What is a Pool Skimmer? (How to Clean and Troubleshooting Tips)

A pool skimmer is a vital component of your pool’s filtration system, designed to remove debris from the water’s surface before it clogs your pump or filter. There are two types of skimmers: one is a handheld net attached to a telescopic pole for collecting leaves and debris from the pool; the other is a built-in skimmer, mounted on the side of the pool, which connects to the filtration system.

In this post, we’ll focus on the built-in skimmers that are installed in your pool. These skimmers are crucial for maintaining clean water and ensuring your pool’s filtration system runs efficiently. Here’s everything you need to know about pool skimmers, including how they work, how to clean them, and tips for troubleshooting when problems arise.

What Are Pool Skimmers?

Pool skimmers are like small baskets or buckets built into the pool’s wall. They catch floating debris like leaves, insects, and other particles that would otherwise enter your filtration system, causing blockages. These skimmers are typically rectangular in shape, installed near the water’s surface, and are often made from durable white plastic. Some skimmers come with a weir door, which moves according to the water level and helps trap debris in the basket.

How Do Pool Skimmers Work?

A pool skimmer is the first step in your pool’s water circulation process. When the pump is turned on, it pulls water into the skimmer. The water then passes through the skimmer basket, which catches larger debris before it enters the filter or pump. This helps prevent clogs, reduces strain on your filter, and ensures that the water circulating through your pool remains clean.

In addition to filtering debris, skimmers also prevent buildup in the pump and filter, which can lead to equipment failure. Keeping your skimmer clean ensures your entire pool circulation system works efficiently.

Skimmers Help Keep the Pool Surface Clean

As people swim in your pool, they leave behind contaminants like sunscreen, oils, hair, and makeup. By regularly using the skimmer, you can prevent these contaminants from sinking to the bottom or breaking apart, which can create a mess and make cleaning more difficult. To improve the effectiveness of your skimmer basket, you can cover it with a fine mesh sock (specifically designed for pool skimmers) to catch smaller debris that would otherwise be filtered out.

Do You Need a Skimmer Weir Door?

While not all skimmers come with a weir door, it can be a helpful feature. The weir helps trap debris in the skimmer when the pump is off and controls the flow of water into the skimmer when the pump is running. However, skimmer weir doors can break easily, so if yours is missing or damaged, it’s not a critical issue, but keeping it functional can improve your pool’s efficiency.

How to Clean Your Pool Skimmer

Cleaning your skimmer is an easy task that should be done at least once a week, or more often if your pool is surrounded by trees or you’ve had a storm. To clean the skimmer:

1. Remove the Skimmer Lid: Simply lift the cover off the skimmer.
2. Take Out the Skimmer Basket: Reach inside, pull out the basket, and dump the debris away from your pool to prevent it from blowing back in.
3. Rinse the Basket: If needed, rinse the basket with a hose to remove any stubborn debris. For a more thorough cleaning, use a mild multi-purpose cleaner, but be sure to rinse it completely to avoid foam in your pool.
4. Replace the Basket: Put the clean basket back into the skimmer and replace the cover.

How to Troubleshoot Pool Skimmer Problems

At times, your pool skimmer might encounter issues, such as low suction or clogged lines. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

1. Check for Clogs: If your pool pump is making noise or has low suction, it may indicate a clog in the skimmer line. Check the skimmer basket for debris and ensure the water level is at the right height in the skimmer.

2. Use a Pool Diverter Valve: If you notice a drop in pressure, you can use a pool diverter valve (also known as a Jandy valve) to help isolate the clogged line. Switch the valve between different skimmer and main drain lines to identify which line is clogged.

3. Clear the Blockage with a Drain Cleaning Bladder: If you suspect a blockage further down the line, try using a drain cleaning bladder attached to a garden hose. Insert the bladder into the clogged pipe, and when you turn on the water, the bladder expands and forces pressurized water through the line to clear the blockage.

Winterizing Your Pool Skimmer

Before closing your pool for the winter, it's important to properly winterize your skimmer. This will prevent any damage caused by freezing water. You can use a rubber plug or ice compensator to block the skimmer and protect your pool’s filtration system during the cold months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Skimmers

1. Do you need a skimmer in your pool? Most pools, especially in-ground pools, need a skimmer to trap surface debris and prevent blockages in the filtration system. Some smaller above-ground pools may not have built-in skimmers, but adding one can significantly improve water quality.

2. Is a pool skimmer the same as a filter or pump? No. A pool skimmer is a separate component from the filter and pump. It only removes large debris before the water reaches the pump and filter, which handle finer particles.

3. How often should you clean the pool skimmer? Ideally, clean your skimmer basket once a week, but if you notice it filling up more quickly due to weather conditions (like wind or heavy rain), clean it more often.

4. Is it safe to put pool shock in the skimmer? Never add pool shock directly into the skimmer. Doing so can cause chemical reactions that may damage your pool equipment. Always add shock directly to the pool water.

By keeping your pool skimmer clean and maintaining proper circulation, you'll help ensure that your pool stays clear and your equipment runs smoothly. Regular skimmer maintenance is an easy yet essential part of pool care that helps prevent costly repairs down the line.