A pool skimmer is one of the best pool maintenance devices you can buy today. Read on to learn how it works so that you can gain insight into its benefits.
I have tried a lot of different pool pumps and cleaners over the years, and one thing that really bothers me is when I still encounter floating debris. But after a little research on a few different sites, I discovered that there is another pool maintenance device that I forgot to try.
Pool owners often overlook a skimmer. However, this maintenance equipment can help the pump in cleaning your pool. Without it, you can end up with a dirty pool and an overworked pump.
Are you wondering what a skimmer is and how it works? Then, you are in luck!
Read on as I discuss pool skimmers in detail. I will state the reasons why they are important for your pool maintenance. I will also answer some of your questions about these handy cleaning devices.
Without further ado, let us get on with the article!
What Is a Pool Skimmer?
A pool skimmer usually refers to a small white rectangle opening located on the side of an inground pool. It can also describe the net you use to skim the pool for dirt and floating particles.
Regardless of its build, a pool skimmer is a vital part of your pool filtration system. It acts as the first line of defense for removing floating debris in your pool. It can effectively trap bugs, insects, leaves, and pollen before they sink to the bottom of the pool.
Overall, a pool skimmer can help your pool pump clean the water. It reduces wear and tear on your pump so that it can last you for years to come.
What Are the Different Types of Pool Skimmers?
Swimming pool skimmers vary in terms of build, function, and features. It is up to you to choose the best one that matches your needs and personal preferences.
Below are the common types of skimmers you can buy today.
Manual Pool Skimmers
A manual pool skimmer refers to a fine mesh net that can remove contaminants. This skimmer net is connected to a telescoping net that allows you to reach across the pool surface. It helps you scoop out larger debris in the pool to keep it clean.
It is the cheapest type of pool skimmer you can buy today. However, it requires manual operation, which can take time and effort.
Automatic Pool Skimmers
An automatic pool skimmer is the most common type of skimmer available today. It uses suction power to draw in all kinds of debris from your pool. It can effectively trap bugs, dirt, hair, and leaves in a pump strainer basket.
Automatic skimmers have different installation requirements, depending on the type of your pool. Above-ground pools use a model that is attached to the pool wall with some clamps or screws. Meanwhile, inground swimming pools require a concrete and fixed structure, which requires professional installation.
Automatic pool skimmers can effectively clean your pool as long as the pool pump is turned on. The only downside is that they have a high upfront cost.
Self-Contained Pool Skimmers
The last type of a pool skimmer is the self-contained pool skimmer. It features built-in batteries or solar panels that power the unit and move it across the pool. It collects debris along the way to help clean the swimming pool.
Despite these benefits, a self-contained pool skimmer is more expensive and complex to operate than other pool filters.
How Does a Pool Skimmer Work?
Now that you know the definition of a pool skimmer, it is time to learn how it operates.
A manual pool skimmer works by skimming water and debris manually. It requires you to move the mesh net across the pool.
On the other hand, an automatic skimmer produces suction to pull pool water and floating debris through a pivoting flap. It also features a skimmer basket where the debris gets collected. It continues filtering out dust and dirt until you turn off the pump.
Finally, a self-contained pool skimmer floats around the pool to collect unsightly garbage. Then, it deposits this waste into a canister.
What Are the Components of a Swimming Pool Skimmer?
Automatic pool skimmers are comprised of different parts. These include the lid, the mouth, the weir, the basket, the suction line, and the equalizer line. Each component is essential in keeping your swimming pool clean.
The lid is the most visible part of a pool skimmer. It prevents large debris, such as leaves and twigs, from entering the pool’s circulation system. It also keeps you from coming into contact with the skimmer basket.
The mouth refers to the skimmer opening. It is usually located on the side of the swimming pool. This skimmer mouth is also where the water and all the debris get sucked into the filtration system to keep the pool clean.
Meanwhile, the weir is the swinging flap inside the skimmer’s mouth. Pool weirs work by allowing water and floating debris to pass through.They only go one way to keep dirt from getting back into the pool. When you turn off the pool pump, the weir automatically moves into a closed position.
The skimmer basket, also known as the strainer basket, collects debris before pulling them into the pump. This pool skimmer part requires cleaning once it becomes full.
The suction line powers the pool skimmer. It also helps draw the water in the filter for cleaning and re-circulating.
Finally, the equalizer line keeps the skimmer from sucking in air and overheating. These usually happen when you notice the water level dropping below the main drain inlet.
Where Do You Place the Skimmer in the Pool?
There is no single right answer because it entirely depends on the type of skimmer, your pool size, and shape.
Inground pools require you to attach the skimmer to a return jet. Meanwhile, above-ground pools might need clamps or screws to secure the equipment.
But to give you an idea, most pool owners place their skimmers on the side of the pool near the top. This area on the pool wall allows the water to reach the middle of the skimmer. If the water level is below the middle of the skimmer, it will not work properly.
Overall, you can place the skimmer in the path of circulating water to clean the pool efficiently.
Should Pool Skimmers Be on All the Time?
The exact time of having your skimmer on depends on your pool’s condition. If it is dirty or you swim daily, it is best to run it every day. But you can also limit pool skimmer use to once a week if you do not use the pool as much.
The rule of thumb is to operate the pool skimmer whenever the pool pump is turned on. However, the chances are that you do not normally operate the pump and the pool’s filtration system for 24 hours a day. That is because it gives a large electricity bill and causes the water pump to wear out quickly.
How Many Skimmers Does a Pool Need?
The number of skimmers your swimming pool needs depends on its size and shape.
Small to medium-sized pools usually contain one or two skimmers. These are usually placed at both ends of the pool for efficient water filtration. This location also helps produce a current within the pool and move water toward the skimmers.
As a general guideline, you must have a pool skimmer for every 350 to 400 square feet of pool surface area. Avoid having too few skimmers because you will end up with a dirty pool. Owning too many skimmers is also bad because they reduce the suction of each skimmer, deeming it ineffective. They can also affect how the pool pump sucks water.
How Much Do Pool Skimmers Cost?
Pool skimmers vary in price, depending on their type and features. They can cost between $5 for manual skimmers and $800 for automatic and self-contained units.
Besides the initial cost, a pool owner must also take the installation cost into consideration. Prepare to spend more than $150 for an above-ground swimming pool skimmer. However, you will need more than $1,000 to install an inground pool skimmer.
How Long Do Skimmers Last?
A high-quality pool skimmer can last you for over 25 years. However, the exact lifespan can vary depending on how often you use the skimmer, the type of debris it filters out, and the manufacturer, among other things. It can also exceed the expected life expectancy with proper and regular maintenance.
How To Maintain Your Pool Skimmer?
It is essential to maintain your pool skimmer to ensure it works efficiently. Regularly cleaning your skimmer can also help extend its lifespan and prevent damage to your pool filter.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to maintain your pool skimmer.
First, turn off the swimming pool pump.
Next, take off the skimmer lid. Then, remove the skimmer basket and empty the debris inside. You can hose it down to clean the entire contents of the basket.
Once cleaned, you can return the basket to the skimmer. Place the skimmer lid back into the unit. Repeat these steps with the other skimmers you own.
After, you can turn on the pool pump and skimmer for efficient water filtration. You must clean the pool skimmer at least once a week or more often if you use the pool often.
Finally, consider putting a tennis ball in the skimmer basket. Doing so allows the ball to soak up dirt and oil in the water that the basket did not effectively trap.
Conclusion
A pool skimmer is an integral piece of pool maintenance equipment. It works side-by-side with your pump to filter out debris floating in the water. It also comes in three different types—manual, automatic, and self-contained. The most common one is the automatic skimmer, which uses suction power to trap bugs, dirt, and leaves in a collection basket.
I hope this article answers your questions about pool skimmer uses! Feel free to share the post with other pool owners if you find it informative.
