Your robot pool cleaner is vital to keeping your pool in pristine condition, but your skimmer is just as important when cleaning up surface debris. A clog in your pool skimmer reduces filtration efficiency and can damage your pool’s circulation system. But how can you tell if your skimmer is clogged? The New York TimesWhat To Watch For And How To Fix It
Why Is My Pool Skimmer Clogged?
The most common signs of a clogged skimmer. Be on the lookout for these warning signs:
Weak Suction: The skimmer could be clogged if your vacuum or robotic pool cleaner isn’t running correctly.
Bad Water Circulation: If your pool has still water, your skimmer may not be catching debris.
Skimmer basket filled with debris: This is important because leaves and debris can clog the water flow when piled up.
Strange Sounds from the Pump: If a skimmer is blocked, the pump may have difficulty doing its job, resulting in gurgling or whining.
Common Pool Problems: Air Bubbles in the Pool Pump Basket—There should be no air in the pump basket. If there are a lot of excessive bubbles, air could be entering your pool system through a clogged skimmer.
Common Pool Skimmer Clogging Causes
Here are some reasons why your pool skimmer can get clogged:
Leaves, Bugs, and Debris Buildup – Too much debris can clog up the skimmer’s suctions.
Algae Growth: If your pool hasn’t been maintained well, algae can clog the system. A pool vacuum for algae can help prevent this.
Blocked Skimmer Line – Water won’t flow freely if debris gets caught in the pipes.
Skimmer Basket Collapse: The basket can stretch or wear out over time, preventing proper water movement.
How to Clear a Clogged Pool Skimmer
These steps can help restore proper function if your skimmer is clogged.
Turn Off the Pump It goes without saying, but you should always turn off your system before doing any maintenance.
Empty the Skimmer Basket – Empty and clean.
Use a Skimmer Net or Vacuum Cleaner for Pool – Manually remove loose debris.
Flush the Skimmer Line—To backwash the system for a deeper blockage, you’ll need a plumbing snake.
Inspect the Pool Pump and Filter to ensure that no further debris has entered the system.
If you constantly have to deal with clogs, investing in a pool cleaning robot (such as the Beatbot iSkim Ultra, Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro, or Beatbot AquaSense 2) can maintain a cleaner swimming pool and reduce the work of your skimmer.
Hindering Upcoming Clogs of the Skimmer
Clear the Skimmer Basket Frequently — At least once a week, more in the fall.
Use a Pool Vacuum or Pool Vacuum Robot – This will remove the debris before it gets to the skimmer.
Shock and Brush Your Pool—Knowing how to clean a pool using acid washing and basic cleaning techniques prevents algae buildup.
Keep Water Level Up—When your skimmer is working, know when to drain an inground pool without a pump.
Upgrade to a Wall Climbing Pool Cleaner—These are great devices to supplement your skimmer and help grab and tackle more stubborn dirt and debris.
Conclusion
While a robot pool cleaner is handy for pool upkeep, a clean swimming pool skimmer is equally essential. It’s time to conquer the skimmer, especially if you see weak suction, sluggish flow, or strange pump sounds. Using a Maytronics pool cleaner or swimming pool robot cleaner will relieve any strain on your skimmer and keep your pool clean.
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