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7 Best Pool Leaf Rakes of 2024

Updated
Seven tools to remove dirt and debris from pools.

Having your own pool is great — until it’s full of leaves and other nasty debris. Pulling it all out by hand is a long and boring option, so you should consider a helpful tool to assist you with this chore.

I’ve put together a list of seven of the best pool leaf rakes. This list is based on hours of research into real customer reviews, expert advice as well as my own unbiased evaluation.

Whether you’re looking for a rake that’s especially easy to use, has a large capacity, or is budget-friendly, come and sift through my recommendations! A clean pool awaits you.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the ProTuff Pro Grade Skimmer Rake
Most Durable
ProTuff Pro Grade Skimmer Rake
  • Durable aluminum alloy frame
  • Stable winged handle
  • 45 pound capacity
Product Image of the Milliard Pool Skimmer Leaf Net
Most Gentle Pool Rake
Milliard Pool Skimmer Leaf Net
  • Durable ABS plastic frame
  • Quickly connects to standard pools
  • Fine mesh bag collects small debris
Product Image of the AnSun Pool Skimmer Net
Easiest To Use
AnSun Pool Skimmer Net
  • Heavy-duty ABS plastic frame
  • 20-inch wide mouth & front lip
  • Fits most standard poles
Product Image of the POOLWHALE Pool Leaf Rake with Double Layer Deep-Bag, Professional Skimmer Heavy Duty Mesh Net, Commercial Size(Plastic Tab at The Bottom for Assisting When You Empty The Net)
Best Capacity
PoolWhale Pool Leaf Rake
  • Sturdy aluminum frame
  • Curved edges to protect your pool
  • 50 pounds capacity
Product Image of the Evob Leaf Skimmer
Budget-Friendly Option
Evob Leaf Skimmer
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Lightweight at 4.6 ounces
  • Compatible with standard poles
Product Image of the Rongbo Deep-Bag Pool Rake
Best Lightweight Pool Rake
Rongbo Deep-Bag Pool Rake
  • Lightweight at 5.6 ounces
  • Strong net with fine mesh
  • Straight sides collect more debris
Product Image of the U.S. Pool Supply Swimming Pool 6 Foot Leaf Skimmer Net with 4 Deluxe Aluminum Pole Sections - Ultra Fine Mesh Netting, Clean and Remove The Finest Debris Fast - Pool, Spa, Pond Cleaning Maintenance
Best Long Pool Leaf Rake
U.S. Pool Supply Pool Leaf Skimmer
  • One year warranty
  • Various pole length available
  • Ultrafine mesh collects small debris

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, our team of professionals conducts thorough research, analysis, and hands-on testing to provide you with reliable, data-driven recommendations for the best pool leaf rakes. We evaluate products from a user’s perspective, considering factors such as durability, efficiency, and ease of use. Our assessment includes comparing various designs, measuring performance, and identifying key decision-making factors for pool maintenance enthusiasts. We rank products based on criteria such as net size, handle length, and material quality. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions by sharing our expertise, test results, and first-hand experience with the top pool leaf rakes on the market.



The Best Pool Leaf Rakes of 2024

Are you ready to capture every piece of debris in your pool? I’ve put together a list of the best pool leaf rakes based on hours of research into expert advice, genuine customer reviews, and dozens of products. After studying each product’s construction, weight, sizing, and special features, I’m confident that you’ll find a fantastic leaf rake for your pool on my list.

Deep clean your pool with one of these radical rakes!

ProTuff Pro Grade Skimmer Rake

Most Durable

This is on the more expensive end of the pool leaf rake market. But I think it’s worth it due to the durable design.

It comes with a double-stitched nylon bag and dual-layer netting. This construction is super sturdy, so it can withstand a lot of debris over a long period of time.

It’s also an abrasion-resistant design, so it won’t get scratched up or damaged as you move it around your pool. It will do an amazing job and last for ages, even in big pools with a lot of debris.

It has a medium meshing which is great for big and medium-sized debris. However, do keep in mind that it won’t collect silt and other small debris, like bugs or dust.

Another significant backing in terms of durability is the lifetime guarantee. This is a professional-grade pool rake, and the manufacturer guarantees that if it fails, tears, or breaks, they will replace the parts — or the entire product — for free.

Pros

  • Durable aluminum alloy frame.
  • Stable winged handle.
  • Forty-five-pound capacity for deep cleaning.
  • Plastic rim won’t scratch pools.
  • Included lifetime warranty.
  • Suitable for small, medium, and large pools.

Cons

  • Stiff netting makes it difficult to empty.
  • Not good at collecting debris at the bottom of the pool.

Product Specs

Material Aluminum alloy and plastic
Pole included No
Weight 1.25 pounds
Net width 19 inches or 23 inches
Special Features 45-pound capacity, double-layer netting

Our Ratings

Durability
4.5 / 5
Mesh Quality
4.5 / 5
Handle Length
3 / 5
Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

If you're tired of flimsy pool skimmers that just don't last, this ProTuff Pool Skimmer is an absolute game changer. I've used mine for over five years, and it's withstood heavy use and harsh conditions, easily picking up leaves, pine needles, and even those pesky rocks. The sturdy rim allows for added pressure when scooping, making pool cleaning fast and efficient. I was initially hesitant about the higher price, but the lifetime warranty and exceptional customer service made it well worth the investment. Trust me, you won't regret purchasing this durable and reliable pool skimmer.

Milliard Pool Skimmer Leaf Net

Most Gentle Pool Rake

Some poorly-made pool leaf rakes can often scratch the sides of your pools or hot tubs. But not this one from Milliard. It has nice curved edges, which allow you to scrape along the sides of the bottom of your pool with absolutely no damage.

This also has a quick connect button which allows you to quickly attach it to the pole of your choice. Speaking of poles, it’s compatible with standard 1.25-inch poles, so you can easily find something that works.

This pool rake also has an upturned lip, so you can scrape along the bottom of the pool and collect debris that’s stuck down there.

Customers appreciate the long deep bag, which won’t empty debris back out as you go. Some pool rakes aren’t deep enough to hold debris, so it ends up floating around the pool shortly after you’ve collected it.

This has a generous weight capacity of 88 pounds, too, so it’s great for deep cleaning pools without needing to empty the bag too often.

Pros

  • Durable ABS plastic frame that’s gentle on pools.
  • Quickly connects to standard pools — can also be used on its own.
  • Fine mesh bag for collecting small debris.
  • Upturned front lip for collecting debris at bottom of the pool.
  • Generous 88-pound capacity.

Cons

  • Drags slowly through the water.
  • Difficult to empty contents without touching the bag.

Product Specs

Material ABS plastic
Pole included No
Weight 1.15 pounds
Net width 17 inches
Special Features Gentle sides, upturned front lip

Our Ratings

Durability
4 / 5
Mesh Quality
4.5 / 5
Handle Length
3 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

I'm quite impressed with this product's performance in maintaining my pool. The net is the perfect balance of stiffness and flexibility, allowing me to efficiently scoop up leaves and debris from the bottom without them floating back out. While some users may find it a bit stiff at first, I believe this contributes to the net's ability to keep collected debris secured during multiple passes. To empty the net, I simply turn it upside down and push the net through from the outside.

AnSun Pool Skimmer Net

Easiest To Use

It can be frustrating when something looks and sounds good but actually ends up being tricky to use. This skimmer net has a few handy features that make it a breeze to use.

The plastic frame is screwed down in multiple places to prevent bending and warping, making it more efficient at picking up debris.

Next, it has a wide 20-inch mouth, so you can collect a lot of debris in one go, saving you time.

It also has a front lip which makes it easy to scoop up debris from the sides and bottom of the pool. Simply scrape it along the edge of the pool to lift debris.

While this doesn’t come with a pole, it is compatible with most standard telescoping poles, so you shouldn’t struggle to find the right one for you.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty ABS plastic frame.
  • 16-inch wide mouth and front lip for efficiently collecting debris.
  • Fine mesh bag makes it easy to collect fine debris, like pine needles.
  • Fits most standard poles.
  • Easy to collect debris from hard pool bottom.

Cons

  • Not the best for collecting debris from soft pool bottoms.
  • A bit pricey for what you get.

Product Specs

Material ABS plastic
Pole included No
Weight 1.1 pounds
Net width 16 inches
Special Features Front lip and wide mouth for scooping

Our Ratings

Durability
4 / 5
Mesh Quality
4 / 5
Handle Length
3 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Community Feedback

This heavy-duty pool leaf rake has made my pool cleaning experience much more efficient and enjoyable. It effortlessly scoops up leaves, twigs, and other debris from my inground pool, saving me from back-breaking work. The sturdy build and fine mesh netting assure me that this product will last for a long time, even with my pool's rough pebble tec surface.

PoolWhale Pool Leaf Rake

Best Capacity

This pool rake has an insane capacity of 50 pounds! That’s right — it can hold up to 50 pounds of debris. You can deep clean your entire pool without emptying the netting with this pool rake.

How does it manage to hold so much? Well, first of all, it has a heavy-duty aluminum frame. Remember when I said that metal frames were more durable? This is a prime example.

This pool rake also has a large double-stitched netted bag that holds lots of debris without the risk of tearing or ripping.

This netting is great for both large debris and small debris, collecting lots of waste per pass. Finally, I love the weighted tab at the bottom, which makes it super easy to empty the debris out after you’ve collected it all. Just turn the bag inside out and dump it!

Pros

  • Fine mesh bag for collecting large and small debris.
  • Sturdy aluminum frame.
  • Curved edges to protect your pool.
  • 50 pounds capacity for deep cleaning.
  • Easy to empty the netting.
  • Easy to quickly connect and disconnect from poles.

Cons

  • Not suitable for scooping debris from pool bottom.
  • Pole not included.

Product Specs

Material Aluminum
Pole included No
Weight 14 ounces
Net width 17 inches
Special Features 50-pound capacity, weighted tab, double stitching

Our Ratings

Durability
4.5 / 5
Mesh Quality
4.5 / 5
Handle Length
3 / 5
Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Evob Leaf Skimmer

Budget-Friendly Option

Everyone is on a different budget when it comes to pool leaf rakes. If you just need something for skimming the surface of your pool — which is great for daily cleaning — then this may tick your boxes. Costing less than half of the average pool leaf rake price, it’s a great find.

What’s it for? Well, you can use this for pretty much anything that’s lingering on your pool’s surface. This includes big debris like leaves, grass, and algae.

Thanks to its fine mesh, this is one of the best methods to keep your pool clean, collecting even small debris such as bugs and pine needles.

It’s made from a plastic frame that’s both lightweight and high-quality. The lightweight design — only 4.6 ounces — allows you to move this through the water without drag.

The pole is not included, but it’s compatible with standard poles. However, you can use this by itself if your pool is small enough to reach into the middle.

Pros

  • 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Super affordable price point.
  • Lightweight and easy to use — only 4.6 ounces.
  • Compatible with standard poles.
  • Collects grass, leaves, bugs, and more debris.
  • Durable nylon mesh.

Cons

  • Pole not included, must be purchased separately.
  • Mesh isn’t fine enough to collect small bugs like ants or gnats.
  • Too small for larger pools — takes too long to clean.

Product Specs

Material Plastic
Pole included No
Weight 4.6 ounces
Net width 10.4 inches
Special Features Skims quickly and effortlessly through water

Our Ratings

Durability
3.5 / 5
Mesh Quality
4 / 5
Handle Length
3 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

Definitely smaller than expected, this product may not be suitable for full-sized below-ground pools. However, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it an excellent choice for cleaning debris from water buckets for livestock or for those with smaller pools. The quality seems sturdy, and despite its size, it has proven to be effective in my personal use.

Rongbo Deep-Bag Pool Rake

Best Lightweight Pool Rake

Don’t want a heavy pool leaf rake to weigh you down? This one from Rongbo is only 5.6 ounces.

Once that’s attached to the end of your pole, you’ll hardly feel the weight of it! Of course, as you go, it will fill with debris and become quite heavy. So it’s helpful for some people to have an already lightweight rake, to begin with.

You can use this in your pool, hot tub, pond, and other bodies of water. It’s made with a plastic frame — but don’t worry, it’s sturdy — and a strong net with fine mesh. This allows you to collect small debris without it passing back through the mesh.

Keep in mind that this doesn’t come with a pole, but good news! It fits most standard pool poles, so you can easily find something that works for you. Just look for something with a 1.12-inch inner diameter with holes for a butterfly or v-clip attachment.

Last but not least, this pool leaf rake has straight edges to help get more debris from the sides and bottom of the pool, including stuck on debris like wet leaves.

Pros

  • Lightweight — only 5.6 ounces.
  • Fits most standard pool poles.
  • Strong net with fine mesh for capturing small debris.
  • Straight sides allow for capturing debris stuck on the sides of the pool.
  • Use with or without a pole.

Cons

  • Customers find it quite flimsy.
  • Stiff netting material — hard to empty out debris.

Product Specs

Material Plastic
Pole included No
Weight 5.6 ounces
Net width 16.3 inches
Special Features Straight sides for collecting debris on bottom/side of pool

Our Ratings

Durability
3.5 / 5
Mesh Quality
4.5 / 5
Handle Length
3 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

This product is a decent pool skimmer for its price, but it has a few drawbacks. The plastic material feels weak, making me question its long-term durability. Though it effectively collects small floating debris, the skimmer struggles with larger items on the pool floor, as it tends to bend under pressure. Unfortunately, this skimmer does not fit my Intex pole, so I have to use my hand to operate it. On the bright side, it outperforms a similar product I purchased from Walmart. Just be cautious of its shorter length if you have longer debris like palm fronds to clean from your pool.

U.S. Pool Supply Swimming Pool Leaf Skimmer

Best Long Pool Leaf Rake

Not everybody wants to make two separate purchases: a pool leaf rake and a pole. You’re in luck here because this leaf skimmer from U.S. Pool Supply comes with a pole included. And it’s very long, so it’s great for larger pools.

It is a 60-inch pole, making it very practical for most pools. You can reach the bottom of your pool as well as the middle.

This is a leaf skimmer rather than a deep basket, so it’s great for quickly cleaning up the surface of your pool. But you can also use it for spas, hot tubs, kiddie pools, ponds, and more, making it a very versatile purchase.

Customers also love that the netting is extra fine, so you can collect big pieces of debris like leaves or tiny debris, like dead bugs.

Pros

  • One year warranty.
  • Various pole length available.
  • Ultrafine mesh for collecting small debris.
  • Quickly cleans surface-level debris.
  • Clean hot tubs, pools, spas, and more.

Cons

  • Not deep enough for large amounts of debris.
  • Some customers found it a bit flimsy.

Product Specs

Material Plastic
Pole included Yes — 6 feet long
Weight 11.3 ounces
Net width 11.5 inches
Special Features Fine mesh for picking up small dirt

Our Ratings

Durability
3.5 / 5
Mesh Quality
4.5 / 5
Handle Length
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Material Pole included Weight Net width
ProTuff Pro Grade Skimmer Rake Durable Aluminum alloy & plastic No 1.25 lbs 19.5″ or 23″
Milliard Pool Skimmer Leaf Net Gentle Pool Rake ABS plastic No 1.15 lbs 17″
AnSun Pool Skimmer Net Easiest To Use ABS plastic No 1.1 lbs 16″
PoolWhale Pool Leaf Rake Capacity Aluminum No 14 oz 17″
Evob Leaf Skimmer Budget-Friendly Option Plastic No 4.6 oz 10.4″
Rongbo Deep-Bag Pool Rake Lightweight Pool Rake Plastic No 5.6 oz 16.3″
U.S. Pool Supply Skimmer Pool Rake Long Pool Leaf Rake Plastic Yes 11.3 11.5″

How To Choose the Best Pool Leaf Rakes

Not any old pool rake will suit everyone’s needs. I recommend considering these essential details to ensure you find one right for you.

Durability

It’s important to assess the durability of the pool rake. The best way to do that is to consider the material used to make it.

Plastic pool rakes are lightweight and affordable, but metal ones are often more durable and longer-lasting. If you can afford it, consider a metal pool rake simply for durability purposes.

That being said, there are some awesome heavy-duty plastic options on the market. However, they are still slightly more expensive than traditional plastic options.

Handle Length

Unfortunately, most pool leaf rakes do not come with a handle. It’s most likely that you will need to buy the pole handle separately.

That being said, some do come with a handle, and you should definitely take note of the length. Most pool handles are between three and five feet. If you have a larger pool, you’ll benefit from a longer handle.

Shopping Tip

Consider the length if your pool leaf rake requires a separate handle purchase. But also check the compatibility of the handle with the pool rake. The manufacturer of the pool leaf rake will tell you what size handles the product is compatible with.

Budget

Pool leaf rakes come in a range of prices from under $10 up to about $40 for a more heavy-duty option. Consider your budget and stick to it; you’ll definitely find something that meets your needs!

Weight

Some customers prefer something lightweight, so it’s easier to use. Other customers prefer something a bit heavier that feels more robust and durable.

If you opt for plastic, you’re going to find lighter pool leaf rake heads — roughly under one pound. If you choose a metal option, the weight usually falls just over one pound.

Ease of Use

Last but not least, consider how easy it is to use the pool leaf rake. Important features to consider include a quick-connect tip, for example, which allows you to connect and disconnect it from the pole quickly.

You may also like the rounded edges that are gentle along pool liners to prevent snagging and scratching.

Some pool leaf rakes have an angled tip which helps to allow more debris in, especially from the bottom of the pool.


FAQs About Pool Leaf Rakes

How Do You Pick up Leaves From the Bottom of a Pool?

With a pool leaf rake, you will first need a long pole that reaches the bottom of the pool. A telescoping pole is a good idea since you can adjust the height.

It helps to also get a pool leaf rake with a slightly flat front lip, so you can shovel the leaves into the net. It might take a bit of practice, but a good pool leaf rake and pole combo should do the trick.

Is a Pool Leaf Rake the Same as a Skimmer?

They are both referred to as pool leaf rake. A skimmer falls into that category as one type of pool leaf rake.

Generally, there are two types: a skimmer and a deep net. The deep net rakes are better for capturing more debris in deeper pools. A skimmer is generally used for sweeping across the pool’s surface.

How Do You Use a Pool Leaf Rake?

First, decide whether you want to attach it to a pole or use it by itself. If used by itself, you may have to get in the water if you don’t have a small pool or tub where you can reach the middle.

Then, sweep in slow horizontal motions from one end of the pool to the other. Repeat each time, going deeper into the water to ensure you get the debris at the bottom.

Do the same motion going from one side of the pool to the other. Repeat in the deeper water.

Continue doing this until all debris has been lifted out. Depending on the size of your pool, this can take a few minutes or up to an hour.

Will a Pool Vacuum Pick Up Leaves?

A pool vacuum will pick up leaves, depending on the make and model. Not every pool vacuum has this facility, so check before you buy.

Can Leaves Turn Pool Water Green?

While leaves don’t turn your pool water green, they do upset the pH balance of the water, encouraging algae growth that does discolor the water.

How Do I Keep the Leaves Off My Pool Cover?

The best way to keep leaves off your pool cover is to drain sitting water and wipe the leaves away. You can also install a pool leaf catcher to prevent leaf buildup next year.


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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!