Swapping a worn, cracked, or sun-bleached pool drain cover sounds simple until you climb out of the water holding a rusted screw that just snapped. For many backyard pool owners, the appeal of a no-screw (or low-screw) replacement is exactly that: a faster, cleaner swap with fewer corroded fasteners to fight. The picks below lean into that idea, mixing screw-free skimmer lids, VGB-style main drain covers, and heavy-duty plastic grates that sit right into the drain body. Use this list to match your pool’s setup, measure twice before ordering, and get back to swimming sooner.
A Quick View Of The Lineup
AR-PRO (2 Pack) Hayward SPX1070C Replacement Skimmer Cover
WGX1048E Pool Main Drain Cover (1 Pack)
WGX1048E Pool Main Drain Cover (2 Pack)
WGX1048E / WGX1048EBLK Drain Cover (2 Pack)
WGX1048EBLK Pool Drain Port Cover (1 Pack)
RV65120TX10 Plastic Drain Cover, 10 Pack Tan
REVA POOL Plastic Drain Cover, 1 Pack Tan
RV65120GX1 Plastic Drain Cover, 1 Pack Grey
RV65120WX5 Plastic Drain Cover, 5 Pack White
Inside Each Recommended Option
Skimmer lids take more abuse than most pool parts. They sit at the waterline, get kicked by kids, and bake in chlorine-spray every afternoon, so a clean drop-in replacement is genuinely useful. The AR-PRO two-pack is built to match Hayward’s SPX1070C OEM spec (Original Equipment Manufacturer, meaning the same dimensions and shape as the factory part) for SP1070, SP1071, and SP10712S SkimMaster models, so most owners with those skimmers can pop the old lid out and set the new one in.
For the value-conscious shopper with a cracked lid and a Hayward skimmer, two covers in one box is a quiet win. Keep the second as a spare and you skip a second order when the next one ages out.
What Earns Its Place
- Direct OEM-spec fit for SP1070, SP1071, and SP10712S SkimMaster skimmers
- Two lids per box gives you a backup on hand
- Heavy-duty plastic shell handles daily waterline abuse
- Drop-in design avoids corroded-screw headaches during swap
Things To Consider
- Retaining screws are not included, so re-use the old fasteners or source new ones
- Only fits the listed Hayward SkimMaster models, so measure your lid before ordering
Feature Snapshot
Built With In Mind
Homeowners with a Hayward SP1070-series SkimMaster who need a straightforward drop-in lid and don’t mind re-using their own screws.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
The WGX1048E Pool Main Drain Cover (1 Pack) is the better match when your problem is the main drain port on the pool floor, not a wall skimmer lid.
Floor drains are a different beast from skimmer lids. They sit at the deepest point, see constant suction, and need to meet VGB (Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act) rules for anti-entrapment. The WGX1048E 1-pack is aimed at the round 8-inch suction outlets common on Hayward concrete pools, and it’s the simplest “one cover, one problem” choice in the lineup.
Compared with the AR-PRO skimmer lid above, this lives on the pool floor and does the much heavier safety job. You may find a single pack is plenty when only one cover is cracked.
Everyday Advantages
- Round 8-inch profile suits VGB-compliant Hayward outlets
- Single-pack avoids buying a second cover you don’t need yet
- Plastic body resists the rough handling of routine pool vacuuming
- Works with a long list of Hayward WG and SP outlet model numbers
Worth Noting
- Only fits the listed Hayward round-suction outlet models, so cross-check your part number
- A single cover leaves no spare if a future crack catches you off-guard
Who It Suits Best
Backyard owners with one Hayward round main-drain outlet that needs a direct replacement and no need for a backup yet.
Swap It Out When
The WGX1048E Pool Main Drain Cover (2 Pack) is the smarter reach when your pool has two outlets and you want both covers in one order.
Most in-ground pools with dual suction plumbing have two main-drain covers sitting opposite each other on the floor, and replacing one without the other usually means another pull-the-cover-out session in a year. The WGX1048E 2-pack handles both outlets in one order and is rated for the same VGB round-suction fit as the 1-pack above.
Think of it as the “do it once and be done” version of the previous pick. For seasonal owners, that convenience is hard to overstate.
Where It Excels
- Covers both main-drain outlets in one purchase
- Matches the same long list of Hayward WG and SP outlet models as the 1-pack
- VGB-compliant round 8-inch footprint
- Keeps both outlets at the same age, so future swaps line up
Honest Caveats
- If only one outlet is cracked, you end up with a spare sitting in the garage
- Color may not match every pool finish, so check before ordering
Key Product Details
Made For
Owners of concrete in-ground pools with two Hayward round suction outlets who want to refresh both covers at the same time.
Consider Something Else When
The WGX1048E / WGX1048EBLK Drain Cover (2 Pack) is the better fit when you specifically want black covers for a darker pool finish.
Drain covers don’t usually get a lot of design attention, but on a dark-plaster pool, a bright white cover can stick out like a sore thumb. This two-pack references both the WGX1048E and WGX1048EBLK part numbers, so owners can land on the black-finish option that visually disappears into darker pool surfaces.
It’s the same physical fit as the previous 2-pack, just with a finish that suits moodier poolscapes.
What It Does Well
- Black finish blends into darker plaster and pebble pool surfaces
- Two covers handle dual-suction pools in one order
- VGB-compliant round 8-inch sizing for Hayward outlets
- Plastic build holds up to routine brushing and vacuuming
Things To Consider
- Black finish can show waterline scum more visibly than lighter options
- Only fits the listed Hayward round-suction outlet part numbers
Best Suited To
Pool owners with a darker plaster or pebble finish who want a less visible main-drain cover and need two at once.
Not Your Match When
The WGX1048EBLK Pool Drain Port Cover (1 Pack) is the cleaner choice when only one black cover is needed.
Sometimes a single cover takes a hit (a dropped tool, a curious dog, an old crack finally giving up) and the other outlet is still perfectly fine. The WGX1048EBLK single-pack lets you replace just that one black-finish cover without paying for a second you don’t need.
It’s the surgical version of the previous 2-pack, and the right call when budgets or storage space are tight.
A Few Strong Suits
- Black finish suits darker pool surfaces
- VGB-compliant 8-inch round sizing for Hayward outlets
- Single-pack avoids paying for a backup you don’t need
- Plastic shell tolerates routine brushing and brushing debris
Points To Note
- Limited to listed Hayward round-suction outlet models
- No spare cover on hand if a second outlet fails later
At A Glance
Right Fit For
Pool owners with one black-finish Hayward main drain cover that needs replacement and a second outlet still in good shape.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
The WGX1048E Pool Main Drain Cover (2 Pack) is the more practical reach when both outlets need attention now.
Step away from the swimming pool for a moment, and you’ll see the same drain cover problem in landscaping and yard drainage. The REVA POOL V65-120 replacement is a heavy-duty plastic grate sized at 3-3/16 inches with a 1/4-inch thickness, and the tan 10-pack is built for property managers, landscapers, or anyone running multiple drain sites.
Where the Hayward covers above live in chlorinated water, these grates sit on top of sewer and drain pipe fittings in soil, gravel, or turf.
Strengths Worth Knowing
- Ten covers per order suits multi-drain properties
- 3-3/16-inch sizing fits standard V65-120 sewer and drain fittings
- 1/4-inch thick plastic handles pedestrian, bike, and wheelchair traffic when properly installed
- Blocks debris from clogging buried pipe runs
Trade Offs
- Bulk pack is overkill for a single residential drain
- Tan finish can look out of place on darker mulch or stone beds
Who Should Grab It
Landscape contractors, property managers, and homeowners with a long list of V65-120 drain sites to service at once.
Look Elsewhere When
The REVA POOL Plastic Drain Cover, 1 Pack Tan is a friendlier reach when you only need to replace a single grate.
Most homeowners with one problem drain don’t need ten covers. The single-pack version of the REVA POOL grate drops the same 3-3/16-inch V65-120 fit into a one-off box, which keeps things tidy for a quick weekend fix.
It is the same physical cover as the 10-pack above, just right-sized for a single replacement.
What Pays Off
- Matches V65-120 sewer and drain fittings without modification
- Heavy-duty 1/4-inch plastic tolerates foot and light-wheel traffic
- Single pack keeps storage simple in a small garage or shed
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Tan color may not blend with darker landscape materials
- Only useful if your drain body is the matching V65-120 size
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Homeowners with a single cracked V65-120 drain grate who want a one-off replacement without buying a bulk pack.
Skip It When
The RV65120WX5 Plastic Drain Cover, 5 Pack White fits better when you want a lighter color and a small backup stash.
Grey is the unsung hero of drain-grate colors. It sits between tan and white, hides dirt between cleanings, and pairs well with both concrete patios and stone walkways. The RV65120GX1 single-pack delivers the same V65-120 size and 1/4-inch build in that middle-tone finish.
For most backyard landscapes, grey is the safest visual bet.
The Good Stuff
- Grey finish blends with concrete, stone, and most mulch
- Matches the V65-120 sewer and drain standard
- 1/4-inch plastic holds up under light pedestrian and bike traffic
- Single-pack keeps things lean for one-off replacements
Small Caveats
- Only fits V65-120 size bodies, so measure before ordering
- Limited stock-keeping for property-wide replacement runs
Perfect Match For
Homeowners with one V65-120 drain grate in a concrete or stone landscape who want a finish that quietly disappears.
Reach For A Different Pick When
The RV65120TX10 Plastic Drain Cover, 10 Pack Tan is the smarter buy for a long list of drain sites that need re-grating at once.
White grates stand out against darker stone and timber, which is sometimes the point. The RV65120WX5 five-pack is sized for a small property or a short rental turnover where you want a few spares on hand, and the white finish reads clean against pavers.
It lands between the single tan pack and the ten-pack tan option in terms of quantity, with a different visual profile entirely.
Reasons It Performs
- Five covers per order suits small properties and rental turnovers
- V65-120 size match for common drain bodies
- 1/4-inch plastic tolerates pedestrian and light-wheel traffic
- White finish reads crisp against pavers and darker stone
A Few Limitations
- White can show algae or dirt between cleanings
- Bulk sizing is more than a single-grate homeowner may want
Who Will Love This
Short-term rental owners and landscape pros who service a handful of V65-120 drain sites at a time and want a clean white finish.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
The RV65120GX1 Plastic Drain Cover, 1 Pack Grey is a better fit when you want a single, lower-visibility replacement instead of a multi-pack.
What To Match Before You Click Order
A pool drain cover is one of those parts where “close enough” can mean leaks, weak suction, or a cover that pops loose mid-season. The smartest move is to confirm the part reference, the size, and the use case before any of these go in your cart.
Confirming Compatibility With Your Pool
VGB stands for the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, a U.S. federal rule that set anti-entrapment standards for pool drains. If your pool was built or remodeled after 2008, the main-drain covers almost certainly need to be VGB-compliant. Cross-check the listed Hayward part numbers (WGX1048E, WGX1048EBLK, WG1048 through WG1054, SP-1048, SP-1049) against the model stamped on your existing cover or the outlet body itself.
For skimmer lids, match against the Hayward SP1070, SP1071, and SP10712S SkimMaster list. Measure the lid across and front-to-back, and confirm the screw-hole pattern before you order. A lid that is one model off will sit slightly proud of the skimmer rim and collect debris right where you don’t want it.
Drain Grates Vs. Pool Drain Covers
These two categories get mixed up often, and a V65-120 landscape grate is not a substitute for a Hayward main-drain cover. Pool drain covers manage suction on a sealed, water-filled system and need to meet safety standards. Drain grates sit on buried sewer and drain pipes in soil or turf, blocking debris while letting surface water through. Match the part to the job, and resist the urge to mix them.
Sizing And Pack Math
Measure the diameter of the existing cover (most Hayward round main-drain covers are 8 inches) and the body it sits in. For grates, the 3-3/16-inch V65-120 sizing is the common residential standard. If your pool has two outlets, the 2-packs usually cost less per cover than buying singles twice. If you only need one, the 1-packs keep your garage uncluttered.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Common Buying Mistakes
The most common slip-up is trusting the picture alone. Hayward main-drain covers and the V65-120 landscape grates look similar at thumbnail size, but they’re built for completely different systems. Order the wrong one and you’ll be doing the swap twice. Always cross-check the part number, then measure the diameter, then check the listed compatible models before you commit.
Another trap is buying a white or tan grate for a dark stone patio purely on price. Visible grate edges become a daily eyesore, and a 10-pack you “saved on” tends to gather dust in the garage.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Premium and bulk-tier picks in this category usually buy you two things: a finish that blends with your pool or landscape, and a spare on the shelf when the next cover fails. For a single backyard pool, a 2-pack main-drain cover is a quiet form of insurance: you replace the cracked one today and reach for the second in a year without a second order or a service call. For property managers, the 10-pack cuts reorder trips and per-unit cost, which adds up fast across multiple sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “no screws” actually mean for a pool drain cover?
It usually means the cover drops into the outlet body or relies on a single center fastener, rather than the multi-screw perimeter that older Hayward skimmer lids used. Some covers still need a single screw or a small retaining ring, so the term is more about speed and simplicity than a totally fastener-free install.
Are the WGX1048E covers VGB-compliant?
They’re listed for VGB-compliant round 8-inch Hayward outlets, including the WG1048 through WG1054 series and the SP-1048 / SP-1049 models. Always confirm your existing part number against the compatibility list before installing.
Can I use a V65-120 grate in a pool?
No. The REVA POOL V65-120 grates are built for sewer and drain pipe fittings in soil or landscape settings, not for sealed pool suction systems. For pool use, stick with the Hayward WGX1048E and WGX1048EBLK covers above.
How do I know which Hayward main-drain cover fits my pool?
Look for a part number stamped on the existing cover or on the outlet ring, usually something like WGX1048E, WGX1048EBLK, WG1048 through WG1054, or SP-1048 / SP-1049. Match that against the compatibility list in the product page before ordering.
Do the 2-packs really save money over singles?
In most cases, yes, two covers in one box usually cost less per cover than buying two single packs. The trade-off is a spare sitting in storage, which most pool owners consider a feature rather than a downside.
Wrap Up
The right pool drain cover, in the right size, in the right finish, turns a frustrating repair into a 20-minute job. Match your Hayward model number (or your V65-120 drain body) to the picks above, decide whether you want a single cover or a small stash, and pick a finish that suits your pool or landscape. Once the part number lines up, the rest is just a careful lift, a clean rim, and a drop into place.
