Pool skimmers are one of the most important parts of a clean and healthy swimming pool. They work by collecting floating debris such as leaves, insects and small surface particles before they have a chance to sink to the bottom, helping to keep your water cleaner and reducing the load on your filtration system.
Key Takeaways
- Pool skimmers remove floating debris before it sinks, helping keep pool water cleaner and easier to maintain.
- They support both filtration and circulation by acting as the entry point for water heading into the pool’s cleaning system.
- There are several types of pool skimmers, including built-in, above-ground, manual, robotic and spa skimmers.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance of the skimmer basket, door and housing helps improve performance and extend the life of your pool equipment.
Although they are often overlooked, pool skimmers play a major role in day-to-day pool maintenance. With very few moving parts, they are relatively simple to look after, but they make a big difference to water clarity, hygiene and overall pool performance.
What Are Pool Skimmers
A pool skimmer is a piece of pool equipment designed to remove debris from the surface of the water. It usually sits along the side of the pool and creates a steady flow that draws floating debris into a basket before that debris can sink or move deeper into the system.
All pools need a skimmer, whether they are inground pools, above-ground pools or spas. The skimmer design can vary depending on the type of pool, but the purpose stays the same: to help keep the water fresh, clean and healthy.
Inground Pool Skimmers
Inground skimmers are built directly into the pool wall near the waterline. They are often rectangular and usually include a weir door at the front. This door opens and closes with water movement and helps stop debris from floating back into the pool when the pump is turned off.
Above-Ground Pool Skimmers
Above-ground skimmers can be mounted on the pool wall or used as floating models. Mounted versions are attached to the side of the pool, while floating versions move with the water and collect debris from the surface.
What Do Pool Skimmers Do?
In simple terms, pool skimmers skim the surface of the water. In practice, they do much more than that.
Support Filtration and Circulation
Pool skimmers act as the starting point for the pool’s filtration and circulation system. Water is drawn through the skimmer and into the pump, where larger debris is trapped before it reaches the filter. This helps protect other equipment and allows the filter to focus on finer particles.
By helping water move through the system efficiently, skimmers contribute to cleaner, fresher and better-balanced pool water.
Reduce Manual Cleaning
By removing floating leaves, insects, grass and other debris before it sinks, skimmers reduce how much manual cleaning is needed. This makes routine pool care easier and helps maintain a more inviting swimming environment.
Assist With Vacuuming
If you need to manually vacuum your pool, the skimmer can also help. A vacuum hose can be inserted into the skimmer suction point, or used with a vacuum plate, to help remove dirt and debris more effectively.
Help With Chlorine Distribution
Some pool owners place chlorine tablets in the skimmer basket to help distribute sanitiser as water passes through. If you do this, make sure partially dissolved tablets are removed when the pump is off to reduce the risk of concentrated chlorine affecting the equipment.
Types Of Pool Skimmers
Built-In Skimmers
Built-in skimmers are installed during pool construction and connected directly to the pool’s plumbing and filtration system. They provide continuous surface cleaning as part of the normal circulation cycle and are the standard option for many inground pools.Manual Skimmers
Manual skimmers are handheld tools that usually consist of a fine-mesh net attached to a telescopic pole. They are ideal for spot cleaning and for removing larger debris that may otherwise clog a built-in skimmer basket.Above-Ground Pool Skimmers
Above-ground pool skimmers can either be mounted on the wall or float on the surface. Mounted skimmers hang on the side of the pool, while floating versions move with the water and collect debris as it passes.Robotic Pool Skimmers
Robotic pool skimmers offer a more automated approach to surface cleaning. Some are solar-powered while others run on batteries. They move across the water surface and collect floating debris independently, helping reduce manual effort.Hot Tub and Spa Skimmers
Spas and hot tubs also need surface cleaning. Spa skimmers help remove floating debris and may include built-in cartridge filters or baskets to catch larger and smaller particles. This helps reduce the chance of cloudy or contaminated water.Pool Skimmer Nets
Pool skimmer nets are a simple and low-cost option for many pool owners. They are useful for scooping debris from the surface, pool floor, steps or attached spa areas, and can also be handy for removing leaves from pool covers during winter.How to Clean a Pool Skimmer
Cleaning a pool skimmer is one of the easiest pool maintenance tasks and should be done regularly to keep water flowing properly.
- Remove the skimmer cover.
- Take out the skimmer basket.
- Empty the collected debris.
- Rinse the basket with a hose if needed.
- Replace the basket and skimmer cover.
If the basket is especially dirty, make sure any residue from cleaning products is completely rinsed away before putting it back. Leaving cleaner behind can cause unwanted foaming in the pool water.
Pool Skimmer Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance helps your skimmer perform properly and reduces the risk of bigger problems later on.
- Empty the skimmer basket regularly so debris does not block water flow.
- Inspect the skimmer housing for cracks or damage that could cause leaks.
- Check the skimmer door to make sure it opens and closes properly.
- Keep the area around the skimmer free from buildup that could affect circulation.
- Make skimmer checks part of your normal pool maintenance routine.
A properly maintained skimmer helps improve circulation, supports the rest of the filtration system and makes keeping your pool clean much easier.
Winterisation Of A Pool
If you are preparing your pool for winter, do not forget the skimmer. Proper skimmer care during winterisation helps prevent problems and makes opening the pool again much easier when the weather warms up.
The winter preparation process can vary depending on whether you have an inground or above-ground pool, so it is important to follow the right method for your setup.
Why Pool Skimmers Matter
Pool skimmers may seem like a simple part of the system, but they play a major role in keeping pool water clear, healthy and enjoyable to swim in. By collecting debris early, they reduce strain on the rest of the equipment, improve water circulation and make routine maintenance less time-consuming.
Investing in a good-quality skimmer and keeping it in working order can help you maintain a cleaner pool and a better swimming experience for years to come.
Conclusion
Pool skimmers are one of the most practical and important tools in pool care. They remove surface debris, support circulation and filtration, reduce manual cleaning, and help maintain healthier water.
Whether you have a built-in skimmer, a manual skimmer net, or a more advanced robotic option, understanding how skimmers work and how to maintain them will help keep your pool in better condition over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a pool skimmer do?
A pool skimmer removes floating debris from the water surface before it sinks, helping keep the pool cleaner and supporting the filtration system.
Do all pools need a skimmer?
Yes, most pools need a skimmer, including inground pools, above-ground pools and spas, because skimmers help keep the water fresh and free from surface debris.
What are the different types of pool skimmers?
Common types include built-in skimmers, manual skimmers, above-ground skimmers, robotic skimmers, spa skimmers and pool skimmer nets.
How often should you clean a pool skimmer basket?
You should clean the skimmer basket regularly, especially when it fills with leaves, insects or other debris that could reduce water flow.
Can a pool skimmer help with vacuuming?
Yes, a skimmer can be used with a vacuum hose or vacuum plate when manually vacuuming the pool.
Why is pool skimmer maintenance important?
Regular skimmer maintenance helps prevent blockages, supports good circulation, protects other pool equipment and makes it easier to keep the water clean.
