The level at which pool skimmers function properly is between one third and about half way up the opening of the pool skimmer. If the water level is too high the debris floating next to the opening may pass by without being pulled into the skimmer.
The skimmer is also a resting place for larger pieces of dirt and debris that are blocked by a skimmer basket. For effective filter action, the water level should be at the midpoint of the skimmer. Too low, and water cannot flow into the filter system at all; too high and the flow will be less efficient.
It is recommended you have your water level between one-third and one-half up the swimming pool skimmer box opening. If the level is higher than that, it may slow or even stop debris from being pulled into the skimmer box through the plate or valve.
What happens if your swimming pool water level is too high? If your pool level is too high, your skimmer won't work as efficiently.
Your pool skimmer will help filter out some debris and insects that enter your pool, but only if the water level isn't above the skimmer opening. If the skimmer is completely covered by water, then it won't work properly.
If the water level is too high the debris floating next to the opening may pass by without being pulled into the skimmer. However if the water level is too low it may cause the skimmer to suck air into the system. If this happens you may run the risk of burning up your pool pumps motor.
This depends on the type of pool. For above-ground pool, it is best to lower the water up to 18'' below the skimmer. In addition, it is preferable to leave the a good water level in the pool with rain and snow. This way, the pool will retain its shape and prevent water spillage on the ground.
We get asked this question every time there is a heavy rain. That answer is pretty simple when you think about it. The pool will only overflow by the amount of rain in excess of the amount of rain needed to fill the pool to the top.
A pool that is "balanced" has proper levels of pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness. These are: pH: 7.2-7.8, Total Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm, Calcium Hardness, 180-220 ppm and Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer): 30-50 ppm. Chlorine levels should remain constant in the 1-3 ppm range.
How Often Should I Shock My Pool? Shocking your pool regularly will help to keep the water clean and free of contaminants. You should aim to shock your pool about once a week, with the additional shock after heavy use. Some tell-tale signs that your pool needs to be shocked are cloudy, foamy, green, or odourous water.
You don't need to drain your pool, as there is no risk to your pool by it being full. The only thing you lose with a pool filled to the rim is your skimmer's surface cleaning action. Overall, it still draws water and the equipment is just fine.
Although it's generally recommended that all the pool water undergo filtration every 24 hours, the pump does not need to run all the time. A proactive, productive and energy-saving maintenance activity is to remove the debris floating on the pool surface with a hand-held skimmer.
What Happens If Your Pool Water Levels Are Too High? When your pool water levels exceed the middle part of your pool's skimmer, your skimmer is not going to work properly. The water flows into the skimmer at a higher level, it causes the water to not get skimmed properly.
Low Water. Allowing the pool water level to drop too low, meaning below the skimmer, is a big no-no. If this happens, the pump will draw air instead, resulting in loss of prime and running dry. Catch this in time, stop the dry run, and you might have to say good-bye only to your shaft seal – but be sure to replace it.
Pool popping is when the entire pool literally lifts (or pops) out of the ground. It can happen to any inground pool, regardless of its construction – be it concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl. In fact, concrete pools are the most likely to pop.
If your pool pump manufacturer has declared your pump is rain safe, you can leave it on in rainfall. Nevertheless, during a thunderstorm, it is highly recommended that you switch off and unplug your pool pump to prevent any costly and irreversible damages to your pool equipment.
How often should I have to fill my pool? This will vary depending upon several factors including: weather, if the pool is covered or not, bather load, and if it is heated or not. With pools that are covered, a good rule of thumb is that they should not have to be refilled more often than once every 2 weeks.
Swimming pool builders often install overflow drains near the rim of the pool that prevent flooding most of the time. If you don't have an overflow drain, or if it is clogged, it is possible for periods of unusually heavy rain to overflow your pool.
Every pool must turn over at least once a day, so most pool pumps should run approximately 8 hours a day. But here's the thing: you don't have to run your pool pump consecutively. You can choose to run it for three hours in the morning before you leave for work and another 5 hours in the evening.
Why water level is important
Your water should only be drained so it sits just below the skimmer and jets. This helps make sure that no water can get into the pumping system. You may also need to drain a few extra inches of water, depending on the type of pool cover you're using.
The first thing to do to increase the suction is to check for blockage and air leaks. If one of the skimmers does not suck, it would be necessary to remove the basket from the skimmer. Then check if there isn't a flow control valve at the bottom of the skimmer, which would be almost closed.
If water is slowly coming into your pool pump, check the skimmer door to make sure it isn't stuck. Also, make sure your pool's water level is halfway up the skimmer. If the skimmer door and water level look good, you may have a clog in your skimmer line.