Netting your pool is a quick and easy task and should be added to your weekly maintenance. This is especially important to do anytime you notice leaves or debris present. After a storm or heavy wind it is important to remove all leaves and larger debris from the pool so your pool vacuum can work properly. If you have a lot of trees and landscaping near your pool, keep your pool net handy!
The leaf rake is a type of pool net with a wide opening and a deep net. These are great for scooping debris and leaves from the pool bottom. It can also be sued to skim leaves off the surface of the pool.
A skim net or skimmer net is more shallow and usually has a frame with netting across it to make for easy skimming of the pool surface. They easily remove leaves, lawn clippings, and insects. It’s typically just used for things floating on the surface of the water. 
It’s really important to remove debris from your pool regularly. They can clog main drains and leave nasty stains. If your main drain becomes clogged this can restrict water flow and circulation. Another way your water circulation could be reduced is if the skimmer basket is clogged with debris; yet another reason for regular netting. Excess leaves and debris in your pool can increase your chlorine demand and even contribute to the growth of algae. Both of these issues can become costly and tiresome.