How to Remove Pool Skimmer Body Caulk

A clean, properly functioning pool relies heavily on its skimmer. The skimmer is the main strainer that removes debris such as bugs, leaves and twigs from the water before it enters the filtration system. It is often recessed in the concrete border surrounding the top of the pool and held in place with a thick bead of caulk sealant. Before replacing your pool's skimmer body, you'll need to remove and clean away all traces of the old bead of caulk.

Towel
Caulk remover
Utility knife
Needle-nose pliers
Flat head screwdriver
Steel wire brush.

Instructions

- 1
  Drain your pool until the water level is at least 3 inches below the skimmer's inlet. Turn off your pool's filtration system. The inlet is usually recessed into the pool's tile just below the coping and is rectangular in shape. Water flows through the inlet straight to the skimmer.
- 2
  Lift the lid that protects the skimmer. Locate the bead of caulk sealant around the skimmer body's circumference. Wipe the caulk dry with a towel.
- 3
  Apply a generous amount of caulk remover to the bead of caulk. Allow the remover to penetrate the caulk for the time suggested on the container.
- 4
  Wedge the blade of a utility knife between the caulk and the skimmer's circumference. Drag the blade gradually around the skimmer body until the caulk begins to loosen.
- 5
  Lift the loosened bead of caulk with a pair of needle-nose pliers and pull it away from the skimmer's circumference. Dispose of the old bead of caulk.
- 6
  Scrape away any remaining caulk with the tip of a flat head screwdriver. Scrub away stuck-on caulk with a steel wire brush.

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