The weir performs a skimming action that pulls in just the top, thin layer of water. The weir (aka flapper) has a few functions: 1) it allows for debris floating on the surface to be removed from the pool more easily than without it, 2) it keeps that debris in the skimmer basket area when the pump shuts off, and 3) it prevents gulps of air from entering the pump and filter system while people are in … Lots of leaves! Signs of a failing skimmer are usually a heads-up that other aspects of your pool maintenance need to … And if possible cut power to the motor to prevent an accidental start. How to unclog a pool skimmer How to unclog a pool skimmer ... safety. If we had a windy night it was a mess in the morning. Use eyeball fittings, or 90 degree wall fittings on the returns, to direct the water flow from all returns, in the same direction of flow. First, use a leaf rake. Alternatively, leaf covers can also be used in conjunction with a solid winter pool cover. On windy days I could be out there 3 times a day or more getting leaves out of the baskets, the Pool Skim net and then scooping extra leaves out. Optimize the Skimmer Flow. Skimmer weirs easily remove debris floating on your pool’s … Think of a pool skimmer in a residential swimming pool like you would a gutter in a larger public swimming pool: it helps to clean by skimming water and capturing floating debris such as leaves, flower petals, dirt, twigs, dead insects, and oil (sunblock)―before the waste can sink to the pool's bottom. Our pool leaf skimmers and pool leaf rakes feature heavy-duty frames and sturdy mesh nets that can be relied upon for pool leaf removal season after season. In addition, some pumps may provide heated water or double as a chlorine delivery system. If you are disciplined enough to do it every day, daily maintenance is a great method of removing leaves from your swimming pool. Any debris that floats -- leaves, suntan oil, hair -- leaves the pool through these drains. Leaf blocks include low fences, hedges, bushes, and retaining walls, which can be used to block wind and keep leaves from drifting toward your pool. This basket or bag collects leaves, preventing them from reaching your pool’s plumbing and potentially clogging it. The skimmer portion of the pump allows debris such as leaves and dirt to be collected into a filter. Pool pumps keep water in a pool moving and free of debris. If you consistently have leaves in your pool, you can lower the main drain suction to increase the suction of the skimmers—this will help them to pull larger debris in. It's acceptable for the water to fall anywhere from the one-third to one-half way mark, but if the water level is below or above this range, you should add or remove water to return the water level to an optimal range. The nets of our leaf nets and leaf rakes are molded into the rigid yet flexible aluminum frames to prevent tearing and other damage. Skimmers also have a door over the front side called a weir. Leaf Gulper — This tool is the ideal choice for when leaves have already sunk to the bottom of the pool and have clogged the vacuum and skimmer basket. The Problem: Leaves floating on the surface of the pool will clog your skimmers. Instead of emptying your basket every five minutes, the leaf gulper will work with the pressure from your garden hose, “gulping” up the leaves before they have the chance to plug your system. It also stops leaves from collecting in your pump basket, so you don’t have to … Stops leaves from collecting in your pump basket, so you don’t have to stop vacuuming to empty the pump or skimmer basket. More About Leaf Skimmer Nets and Pool Leaf Rakes. But, you still have to be vigilant with this one. Skimmer weirs. Once leaves start floating on your pool long enough, they will start to soak up enough water to fall to the bottom of your pool. To help ensure this be sure that you pool pump has been turned off. The tannins in the leaves turn your skimmer basket and piping brown. Leaf Strainers. This requires you to empty the skimmer baskets, dip the leaves out of the pool, and remove leaves from the automatic cleaner on a daily basis. Pool rakes work a lot like a pool skimmer, but they collect the leaves at the bottom of your pool. These skimmer baskets are available at most pool supply stores. The water from the hose blows leaves up into the net as you run it along the water. I consider myself an expert in pool leaf removal, having personally removed over a million floating and sunken leaves, by my own estimation. Adjust the skimmers … It skims the surface of your pool and removes leaves and other debris before they sink and decompose. Use a Robotic Pool Skimmer. Both in-ground and above-ground pools utilize a skimmer to provide a place for the filter to begin its circulation process.