A pool skimmer is the first part of a pool’s suction-side system. It is a vacuum mouth that pulls water into the pool’s pump and filtration system to be cleaned.
They are important to keeping your pool’s water clean and debris-free. Because of this, you should understand what they are, how they work, and how to take care of them if they break down.
What Kind of Pool Skimmer Are We Talking About?
In pool speak, there are different types of skimmers. Rather, “skim” can have a few different meanings. In this case, we discuss the rectangular cutouts built into an inground pool’s wall.
Generally, there are multiple skimmers around the pool and the water level reaches about the halfway mark of the skimmer’s mouth opening.
Skimming the pool usually involves using a skimmer net and telescopic pole to remove leaves and other visible debris from the pool surface and floor.
Another type is a robotic skimmer which floats on the pool surface and sucks up floating debris. While they can skim the surface, keep in mind, they won’t be able to dive below and get rid of debris on the pool’s floor. You’d need another robot for that!
How Does A Skimmer Work?
The best comparison to a pool skimmer that I have seen is like a gutter on your house. Gutters trap larger debris while sending water away from the house’s foundation.
That is essentially what a skimmer does. As the first part of the suction side, they suck in water to the pool filter while trapping leaves, sticks, and other large debris that happen to be on the surface of the pool.
The overall job of the skimmer is to ensure debris doesn’t get into the pool’s filtration system to cause potential clogs and damage to equipment.
Parts of a Pool skimmer
The skimmer system itself is made up of many different parts to make it work:
- Mouth: The skimmer’s mouth is the opening on the pool’s wall that the water enters through. To make your skimmers work most efficiently, water levels should be about halfway up the skimmer’s mouth.
- Basket: This bucket-like container sits within the skimmer and collects the debris. It’s typically made of plastic or mesh and is removable for easy cleaning and disposal of debris.
- Lid: The lid covers the top of the skimmer, preventing debris from entering and generally keeping swimmers safe. Lids usually have locking mechanisms or screw holes to prevent accidental openings.
- Body: This is the housing that holds all the other parts together. It’s typically made of durable plastic and is built directly into the pool wall for inground pools.
- Weir door: A skimmer weir controls the water flow into the skimmer. It allows water to enter while keeping larger debris out. These doors are entirely optional, though I think they are really beneficial to trap debris from escaping back into the pool.
- Suction Line: The suction line draws water into the pool’s pump and filtration system. It connects to your pool’s plumbing system, usually PVC pipes, and is situated directly under the basket.
Different Connections to the Skimmer
The skimmer can be used for more than just a starting point in the suction-side system. There are various connections and uses beyond just trapping debris.
Manual Vacuum Cleaning
When you need to clean your pool manually with a vacuum head and telescopic pole, the pool house you use will connect to the suction line in the skimmer.
Many pool owners will connect the hose directly to the suction port or use a vacuum plate and skimmer socks to trap dirt and smaller debris directly into the skimmer basket. Learn how to vacuum your pool the right way.
Suction-Side Automatic Cleaning
Today, many pool owners utilize automation in the form of robotic cleaners for their pool cleaning needs. While most are freestanding and don’t require pool hoses, suction-side robots still require a suction port.
Like manually vacuuming, the robotic cleaners will attach their hose to the suction line in the skimmer.
Equalizer Line
You may notice some pool skimmers have two ports in the body. While one port is your suction line, the other could have been used as an equalizer line.
Although not common in newer builds, an equalizer line protected the skimmer from drawing in air if the water line dropped below the skimmer. It would connect to a lower point in the pool to ensure the skimmer could still draw water.
They have since been nearly phased out entirely due to a risk of hair or body entrapment and drowning.
Main Drain
Another use for one of the two ports in the skimmer is a connection to the main drain. If your main drain were to be connected to the skimmer, there typically would be a diverter valve or something similar to manually control the suction flow rate between the skimmer and main drain.
Like equalizer lines, this setup isn’t as common anymore. In most new builds, main drains are connected directly to the pump and filter system to allow a better flow to the pump.
Winterizing Your Skimmer
When it is time to close your pool for the winter season, preparing your skimmer for the potential freeze of water in the body is very important.
After the lines are blown out, screw a Gizzmo into the suction line to prevent both water getting into the lines and the skimmer body from cracking during a freeze.
Prevents leaks and freeze protection to a pool skimmer. 1.5" and 2" threads.
Gizzmos might seem like a novelty item, but they are super effective in ensuring your skimmer doesn’t crack or leak during the cold winter months!
Skimmer Maintenance
Skimmers don’t require too much maintenance during the swim season, but you should include some things in your weekly pool checklist.
When your skimmer basket is full of leaves and debris, take the basket out and dispose of it in your yard or the trash. A basket full of leaves will limit the suction capacity and cause the pump to work a bit harder to suck in water.
Ensuring the baskets are clean and clear will prevent pump overuse. Check the baskets weekly at a minimum. Daily checks should be done after heavy storms or winds.
Skimmers also need to be inspected for leaks and cracks. Unfortunately, the skimmer area is a common spot for pool leaks, whether from natural wear and tear over time or improperly winterizing.
Check the entire skimmer body and mouth for any noticeable cracks or damage. The most likely locations are where the skimmer meets the pool structure. You may notice the bonding agent or putty has holes or has been worn down.
Monthly inspections take less than 5 minutes, but they can prevent a larger issue when detected early.