Pool Skimmer Restrictions

Water Level

• The biggest restriction for the pool skimmer is the water level of your swimming pool. Too much water will flood the skimmer and allow dirt and debris to float outside the skimmer basket and back into the pool. Although too much water restricts the skimmer, a low water level in your pool will render the skimmer useless and can potentially damage your filter. The ideal water height for optimal skimmer functionality is somewhere between one-half to two-thirds of the skimmer's vertical height.

Obstructions

• The pool skimmer directs a constant flow of water to the filter, which keeps it operating correctly. When there is a block in the skimmer line, the filter will lose water and suck in nothing but air. The same problem is the same as having too little water. Remove small pool toys such as tennis balls or inflatables when you're not using the pool. These can get lodged inside the skimmer opening or basket and block water flow. Clean out your skimmer basket regularly.

Malfunction

• The skimmer has a flap that swings from a hinge located at the bottom of the skimmer opening. Inside the flap is a piece of dense foam that enables the flap to swing back and forth without getting stuck in the upright position. Over time, the skimmer flap and the piece of foam can deteriorate and need to be changed. Change the skimmer flap assembly when it gets stuck in one position frequently. Most of the time the foam piece can be replaced alone without the flap itself.

Filter

• The skimmer may not appear to do its job when the filter is dirty. All pool filters, regardless of the type, must be cleaned on average once per month. When filters get dirty, the internal pressure increases and blocks water flow and decreases suction to the filter. If this is the case, the skimmer may appear as though it is not sucking in the water. Clean the filter when the pressure gauge on your filter rises 8 to 10 pounds per square inch (psi) above its normal operating pressure.