Inground pool skimmers are a rectangular shape. Depending on the size of your pool will dictate how many skimmers the pool will have. They are located inside the pool, toward the top of the wall. Normal operation requires the skimmer to be filled to the middle of the skimmer with pool water.
Normally the skimmer is placed facing the prevailing wind so floating debris is pushed towards it. Also, it is usually placed on the house side of the pool: this way, when you're looking at your pool from the house, you don't notice them.
It goes inside the skimmer hole such that half of it is in the pool over the liner and half is outside the pool and covering the pool wall. your pool wall fits in the crease of the gasket. The skimmer attaches on the outside against the gasket and the faceplate attaches on the inside against the gasket.
Pool skimmers should sit 2 inches above the water line. Pool skimmers are attached to the side of the pool.
A pool skimmer is just one of the components of a pool's filtration system. This system is how dirt, leaves and debris are filtered out of the pool's water to help keep it clean. “[Pool skimmers are]the thing people are scared to put their hand in,” Vernon says.
Check out our guide to cleaning your pump and filter basket here. Of course, this also means it can be easy to forget about them. But all pools – from inground pools to above ground pools to spas – need skimmers.
Yes, it is possible to run your pool or spa with your skimmers turned off. However, running your equipment on your main drains alone will allow surface debris to accumulate in your pool or spa.
Pool skimmers are found in every pool and are considered one of the most important features. The rectangular openings located on the side of an in-ground pool are referred to as built-in skimmers.
It is recommended you have your swimming pool water level between one-third and one-half up the 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.
Never allow pool shock to mix with any other pool chemical, even the same type. Never store opened bags of shock, which can spill. Use the entire bag at one time. Never pour pool shock into the skimmer.
If the water in your swimming pool is too low, the skimmer can bottom out and suck air into your filter system.
When you closely inspect your pool skimmer, you will notice two holes. One hole goes directly to your pump. The other hole goes down to the floor drain, usually located in the middle of your pool. The diverter's primary function is to divert water suction from the skimmer to the floor drain.
The water flows into the skimmer at a higher level, it causes the water to not get skimmed properly. This leaves more debris in your pool, and it can cause the debris to wind up getting pumped into the wrong hoses. If the debris goes into the hoses of the pool, it can cause the hoses to get clogged.
Lower the water level in the pool approximately 3 to 6 inches below the bottom of the Skimmer. If you have a main drain, just shut off the valve(s) for the skimmer(s) and run the filter on backwash or waste.
Skimmer Features
7° angle for easy installation. Our skimmers are manufactured to account for the five to tenth degree draft angle most fiberglass pool manufacturers use.
Vacuum as quickly as possible because you will lose water very quickly. If you loose prime or the water level drops below the skimmer, stop vacuuming and refill the pool.
In most cases, it is fine to run your pool pump during the rain. In fact, this will help rapidly circulate and filter out any impurities the rain has added to your water.
Your pool skimmer will help filter out debris and insects that enter your pool, but only if the water level isn't above the skimmer opening. If the skimmer is covered entirely by water, it won't work correctly.
When skimmers do not work the most common problem is a lack of air. If air is being properly mixed with the water your skimmer should be producing bubbles. If your skimmer is producing bubbles then chances are there is nothing wrong with your skimmer. It may just need to break in, be cleaned, or be readjusted.
Although it may seem scary to leave water in a pool during freezing temperatures, you can actually damage your pool more by removing too much water. Your water should only be drained so it sits just below the skimmer and jets.
While putting chlorine directly into your skimmer may seem like an easy way to sanitize your swimming pool, THIS IS A BAD IDEA. Your skimmer is designed to keep your pool free of debris. The suction from your pool pump siphons water through the hoses connected to your skimmer.
While protein skimmers are best for organic wastes and molecules, filters are ideal for the physical and chemical removal of waste materials. Combining the two pieces of equipment is perfect as it takes care of massive amounts of solid and chemical wastes.