Types of Pool Skimmers
In-ground pool skimmers are set into the pool wall at the waterline and connected directly to the return plumbing. They're a permanent part of the pool structure, which means replacement involves cutting into the deck or wall in some cases — though in many situations a direct swap is possible without major work. Hayward's Auto-Skim and SkimMaster lines and Pentair's Bermuda and Sta-Rite U-3 series cover the majority of in-ground installations in the US, and EZ Pools stocks both OEM and compatible replacement options for these.
Above-ground skimmers mount to the pool wall externally and connect via hose to the pump. They're simpler to replace since there's no concrete or plaster involved — it's typically a matter of removing a few screws and swapping the unit. Hayward's Dyna-Skim series is the most common above-ground skimmer on the market and fits the widest range of above-ground pool walls.
If you're not replacing the full unit, the most common repairs involve the basket, lid, weir door, or float assembly — all of which are available as individual parts and are straightforward to swap without any plumbing work.