If your Skimlite 9018 no longer reaches the areas you clean, a longer pole may be a useful upgrade. If its current working length is enough, the better question is whether a different adjustment system or replacement part would improve your routine. Begin with the exact model specifications rather than a broad claim that one material always wins.
We sell the PoolPoles carbon fiber pole. This comparison uses manufacturer specifications and practical buying considerations; it does not claim that we measured both products in a controlled weight, strength or cleaning-speed test.
Confirm the 9018 model and its actual range
The official Skimlite 9018 product page describes a silver, three-piece Dually pole with an approximate range of 6ft 8in to 17ft 6in. The model is also commonly described by the nominal “6–18ft” label. The exact-model page is more useful than assuming the rounded label is a precise measurement.
The same official page specifies a nylon outside-thread lock and an internal-cam lock. Skimlite’s Dually replacement-parts page identifies the corresponding pole family as aluminum. Our 26ft Carbon Fiber Pool Pole is a four-section carbon fiber model with three quick-release clamps. Both are adjustable cleaning poles, but they offer different maximum lengths and locking designs.
Find out whether the longer pole solves your reach problem
Make a short list of the areas where your current pole runs out of useful length: a deep-end floor, an awkward corner or a section beyond a raised wall. Measure from stable deck positions and account for the depth of the tool. Leave enough shaft in your hands for control and retain the overlap required by the pole instructions.
Then ask whether moving to another side of the pool solves the problem. Extra extension can be helpful, but it does not guarantee access to every point of a large pool from a single spot. A 26ft pole should be chosen for its useful adjustment range, not as a reason to lean farther over the water.
What changes when you switch locking systems?
The 9018 Dually uses two kinds of locks. Our model uses three lever-operated quick-release clamps. Before changing systems, think about how often you adjust length, how you store the pole and which controls you find comfortable. Check the actual hardware rather than judging all aluminum poles as if they use the same mechanism.
Any telescopic mechanism can need cleaning, adjustment or replacement parts. Inspect the locks before work and check that the sections remain secure. If a part slips, follow its service instructions and stop using the pole until the problem is resolved. No honest buying guide can promise a lifetime without clamp wear.
Evaluate the weight claim carefully
The important comparison is between identified complete poles with the same attachment at an equal working length. A maximum-reach claim does not tell you the carrying weight, and a photograph cannot establish that one pole weighs half as much as another. We do not publish that comparison here because verified equivalent measurements are not available.
Balance also changes with the head. A full leaf rake, broad brush and vacuum head can each feel different on the same pole. Choose a setup you can control, use only the extension you need and empty loaded nets frequently. Carbon fiber should not be treated as permission to pry, overload the shaft or lift heavy objects.
A useful buying checklist
- Check the connection on your exact brush, net or vacuum head. Do not assume every proprietary adapter will fit.
- Measure vehicle and storage space against the pole’s collapsed specification.
- Compare current prices for equivalent packages, including any separate attachments you need.
- Review the warranty and returns information rather than relying on a general promise in an article.
- Confirm which compatible service parts are offered for the exact version you are buying.
Our recommendation
If the 9018’s reach is adequate and the pole is in good condition, it can continue to do useful work. Consider our 26ft carbon fiber pole when you need a longer cleaning option and prefer quick-release lever adjustments. Its four sections and three clamps are concrete features to compare with your existing equipment.
Keep long poles clear of electrical hazards, check for damage before use and follow the instructions supplied with the pole and attachment. For the current specification, pricing and ordering details, visit our own-store listing.
Our current Blackout Pro option
For our current all-black option, see the Blackout Pro 26ft (8m) Carbon Fiber Pool Pole. It has matte-black 3K carbon fiber, four telescopic sections, three all-black quick-release locks, a textured grip and a 16-hole metal tool connector. The standard pole pictured within this article is a different version. Check the Blackout Pro listing for current details and confirm your attachment fit before ordering.