A cracked or missing swimming pool skimmer cover is one of those small problems that turns into a big mess fast. Leaves, twigs, and grit pour straight into the skimmer throat, the pump works harder, and a bare opening becomes a genuine trip hazard around the deck. Picking the right replacement lid comes down to matching your skimmer model, confirming the footprint, and deciding whether you want a single unit or a backup on the shelf.
Below is a curated shortlist of six swimming pool skimmer cover options built for the most common Hayward SP1080 and SP1070 series skimmers, plus a few notes to help you land on the right match for your pool.
The Essentials At A Glance
AR-PRO 2-Pack 10″ Skimmer Lid Replacement for Hayward SP1080 Series
Hayward SPX1082E Cover Square Replacement for Select Hayward Automatic Skimmers
ATIE Pool & Spa 10″ Skimmer Lid SPX1082 for Hayward SP1080 Series
Giokyi 2-Pack 10″ Pool Skimmer Cover Plate Replacement
AOQIVIS SPX1070C Skimmer Lid 9 7/8″ Replacement 2-Pack
AOQIVIS SP1070C Skimmer Lid 9 7/8″ Heavy-Duty Replacement
The Details Behind The Selections
If you run a Hayward SP1082, SP1083, SP1084, SP1085, or SP1086 automatic skimmer, the AR-PRO two-pack slots right in. The 9-7/8 inch overall lid with an 8-1/4 inch bottom mounting lip mirrors the factory spec, and the 9-1/4 inch distance between screw holes lines up with existing holes in most decks. Owners swap these in with a basic screwdriver in under five minutes.
For backyards where one lid is destined to crack from a wayward lawn chair or a hard freeze, the spare earns its keep. Compared with the single-unit picks later in this list, you walk away with a backup already on the shelf.
Practical Advantages
- Two-lid value pack keeps a spare ready for the next mishap
- Matches OEM footprint for Hayward SP1080 series skimmers
- Heavy-duty plastic construction handles deck weight and freeze-thaw cycles
- Drop-in fit means no drilling new screw holes on most installs
Things To Consider
- Plastic lids can fade under direct sun over several seasons, a widely reported issue on aftermarket covers
- Confirm your existing screw spacing before ordering, since older decks occasionally drift from stock
Whose Pool Deck It Belongs On
Pool owners with any Hayward SP1080 series skimmer who want a ready spare without paying twice for shipping.
Skip It When
Your skimmer is part of the SP1070 SkimMaster line, in which case the AOQIVIS SPX1070C Skimmer Lid 9 7/8″ Replacement 2-Pack is the closer match.
The Hayward SPX1082E is the factory lid for the same SP1080 series skimmers the AR-PRO targets. At roughly 9.4 pounds, it carries the heft of original-equipment molding and seats flush against the deck without wobble. Anyone keeping detailed service records tends to gravitate toward the OEM part for paperwork reasons alone.
You give up the second spare lid the AR-PRO bundle includes, and the price-per-unit runs higher. For a single replacement on a pool under professional service, that trade is usually easy to accept.
The Upside
- Genuine OEM part keeps factory tolerances and fit
- Heavier molding resists warping under foot traffic
- Documented compatibility across SP1082 through SP1086
Points To Note
- Single-lid purchase leaves no spare for future cracks
- Priced higher than aftermarket alternatives like the ATIE or Giokyi
Feature Snapshot
Best Suited To
Hayward loyalists and service-documented pools where OEM paperwork matters as much as the lid itself.
Look Elsewhere When
You want a backup lid included, in which case the AR-PRO 2-Pack 10″ Skimmer Lid Replacement for Hayward SP1080 Series is the smarter buy.
ATIE has been selling this 10-by-10 inch square lid on the aftermarket for years, which gives it one of the longest track records on this list. It fits the SP1082, SP1084, and SP10851 series automatic skimmers, plus the Skim Master line, so it bridges two Hayward families. Cross-reference part numbers on the listing match the SPX1082E and SP1082E originals.
The trade-off is single-unit packaging. You are paying for one lid, not a pair, so factor that in if your deck has multiple skimmers in rough shape.
What Pays Off
- 10″ x 10″ square footprint fits both SP1080 and Skim Master series
- Aftermarket price undercuts the OEM Hayward lid
- Long-running listing with broad compatibility notes
Worth Noting
- Single lid only, no spare included
- Plastic composition feels lighter than the Hayward OEM when lifted
Made For
Pool owners with mixed Hayward skimmer generations on the same deck who want one lid SKU to cover both.
Swap It Out When
You need a backup lid right away, in which case the Giokyi 2-Pack 10″ Pool Skimmer Cover Plate Replacement delivers two units for a similar spend.
The Giokyi two-pack targets the same Hayward SP1080 series skimmers as the AR-PRO and ATIE, but ships with a pair of lids aimed at shoppers watching every dollar. The cover plate is sized to keep leaves, dirt, and grit out of the skimmer throat, which means your pump basket stays cleaner and your filter cycles stretch longer between rinses.
It is a 2-pack, so even on a single-skimmer pool you walk away with a backup. The honest read is that build quality runs a step behind the OEM Hayward lid, but for a seasonal replacement it earns its slot.
Noteworthy Benefits
- Two-lid value keeps a spare on the shelf for a cracked cover
- Blocks leaves and debris from reaching the skimmer throat
- Lower price point than single-lid OEM replacements
- Deck-side safety upgrade when the old lid has chipped edges
Trade Offs
- Plastic grade sits below the OEM Hayward lid in feel and density
- Retaining hardware quality varies between production runs, a common aftermarket note
Right Fit For
Two-skimmer pools and seasonal owners who would rather replace both lids in one order than chase parts later.
Another Choice May Suit
Pool owners with one skimmer who want OEM heft should reach for the Hayward SPX1082E Cover Square Replacement instead.
The SP1070 SkimMaster series runs a different footprint than the SP1080 automatic skimmers, and the AOQIVIS SPX1070C is engineered to match the OEM specification for that family. At 9 7/8 inches, the lid covers the SP1070, SP1071, and SP10712S models, so one listing handles several Hayward variants. The “heavy-duty” label points to a denser plastic blend than budget covers.
Note that the package includes the two lids but the retaining screws come separately, so check the listing before you start the swap. If you would rather skip the hardware hunt, the single-pack version below bundles things differently.
Well-Handled Touches
- Matches OEM spec for SP1070 series skimmers
- Two-pack format covers pools with more than one SkimMaster unit
- Heavy-duty build targets freeze-prone climates
Points To Keep In Mind
- Retaining screws are not included in the package
- Different footprint than SP1080 lids, so measure before ordering
Spec Overview
Who Should Grab It
Hayward SkimMaster SP1070 owners with two skimmers on the deck who want OEM-spec lids in a single order.
Reach For A Different Pick When
You only need a single SP1070 lid and want the matching hardware in the box, in which case the AOQIVIS SP1070C Skimmer Lid 9 7/8″ Heavy-Duty Replacement is the better fit.
Single-skimmer pools do not need a backup lid gathering dust in the garage, which is exactly the gap the AOQIVIS SP1070C single-pack fills. It targets the same SP1070, SP1071, and SP10712S SkimMaster units as its two-pack sibling, and the heavy-duty framing carries the same density promise. You pay for one cover and one set of shipping.
Compared with the AR-PRO 2-Pack earlier, the value calculus flips. Two-skimmer pools still win with the bundle, but one-skimmer owners avoid paying for a lid they will store for years.
What Works In Its Favor
- Single-lid purchase suits one-skimmer pools without a wasted spare
- OEM-spec 9 7/8″ footprint for SP1070 series skimmers
- Heavy-duty construction targets the same climates as the two-pack
Honest Caveats
- Retaining hardware ships separately, so verify the listing contents
- No backup included if the next cover cracks
Built With In Mind
Single-skimmer SP1070 owners who want the right lid without a redundant second unit sitting on a shelf.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Two-skimmer SP1070 setups benefit more from the AOQIVIS SPX1070C Skimmer Lid 9 7/8″ Replacement 2-Pack, which ships both lids in a single order.
Picking The Right Lid For Your Skimmer
The first decision is always compatibility. Hayward runs two main families: the SP1080 automatic skimmers (SP1082 through SP1086) and the SP1070 SkimMaster series (SP1070, SP1071, SP10712S). The lid footprints are close but not interchangeable, so measure your existing cover or note the model number stamped on the skimmer throat before ordering.
Measure Twice, Order Once
Lids in this category are sized by overall dimension, mounting lip, and screw spacing. A 9-7/8 inch overall lid with an 8-1/4 inch mounting lip and 9-1/4 inch screw spacing covers the SP1080 series. A 9-7/8 inch round cover with the OEM spec handles the SP1070 series. Eyeballing alone usually ends in a return, since plastic tolerances are tighter than metal.
Material And Climate
Most replacement lids are molded plastic, which handles UV and chlorine reasonably well but grows brittle in extreme cold. Pool owners in regions with hard freezes often upgrade to a denser “heavy-duty” cover or keep a backup in the garage for the spring thaw, when cracked lids tend to reveal themselves.
Single Vs Two-Pack
Pools with one skimmer save money buying a single lid. Two-skimmer decks, rental properties, and cabins that sit empty through winter all benefit from a 2-pack, because the second lid covers either the next skimmer or the inevitable replacement three years from now.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Where Shoppers Go Wrong
The most common slip is trusting the overall diameter alone. Two lids can both measure 9-7/8 inches while covering different series, so a part-number match beats a tape-measure match every time. Another trap is skipping the screw-spacing check, which forces a return or a drilled deck.
When Paying More Pays Off
The OEM Hayward SPX1082E lid costs more because of denser molding, tighter tolerances, and brand-loyal warranty support. For a pool under professional service, that premium pays for itself in clean paperwork. For a DIY swap on a weekend backyard pool, the aftermarket picks deliver the same fit at a fraction of the spend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which skimmer lid I need?
Pop the existing cover off and look for a part number stamped on the underside, or note the skimmer model on the deck plate. Match that model to the compatibility list before ordering.
Are aftermarket lids as good as OEM?
For most pools, aftermarket lids from brands like AR-PRO, ATIE, and AOQIVIS match the OEM footprint and survive several seasons. The OEM Hayward lid is denser and tracks better in service records, but it costs more.
Can I walk on the skimmer lid?
Most molded plastic lids are rated for foot traffic, not point loads. Avoid jumping on them or parking a chair leg in the center, which can crack the lid or warp the skimmer throat.
How often should I replace a skimmer lid?
A well-made plastic lid lasts five to eight years under normal conditions. Cracks, fading, and a loose seat on the deck are the usual signs it is time to swap.
Do I need to drain the pool to replace a skimmer lid?
No. The lid sits on the deck above the waterline, so a simple screwdriver and a flat surface are all you need for the swap.
