If you have a cartridge filter, you get the biggest bang from using skimmer socks since that's less crud going to the cartridge and the less you will have to open the filter and clean the cartridge. It is much easier to take the skimmer basket out and wash the sock.

I have found that using a hose nozzle works great. If I'm lazy, I'll just spray the sock while it's still in the basket and dump out the junk which gets most of it. To be thourough, I take the sock out, turn it inside out with my hand inside and blast it clean.

One thing I did find - a couple of times there was so much pollen (once during vacuuming) that the flow through the sock got so restricted the suction from the pump caused the skimmer basket to split! Check the sock frequently especially during pollen season!

Peter