Skimmer vs Overflow – each has its advantages

23.4.2026

Martin Býšek

Choosing the right type of pool

Building a pool might seem simple at first. It may seem like a straightforward process: dig a hole, pour concrete, fill it with water and start swimming. But beneath that shimmering blue surface lies a whole range of technical challenges that need to be resolved long before your pool is ready to tempt you in right beside your home. Sooner or later, one key question comes up: skimmer or overflow?

Two different approaches, two different philosophies of working with water. It's not a question of which is better. The right choice is the one that fits your home, your space and the way you want to enjoy your pool. Let’s take a look at what these two systems offer, and what they can offer you.

Skimmer pools

ZLet’s start with a system that is synonymous with reliability and efficient use of space. A skimmer pool works on the principle of drawing water directly from the surface. Water is taken in through the skimmer - an elegant opening in the pool wall - and the pump then directs it into the sand filtration system.

By design, the water level sits a few centimetres below the top edge of the pool. What might seem like a drawback is actually a significant advantage. It creates a natural buffer that helps keep the water inside the pool. If you have children who love jumping in, a skimmer pool will keep most of the splashed water where it belongs - in the pool. This also means less water around the pool area, which you’ll appreciate especially if the pool is directly next to a terrace or your home.

The real strength of a skimmer system, however, lies below ground. It is a compact and straightforward solution. There is no need for complex water level balancing systems. The pipework runs directly from the skimmer to the pump, which pushes the water through the sand filter and back into the pool. It’s a robust, proven system that minimises the risk of faults and saves valuable space in the technical shaft.

Overflow pools

While the skimmer represents efficiency and practicality, the overflow pool is the embodiment of architectural perfection. Here, the water reaches right up to the very edge, where it flows smoothly into the overflow channel. The visual effect is striking. The water surface blends with its surroundings and acts as a giant mirror reflecting the sky.

But the overflow is not just about aesthetics. It's also a highly effective way to maintain water quality.

Imagine dust and pollen settling on the surface. In a skimmer pool, water from across the surface must travel towards a single intake point, whereas in an overflow pool, water is continuously drawn off around the entire perimeter. All impurities are immediately carried away over the edge before they have a chance to sink to the bottom. The result is crystal-clear water and continuous, even circulation throughout the entire volume, as filtered water is returned through inlets near the bottom.

While the benefits of an overflow pool are visible at first glance, the real magic happens out of sight. For the system to work, it requires both control and reserve capacity in the form of a buffer tank. Physics leaves no room for compromise here. When four adults enter the pool, they displace a certain volume of water. Unlike a skimmer pool, there is no buffer to hold this water back, so it flows over the edge into the overflow channel. A buffer tank, cleverly hidden underground, collects and stores this water. Once the swimmers leave, the system automatically returns the water, restoring the level exactly where it should be and recreating that perfect mirror effect.

It's a fascinating, fully automated hydraulic system. A sophisticated network of sensors continuously communicates with the control unit, maintaining the optimal water level and completely freeing you from having to adjust anything manually.

Choosing between skimmer and overflow is ultimately a matter of priorities