3rd Generation Company, Family-Owned & Operated

Skimlite is a third-generation company that has been manufacturing Telescoping Poles and Maintenance Equipment in the Swimming Pool industry since 1954. Skimlite prides itself on making quality items its customers can trust—coupled with superior customer service.

Skimlite began when the founder, Robert Conrad, made the industry’s first lightweight pool skimmer, and soon after, the first Telescoping Pole—the 5008 Twist Lock. Robert’s son, Jim, started working in the family business alongside his father after serving in Vietnam, eventually succeeding Robert upon his retirement. Jim was able to use his mechanical skills and his industry knowledge to build upon his father’s innovative spirit, developing industry favorites like the Snaplite and Eliptilock Series poles. As Jim prepares to turn the reins over to his son, Barrett, Jim has passed on his desire to innovate, and his pride in Skimlite’s legacy. This is best exemplified in Skimlite’s new Carbonlite Carbon Fiber poles and Promax Series.

Barrett’s vision is to grow Skimlite with his employees and customers in mind--to remain a family company in a world of corporate giants. If you were to ask Barrett how he wants Skimlite to operate, he will stand by his grandfather’s statement: “Big enough to serve; Small enough to care.”