Pool skimmers remove floating debris maintaining water clarity and protecting equipment. Understanding skimmer operation and maintenance prevents problems ensuring reliable performance.
How Skimmers Work
Surface water flows into skimmer openings carrying leaves, oils, and debris. Floating weir doors regulate flow preventing backflow. Skimmer baskets trap debris preventing pump and filter clogging. Water continues to pump through plumbing to filtration equipment.
Properly functioning skimmers remove debris before it sinks protecting pool painting, fibreglass pool resurfacing, and pebblecrete resurfacing from staining.
Regular Maintenance
Empty skimmer baskets minimum twice weekly during active use. Properties with significant tree coverage in Northern Sydney or The Hills might need daily emptying. Full baskets restrict flow reducing filtration effectiveness.
Clean basket thoroughly removing stuck debris and buildup. Inspect for cracks or damage requiring replacement. Check weir door operation ensuring free movement and proper sealing.
Common Problems
Weir doors stick or break preventing proper flow regulation. Baskets crack allowing debris past into plumbing. Skimmer throats crack leaking water behind pool tiling causing damage. Suction line blockages prevent adequate flow.
Skimmer water level affects performance. Too low prevents proper skimming. Too high bypasses skimmer creating inadequate surface cleaning.
Repair Approaches
Replace broken weir doors matching original specifications. New baskets cost $20 to $50 offering simple solutions for damaged units. Cracked skimmer throats require professional repair preventing water damage behind pool structures.
Skimmer leaks often show as soggy ground near skimmers or dropping water levels. Professional leak detection locates problems. Repairs might involve epoxy injection, complete skimmer replacement, or extensive work depending on damage severity.
Winterization
During winter closure in cooler Southern Sydney areas, protect skimmers from freeze damage. Lower water below skimmer openings or use winter plugs. Remove baskets and weir doors storing indoors.
Multiple Skimmers
Larger pools feature multiple skimmers improving surface cleaning. Ensure all skimmers receive balanced flow preventing some working harder than others. Adjust valves if multiple skimmers show uneven performance.
Skimmer Placement
Skimmers should position opposite main returns creating circulation patterns drawing floating debris toward skimmers. When planning swimming pool renovations, consider adding skimmers to undersized pools.
Schedule pool inspection including skimmer assessment. Browse skimmer details in our gallery or read maintenance tips on our blog.
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