Pool skimmers are essential and found in almost every pool, you can have multiple skimmers or just one, it all depends on the size of the pool. The skimmer plays an important role when it comes to filtering your pool’s water, it collects larger debris as water is sucked through it for cleaning and re-circulation.
Replacing a pool pump can be very costly, so maintaining your pool skimmer is key. A poorly functioning skimmer will increase the risk of a cloudy pool and algae growth. In addition, your pool pump is prone to wear and tear and will likely need to be replaced long before the manufacturer’s recommended date if your skimmers are not functioning correctly.
All skimmers have the following parts:
The Lid: A visible component of the skimmer that prevents larger particles from entering the pool’s circulation system. It helps you not to dip into the skimmer basket often.
The Opening: Located inside the pool, it helps draw water and debris in and filters through the opening.
The Weir: A weir is a swinging flap located inside the skimmer opening that rotates with the water flow. Its primary purpose is to prevent debris from flowing back into the pool. When turning off the pool pump, the weir deftly moves to a closed position, preventing waste from re-entering the pool.
The Skimmer Basket: The strainer basket collects debris before pulling the water into your pump. It is an essential part of the skimmer because debris will clog and damage your filtration system without the basket.
The Suction Line: The suction line connects to the skimmer basket and drives the power of the skimmer.
The Balance Line: It prevents the skimmer from drawing in air when the water level has dropped below the main inlet.
Our Top Three Maintenance Tips
Clean Out the Skimmer Basket Regularly
Cleaning the skimmer is necessary for the overall maintenance of your swimming pool. A clogged skimmer makes your pump work harder to cycle the water. This can stress the seals in your pump and, subsequently, shorten its life. Make sure you remove the strainer or basket regularly and empty all the accumulated debris from it before hosing the mesh down and replacing it within the skimmer.
Maintain Consistent Levels of Acid and an Adequate pH Balance for Healthy Filtration
This goes without saying. Keep your chlorine levels at an optimal range to keep the water sanitary and sparkling. Unbalanced pH levels can severely corrode your equipment, making it an expensive process to repair and replace any affected machinery. Do not skip out on testing the water regularly!
Use a Tennis Ball to Absorb Oils and Scum
An unexpectedly simple but cost-effective way of helping your pool’s filtration system is to toss a tennis ball into the pool once in a while. Oils, sunscreen, and general scum stick to the surface of the ball as it bobs around the water, making the work easier for your skimmer and filter pumps.
Finally
Pool skimmers are simple yet powerful! Keep them clean, wash them out regularly and keep your pool’s water chemically balanced, and the skimmer will go miles in helping you maintain sparkling blue water.
If you need a new pool skimmer, contact us via our contact form to see how Specialist Pools Services can help you.
