AquaStar ZarStar Skimmer Basket, SKZ214

The AquaStar SKZ214 is the genuine replacement skimmer basket for ZarStar skimmers, in the large 19-1/2 inch size.

What the extra size buys you

AquaStar lists this as a large basket that filters more debris than a standard size skimmer basket. Capacity is the practical difference. A basket that fills up stops passing water, and once flow is restricted the skimmer stops skimming and the pump starts working against a restriction. A bigger basket takes longer to get there, which matters most in the weeks when leaves are coming down faster than anyone wants to keep up with.

Where it sits in the chain

The skimmer basket is the first stage. It pre-filters debris before that debris reaches the pump basket and the filter, so everything downstream sees less. Keeping this basket in one piece and seated correctly is a small habit that keeps the pump wet end clean.

Replacing it

Baskets crack at the rim and the handle, and a cracked basket lets exactly the leaves and twigs it was supposed to hold slip past into the line. If yours is split or missing sections of mesh, replace it rather than working around it.