Skimmer vs Overflow Pool – Which Is Best?

When building a swimming pool, one important choice is skimmer vs overflow pool.

Both systems work very well. The best choice depends on the size of the pool, your budget and the look you want.

What Is a Skimmer Pool?

A skimmer pool uses skimmer boxes in the pool wall to pull water into the filtration system.

For swimming pools up to around 10 metres long, we normally recommend a skimmer system.

It is simple, reliable and works very well when the pool and filtration system are designed correctly.

Skimmer Swimming Pool

Swimming Pool Skimmer Box

Modern private swimming pool with a skimmer system.

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What Is an Overflow Pool?

An overflow pool allows water to flow over the pool edge and into a tank. From the tank, the water goes through the filtration system and back to the swimming pool.

For swimming pools longer than around 10 metres, we normally prefer an overflow system.

The most popular design we build is an infinity edge, where water flows over one or two sides of the swimming pool.

Infinity Pool Waterfall Edge

Overflow Pool System

Infinity Swimming Pool in Isaan

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Skimmer Pools Cost Less

Price is an important difference when comparing a skimmer vs overflow pool.

An overflow system can easily cost 150,000 to 200,000 THB more to build.

It needs an overflow tank, more concrete work, more PVC plumbing and an automatic water filling system.

If you want to keep the cost down, a skimmer pool is often the best choice.

Skimmer vs Overflow Pool – Maintenance and Reliability

A skimmer system is very simple. There are fewer pipes and fewer parts that can fail.

An overflow system has more PVC plumbing, check valves and an automatic water filling system.

Sometimes a check valve can fail. This is normally not dangerous, but the changing water level can make it look like the pool is leaking.

With our swimming pool service program, we check these systems regularly and make sure everything is working correctly.

The Biggest Difference Is the Look

For many customers, the biggest difference is the appearance.

An infinity edge can make a swimming pool look modern and luxurious.

We often make a small slope on the overflow edge, so the water flows down like a small waterfall. It looks beautiful and creates a calm sound of running water.

Which Pool System Do We Recommend?

For swimming pools up to around 10 metres long, a skimmer system is normally a very good choice.

For larger swimming pools, we normally recommend an overflow system.

But if you love the look of an infinity edge, the choice is easy. Sometimes the design is more important than saving money.

At Sakon Swimmingpool, we build both skimmer and overflow swimming pools across Isaan and Northeast Thailand.

We build it – You enjoy it – Quality always wins.