documented product attribute rather than an inference about a particular application.

Skip it if you want gray trim and do not need a float; the Sta-Rite 08650-6404 has a gray lid and frame without a float.

This package fits buyers seeking tan trim plus a basket, float, and check valve for a concrete-pool skimmer. Match its slip sizes to the plumbing and check the listed dimensions before selecting it.

Listed on Amazon as: Sta-Rite 08650-2404 U-3 SwimQuip Inground Skimmer for Concrete Pools, 2 Inch Slip with 1 1/2 Inch Slip Reducers, White w/ Tan Lid & Frame

#3 · Waterstop Face

3. AquaStar SKR201

• Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 21 in
• Weight: 11 lb

Best for: Waterstop face and locking basket.

Why it ranks #3: Its gunite grip and waterstop on the face plate address concrete-pool installation, while the package includes a float assembly and lock-in basket.

A waterstop on the face plate is the defining feature of the AquaStar SKR201, which the listing says helps prevent water leaks. Its large basket has a lock-in feature that keeps it from floating, while the weir plate snaps in and out for access and handling.

The face-plate waterstop is stated to prevent water leaks, a practical consideration at the skimmer face. The large self-contained basket locks in and will not float, helping keep the collection component secured in place. Its weir plate uses snap-in, snap-out locks, supporting removal and replacement without a described fastening process. An O-ring is pre-installed for the float assembly. These features are specified for an inground pool skimmer; the supplied details do not give pipe connection sizes.

Skip it if you need stated pipe sizing; the Sta-Rite 08650-1403 specifies 2-inch NPT and 11⁄2-inch NPT reducers.

The SKR201 suits inground-pool buyers who value a waterstop face, secured basket, and removable snap-lock weir. Its listed features address those parts, but the supplied specifications do not establish pipe-size compatibility.

Listed on Amazon as: AquaStar SKR201 Skimmer for Inground Swimming Pool with Waterstop Face and Float Assembly

#4 · Gunite Complete

4. Waterway 540-6410

• Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 3 in
• Weight: 9.6 lb

Best for: Gunite pool skimmer option.

Why it ranks #4: Listed as a complete in-ground gunite skimmer, it suits concrete-pool installations; its stated connection is 2-inch socket with 21⁄2-inch spigot.

Waterway identifies this as a complete in-ground Gunite skimmer, giving concrete-pool owners a product explicitly associated with that pool construction. Its description states a 2-inch socket and 21⁄2-inch spigot, the key connection details to weigh when matching the skimmer to existing plumbing.

The in-ground Gunite designation makes this a relevant option for buyers working with that pool type, while the stated 2-inch socket and 21⁄2-inch spigot provide concrete connection sizes to compare against the plumbing. Waterway calls it a complete skimmer, but the supplied details do not enumerate included parts such as a basket, lid, or float. The listed dimensions are 3 by 3 by 3 inches, so buyers should use the stated connection description and obtain installation-specific guidance before relying on that measurement for fit.

Skip it if you want an explicitly listed basket and float; the Sta-Rite 08650-1403 names both along with its check valve.

Consider this Waterway for an in-ground Gunite pool when its 2-inch socket and 21⁄2-inch spigot match the plumbing. The product is called complete, but the supplied details do not spell out its included components.

Listed on Amazon as: Waterway Plastics 540-6410 In-Ground Gunite Complete Skimmer

#5

5. Sta-Rite U-3 Complete 08650-1404

• Dimensions: 15.12 x 10.62 x 19.75 in
• Weight: 8 lb

Best for: U-3 package with float and valve.

Why it ranks #5: The U-3 complete assembly includes a float and check valve, but its listing does not specify concrete-pool fit or connection type.

A float and check valve are the clearest differentiators of this complete U-3 Sta-Rite skimmer. Those components come with the skimmer in the listed package, making it a candidate for a buyer seeking both rather than a version identified as being without a float.

The product is identified as a complete U-3 Sta-Rite skimmer with a float and check valve. That included combination may simplify sourcing for an installation that calls for both components, instead of buying a skimmer whose description explicitly excludes the float. Its listed dimensions are 15.12 by 10.62 by 19.75 inches, which can help assess whether the unit suits the available space. The supplied details do not identify a connection type or reducer sizes, so plumbing compatibility needs separate verification.

Skip it if you need documented pipe sizing; the Sta-Rite 08650-1403 specifies NPT connections and reducers.

This is a reasonable candidate for buyers seeking a U-3 package with both float and check valve. Its listed dimensions help with space planning, but the supplied details do not establish pipe connection type or reducer sizes.

Listed on Amazon as: Skimmer Complete, U-3 Sta-Rite W/Float & Check Valve

#6

6. Sta-Rite U-3 Tan 08650-5404

• Dimensions: 15.12 x 10.62 x 19.75 in
• Weight: 4 oz

Best for: Slip-fitting concrete pool replacement.

Why it ranks #6: This U-3 is specified for concrete pools and has 2-inch slip connections with 11⁄2-inch reducers, but it comes without a float.

The 2-inch slip connection and included 11⁄2-inch slip reducers give this Sta-Rite U-3 two stated pipe-size options for a concrete-pool installation. Its tan lid and frame, plus the basket, arrive together, making it a practical choice when those visible parts suit the pool and the plumbing matches.

This U-3 is specified for inground concrete pools, and its 2-inch slip connection comes with 11⁄2-inch slip reducers. That gives an installer options for those two pipe sizes without relying on an NPT connection. The included basket, frame, and tan lid provide the listed skimming and access components, while the absence of a float means buyers should not expect that part in the package. Its listed dimensions are 151⁄8 by 193⁄4 by 105⁄8 inches, useful when checking the installation space.

Skip it if you need a float included; the Sta-Rite 08650-2404 adds a float and check valve.

Choose this U-3 when a concrete pool needs a slip-connected skimmer with a tan lid and basket, and the plumbing uses one of its stated sizes. Check installation space against its listed dimensions; a float is not included.

Listed on Amazon as: Sta-Rite 08650-5404 U-3 SwimQuip Inground Skimmer for Concrete Pools, 2 Inch Slip with 1 1/2 Inch Slip Reducers, White w/ Tan Lid & Frame, without Float

#7

7. Sta-Rite U-3 Gray 08650-6404

• Dimensions: 15.12 x 10.62 x 19.75 in
• Weight: 4 oz

Best for: Gray-trim slip-fit concrete skimmer.

Why it ranks #7: A concrete-pool U-3 with 2-inch slip connections and 11⁄2-inch reducers, it includes a basket but no float.

Gray trim distinguishes this Sta-Rite U-3, while its 2-inch slip connection and included 11⁄2-inch slip reducers specify two plumbing sizes for concrete-pool installations. The package includes a gray lid, frame, and basket without a float, so buyers can judge the trim and included parts before choosing it.

For an inground concrete pool, this U-3 combines a 2-inch slip connection with 11⁄2-inch slip reducers, offering two stated pipe sizes for the installation. Its gray lid and frame pair with the included basket, providing the named exterior and collection components together. The listed dimensions are 151⁄8 by 193⁄4 by 105⁄8 inches, useful for checking the available skimmer space. Because the description says it is without a float, buyers needing that component should plan for a different package or separate sourcing.

Skip it if you need a float included; the Sta-Rite 08650-2404 includes a float and check valve.

Choose this gray-trim U-3 when the pool is concrete, the slip connection sizes match, and the lid and frame suit the installation. Its dimensions support space checks, but the package does not include a float.

Listed on Amazon as: Sta-Rite 08650-6404 U-3 SwimQuip Inground Skimmer for Concrete Pools, 2 Inch Slip with 1 1/2 Inch Slip Reducers, Grey w/ Grey Lid & Frame, without Float

#8

8. Sta-Rite U-3 White 08650-4404

• Weight: 7 lb

Best for: White slip-fit U-3 replacement.

Why it ranks #8: This concrete-pool U-3 has a white lid and frame and 2-inch slip connections with reducers, but is supplied without a float.

This white-lid U-3 specifies a 2-inch slip connection with 11⁄2-inch slip reducers, giving concrete-pool installers a clear fit choice across those stated sizes. The listing identifies a lid, frame, and basket but no float, making the included components an important distinction when replacing an existing skimmer.

The stated 2-inch slip connection and 11⁄2-inch slip reducers support plumbing setups using either of those sizes, while the U-3 identification places the skimmer in the concrete-pool category. A white lid and frame, along with the basket, are included according to the description, so those access and collection parts come with the unit. The supplied dimensions—151⁄8 by 193⁄4 by 105⁄8 inches—help assess the opening and available installation space. A float is not included.

Skip it if you need a float in the package; the Sta-Rite 08650-2404 includes a float and check valve.

This version suits a concrete-pool replacement when white trim and slip plumbing match the installation. Use its listed dimensions to check space, and account for the missing float if the skimmer setup requires one.

Listed on Amazon as: U-3 Skimmer White Lid 2"Slp W/1.5"Slp Reducer W/O Float

#9

9. Hayward SP10841OM

• Weight: 13 lb

Best for: Adjustable-height Hayward installation.

Why it ranks #9: Its automatic weir adjusts to a 41⁄2-inch water-level variation, but the listing describes an in-ground skimmer without identifying concrete or gunite compatibility.

A cover collar with 11⁄2 inches of vertical adjustment gives this Hayward Auto-Skim a stated way to accommodate installation height differences. Its snap-in weir adjusts automatically across a 41⁄2-inch water-level variation, pairing access-height flexibility with movement at the pool surface.

The cover collar provides 11⁄2 inches of vertical adjustment, which can help adapt the cover height to the installation. The snap-in weir automatically adjusts across a stated 41⁄2-inch water-level variation, offering movement as the water level changes. For further height adjustment, the notched extension collar is stackable and described as allowing infinite vertical adjustment. An optional float/by-pass valve is listed, but is not stated as included; buyers should also note the supplied product details do not specify connection sizes.

Skip it if you want a float and check valve included; the Sta-Rite 08650-1403 lists both in its package.

This Hayward suits buyers prioritizing adjustable cover height and a weir that responds to water-level variation. Its collar options support installation adjustment, but connection sizes are not supplied and the float/by-pass valve is optional.

Listed on Amazon as: Hayward SP10841OM Auto-Skim In-Ground Pool Skimmer, Square