Improved strainer members for use with pump assemblies and/or fluid systems (e.g., fluid circulation systems) are provided. The present disclosure provides for advantageous strainer members that strain and/or filter fluids in fluid systems (e.g., recreational bodies of water). More particularly, the present disclosure provides for strainer members (e.g., strainer baskets) that include features that improve performance characteristics. Strainer members with an improved ability to resist degradation of pump hydraulic performance when loaded with debris, and/or an improved ability to remove air pockets trapped under the strainer cover at low flow rates are disclosed.