Abstract: A pool skimmer apparatus having a skimmer basket with an upper ring and a mesh bag depending therefrom. A plurality of risers on the upper ring provide an annular gap between the upper ring and the lip of a pool skimmer receptacle which provides an escape route for water flow when the mesh bag becomes clogged with debris, thereby avoiding damage to the pool circulation pump. A speed accelerator plate detachably couples to the upper ring in either a first, regular flow position or a second, vortex-generating accelerated flow position, to allow skimming or filtering of pool water at different rates.