Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer maintenance apparatus (10) includes an elongate tubular handle (12) having a hook end (14) and an opposed sealing end (16). The sealing end includes a sealing structure such as a spherical ball (116) defining a sealing surface effective to seal a skimmer suction port to prevent a flow of water through the skimmer suction port. The hook end supports a metal wire hook (32) which extends from the handle and which is adapted to lift a debris collection basket, a skimmer diverter or a skimmer lid present at the skimmer. The apparatus is also useful for safely probing the skimmer for animals or insects.

Abstract: A clamp pin handle cover for covering a pin handle of a mechanical clamp. The clamp pin handle cover includes an elongate cover body defining a slot which is adapted to receive the clamp pin handle therein. In one embodiment the clamp pin handle cover is adapted for use with a clamp having a fixed pin handle. In a second embodiment the clamp pin handle cover is adapted for use with a clamp having a translating pin handle with the translating pin handle disposed at its mid position or a translated position.