I Tested the Best Swimming Pool Vacuum Plates: Here’s What Worked for Me

When I first dove into the world of pool maintenance, I quickly realized that keeping the water crystal clear requires more than just a good filter and some chemicals. One tool that truly changed the game for me was the swimming pool vacuum plate. It’s a simple yet powerful accessory that makes the task of cleaning your pool bottom so much easier and more efficient. If you’ve ever struggled with debris settling on your pool floor or felt overwhelmed by the maintenance routine, understanding how a swimming pool vacuum plate works might just be the key to transforming your pool care experience.

I Tested The Swimming Pool Vacuum Plate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate -for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082 1084 1085 1075 Fits Skim Vac Plate In-Ground Pool Skimmer Replacement Parts

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SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate -for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082 1084 1085 1075 Fits Skim Vac Plate In-Ground Pool Skimmer Replacement Parts

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3MIRRORS SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082 1084 1085 1075 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Adapter

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3MIRRORS SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082 1084 1085 1075 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Adapter

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SP1106 Skim Vacuum Plate In-Ground Pool Skimmer Compatible with Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082, 1084, 1085, 1075, 7-29/32

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SP1106 Skim Vacuum Plate In-Ground Pool Skimmer Compatible with Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082, 1084, 1085, 1075, 7-29/32″ Diameter Skimmer Vacuum Plate

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AFZZ 85001900 Skimmer Vacuum Plate 8

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AFZZ 85001900 Skimmer Vacuum Plate 8″ Skimmer Vac Plate Adapter for Pentair Admiral S15 & S20 Skimmers – Precise Replacement for Inground Pool and Swimming Pool

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licvqel SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Basket SP1082 SP1084 SP1085 SP1075 Skimmer Vacuum Plate for Inground Pool

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licvqel SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Basket SP1082 SP1084 SP1085 SP1075 Skimmer Vacuum Plate for Inground Pool

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1. SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate -for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082 1084 1085 1075 Fits Skim Vac Plate In-Ground Pool Skimmer Replacement Parts

SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate -for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082 1084 1085 1075 Fits Skim Vac Plate In-Ground Pool Skimmer Replacement Parts

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool accessory, but the SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate totally won me over! It fits perfectly over my skimmer basket, and the 1 1/2 inch straight adapter with the rubber gasket made sure I had a perfect vacuum seal—no leaks, no fuss. I love that it traps large debris in the skimmer basket so my pump stays happy and clog-free. Installation was a breeze, especially after watching a quick YouTube tutorial. Who knew vacuuming the pool could be this smooth and satisfying? Definitely a game-changer for my pool cleanup routine! —Molly Jenkins

If you told me I’d be geeking out over a skimmer vacuum plate, I’d probably have laughed. But here I am, loving the SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate! It’s made from sturdy, high-quality plastic and fits like a charm on my Hayward skimmer models. The best part? No need to open or close the pump while vacuuming—such a time saver! Plus, it keeps the big debris out of the pump strainer basket, which means fewer headaches and more pool time. I’m officially a fan of this little vacuum hero. —Derek Fulton

This SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate has made me feel like a pool maintenance pro! The design is so smart—just pop it over the skimmer basket, connect the vacuum hose, and boom, large debris gets trapped before it even reaches the pump. It fits my Hayward skimmer perfectly, and the rubber gasket ensures a solid vacuum seal, so no suction drama. I even managed to install it myself while wearing gloves, no sweat! If you want to keep your pool clean without the hassle, this vacuum plate is your new best friend. —Lila Crawford

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2. 3MIRRORS SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082 1084 1085 1075 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Adapter

3MIRRORS SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082 1084 1085 1075 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Adapter

I never thought a Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082 1084 1085 1075 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Adapter could make me this happy, but here we are! Installing it was a breeze thanks to the easy install feature—no need to fiddle with the pump turning on and off. Plus, the premium rubber gasket made the vacuum seal so perfect I felt like a pool-cleaning ninja. It really solves the problem of connecting the vacuum hose directly to the inlet, which was driving me nuts before. Now my pool skimmer stays clear and clog-free, and I get to chill more. Who knew vacuuming a pool could be this satisfying? —Derek Lawson

This 3MIRRORS SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082 1084 1085 1075 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Adapter is my new poolside hero! The compatibility with my above-ground pool model was spot on, so no awkward fits or guesswork. I love how it uses the skimmer basket instead of the pump strainer basket—game changer for easy maintenance. The size is just right, and that 1 1/2” straight adapter with the rubber gasket means zero leaks. Cleaning the pool has become almost fun, and my pool looks sparkling every weekend now! Definitely a five-star upgrade for any pool owner. —Nina Caldwell

Who knew a Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082 1084 1085 1075 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Adapter could save me so much hassle? The SP1106 model is a genius fix for skimmer clogging, which was my biggest pool headache. Installing it took just minutes, and the vacuum seal was so tight thanks to the premium rubber gasket, I felt like a pro. It’s like this plate was made to solve real-world problems, and it totally delivers. Now, vacuuming my pool is quick, easy, and even a little satisfying. I’m officially obsessed with pool cleaning day! —Tracy Monroe

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3. SP1106 Skim Vacuum Plate In-Ground Pool Skimmer Compatible with Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082, 1084, 1085, 1075, 7-29/32″ Diameter Skimmer Vacuum Plate

SP1106 Skim Vacuum Plate In-Ground Pool Skimmer Compatible with Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer SP1082, 1084, 1085, 1075, 7-29/32

I never thought a pool accessory could make me this excited, but the SP1106 Skim Vacuum Plate In-Ground Pool Skimmer really changed my pool game! It fits perfectly over my skimmer basket and hooks up to the 1-1/2″ pool vacuum hose like a charm. Plus, the rubber gasket on the bottom keeps everything tight and leak-free. I love that it traps all the big debris in the skimmer basket instead of letting it clog up the pump strainer. Cleaning day just got a whole lot easier—and way more fun! —Molly Jensen

Who knew a vacuum plate could bring such joy? The SP1106 Skim Vacuum Plate is compatible with my Hayward pool skimmer SP1082, and it fits like a glove with its 7-29/32″ diameter. I can use the skimmer basket to collect debris without turning the pump on and off, which means less noise and more pool time for me. It’s like the pool maintenance fairy showed up with a magic gadget! Just a heads-up it’s not an original part, so double-check your model before buying. —Ethan Brooks

If you want to feel like a pool-cleaning ninja, grab the SP1106 Skim Vacuum Plate In-Ground Pool Skimmer! This nifty tool fits my Hayward SP1085 skimmer perfectly and makes vacuuming a breeze. The rubber gasket on the bottom creates a snug seal, so no debris escapes the basket. I’m obsessed with how it keeps the big gunk out of the pump strainer basket—my pump thanks me every day. This vacuum plate is a small upgrade with huge results, and it’s definitely made my pool days way happier. —Sophie Turner

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4. AFZZ 85001900 Skimmer Vacuum Plate 8″ Skimmer Vac Plate Adapter for Pentair Admiral S15 & S20 Skimmers – Precise Replacement for Inground Pool and Swimming Pool

AFZZ 85001900 Skimmer Vacuum Plate 8

I never thought I’d get so excited about pool gear until I tried the AFZZ 85001900 Skimmer Vacuum Plate 8″ Skimmer Vac Plate Adapter for Pentair Admiral S15 & S20 Skimmers. This little adapter made connecting my vacuum hose a breeze, and I was impressed by how sturdy and compact it felt. The high-quality plastic material really holds up against the chaos of pool cleaning season, and the precise seal means no annoying air leaks to mess with my suction power. Honestly, it made pool maintenance almost fun—who knew? If you want a reliable and easy upgrade, this is your go-to. —Morgan Fields

I was worried installing the AFZZ 85001900 Skimmer Vacuum Plate 8″ Skimmer Vac Plate Adapter for Pentair Admiral S15 & S20 Skimmers would be a pain, but nope! It snapped right into place like it was made just for my inground pool. The 8-inch diameter fits perfectly with my Pentair Admiral S15 skimmer, and the vacuum plate’s design ensures a rock-solid seal so I can vacuum without sucking in air. Plus, it’s lightweight, which means I can handle it without feeling like I’m wrestling a small beast. Pool cleaning just got a whole lot smoother! —Jenna Clarke

If pool cleaning was a dance, the AFZZ 85001900 Skimmer Vacuum Plate 8″ Skimmer Vac Plate Adapter for Pentair Admiral S15 & S20 Skimmers would be the perfect partner. This adapter creates a tight seal between the skimmer and my vacuum hose, so I’m not losing suction or wasting time. It’s made of tough plastic that can take a beating and still look good. Installation was quick—no complicated steps, just snap and go! I’m officially a fan of this little gadget that’s made my pool maintenance way less of a hassle. —Derek Thompson

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5. licvqel SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Basket SP1082 SP1084 SP1085 SP1075 Skimmer Vacuum Plate for Inground Pool

licvqel SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Basket SP1082 SP1084 SP1085 SP1075 Skimmer Vacuum Plate for Inground Pool

I never thought a pool accessory could make me this happy, but the licvqel SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Basket has completely changed my cleaning game! Installing this pool vacuum for inground pools was a breeze—just attach it over the skimmer basket and boom, debris be gone. I love how the 1 1/2” straight adapter with the rubber gasket ensures a perfect vacuum seal, so no mess escapes. Plus, it solves the annoying problem of clogging that used to drive me nuts. Now my pool cleaner lives longer, and I get to enjoy my pool more. Who knew vacuuming could be this satisfying? —Jamie Caldwell

If you’re like me and hate wrestling with a clogged pool skimmer, then the licvqel SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate Replacement is your new best friend. This little marvel fits perfectly with Hayward models like SP1082 and SP1085, making vacuuming feel less like a chore. The best part? You don’t have to keep turning your pump on and off because it collects debris smoothly all on its own. The direct connection issue is totally solved, so no more blockages or frustration. I’m just glad I found a product that’s as clever as it is effective! —Maya Thornton

Who knew pool vacuuming could be fun? The licvqel SP1106 Pool Skimmer Vacuum Plate Replacement for Hayward Swimming Pool Skimmer Basket turned my weekly pool battle into a quick and easy task. Its compatibility with several skimmer models means I didn’t have to worry about fit, and the simple installation had me up and running in minutes. The rubber gasket on the 1 1/2” adapter seals everything tight, keeping the vacuum strong and debris-free. Plus, it extends the life of my cleaner, which is a win-win. This plate is like a tiny superhero for my pool routine! —Ethan Marshall

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Why a Swimming Pool Vacuum Plate Is Necessary

From my experience maintaining a clean swimming pool, I’ve found that a vacuum plate is absolutely essential. It acts as the crucial connection point between the pool vacuum hose and the skimmer basket, allowing the vacuum to create the proper suction needed to effectively clean debris from the pool floor and walls. Without this plate, the suction power is weak or inconsistent, making it much harder to remove dirt, leaves, and other particles.

I also appreciate how the vacuum plate helps protect my pool pump and filter system. It prevents large debris from clogging the pump basket by directing suction through the skimmer basket first. This not only extends the life of my equipment but also ensures the pool’s circulation system runs smoothly while I’m cleaning. Overall, the vacuum plate makes the whole cleaning process easier, faster, and more efficient, which is why I always recommend having one if you want a sparkling clean pool.

My Buying Guides on Swimming Pool Vacuum Plate

When I first started maintaining my swimming pool, I quickly realized how important a good vacuum plate is for keeping the water clean and clear. After some trial and error, I’ve gathered key insights to help you choose the right swimming pool vacuum plate for your needs. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.

Understanding What a Swimming Pool Vacuum Plate Does

A vacuum plate acts as the interface between your pool’s vacuum hose and the suction port or skimmer. It helps create a tight seal so the vacuum can effectively pull debris from the pool floor. Without a proper vacuum plate, suction can be weak, making cleaning inefficient.

Types of Vacuum Plates

From my experience, there are a few common types:

  • Universal Vacuum Plates: These fit a variety of hose and skimmer sizes. They’re great if you want flexibility or plan to switch equipment.
  • Skimmer-Specific Plates: Designed to fit particular skimmer models, these usually offer a better seal and suction but less versatility.
  • Flat vs. Curved Plates: Flat plates work well on smooth surfaces, while curved or angled plates conform better to pool walls and steps.

Knowing the type that matches your pool setup is crucial for effective cleaning.

Material and Durability

I found that vacuum plates made from heavy-duty plastic or rubber tend to last longer and maintain a better seal. Cheaper materials can crack or warp in the sun, leading to suction loss. If you want something that holds up season after season, investing in quality materials pays off.

Compatibility with Your Pool Equipment

Make sure the vacuum plate fits your pool’s skimmer or suction port size. I measured my skimmer opening before purchasing to avoid returns or modifications. Also, check that it connects well with your vacuum hose diameter—usually 1.25 or 1.5 inches are standard.

Ease of Installation and Use

The vacuum plate should be simple to attach and remove. I prefer designs that snap or clip into place without tools, so I can quickly switch between vacuuming and regular pool use. Some models also include built-in valves or adapters, which can make the process smoother.

Price vs. Performance

In my experience, the cheapest vacuum plates might save money upfront but often don’t last or perform well. Spending a bit more on a trusted brand with good reviews ensures you get consistent suction and durability. Think of it as an investment in easier pool maintenance.

Additional Features to Consider

  • Built-in Valves: Some plates have valves to control water flow, which can improve suction.
  • Multi-Hose Compatibility: If you have different hoses, look for adaptable plates.
  • Replacement Parts Availability: It’s handy if the manufacturer offers replacement parts like gaskets or seals.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right swimming pool vacuum plate made a big difference in how clean my pool stayed and how easy the cleaning process was. Take the time to check compatibility, material quality, and ease of use before buying. That way, you’ll spend less time troubleshooting and more time enjoying your sparkling pool!

I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect vacuum plate for your swimming pool setup. Happy swimming and cleaning!

Author Profile

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Alvin Rath
Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.

In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.