Skimming the Surface – Pool Skimmers

One of the most important steps you can take to maintain a healthy pool is to keep the surface of the water clean. Pool skimmers, while simplistic in design, play a vital role in swimming pool health.

Pool skimmers draw water from the surface and run it through the pool filtration system. This removes debris and contaminants and keeps them from sinking to the bottom. Pool skimmers reduce the chances of algae growth and they help keep your pool pump from overworking.

Pool skimmers are available in different sizes and models. They vary by performance and cost. All pool skimmers outside of the manual skimmer feature the following parts:

The Lid

A visible component, the skimmer lid works to keep large debris from being sucked into the swimming pool’s circulation system. It also serves as a safety feature since it can prevent someone or something from falling into the skimmer well.

The Weir

One of the most important skimmer parts, the weir speeds water velocity into the skimmer for more effective cleaning. When the pump shuts off, the skimmer weir closes, which keeps debris trapped inside the skimmer and out of pool water.

Skimmer Basket

The basket, or strainer, collects debris before it is pulled into the pump. Most pool owners are surprised at what ends up in the skimmer basket! It is important to check and empty your skimmer baskets at least once per week or hire a weekly pool service to do the job for you.

Manual Pool Skimmers

Basic pool skimmer baskets are nothing more than a fine mesh net on a pole. This type of skimmer does not require any power source other than human power, but manual skimmers are not usually suitable for filtration of the largest floating particles.

Some manual skimmers have a hose that connects to the pool outlet and pump system, providing suction to clean as the skimmer is manually moved about.

Manual pool skimmers are fine for basic debris removal but do nothing for circulation. They cannot be run constantly since they require a human to do the job. Consider manual pool skimmers to be the “low tech” option.

Automatic Pool Skimmers

An automatic pool skimmer connects to the pump drain. As water is pulled through the hose, small propellers maneuver the skimmer across the surface of the pool, cleaning up debris as it goes.

Most automatic skimmers randomly travel across the pool surface to prevent them from becoming lodged in one place, while others may have to be re-deployed periodically.

Choose an automatic skimmer, such as the Hayward Auto-Skim, to reduce labor, giving you more time to spend in the water instead of maintaining it.

Robotic

If saving time is of utmost importance, choose a self-contained or robotic pool skimmer.

While this is the most expensive choice initially, most of today’s robotic skimmers use solar energy as their power source, saving on energy costs.

Eco-friendly robotic pool skimmers utilize cutting-edge technology to function. Some robotic pool skimmers are so advanced, you can operate them from a phone app, resulting in a zero-stress experience.

No matter which type of pool skimmer you choose, skimmers only work if they are employed regularly. And, since most skimmers are made of plastic, they can occasionally leak or need service. Contact Premier Pool Service today, to ensure your pool skimmer functions perfectly. You will have a clean pool and more time to enjoy your personal outdoor oasis.