Swimming pools require a lot more work. From regular maintenance tasks to repairing issues as they arise, all homeowners know the effort that goes into caring for a pool. One of the most important tasks is unclogging the pool skimmer. The skimmer is the cutout along the edge of the pool that draws debris into a storage basket. The pump system then uses suction through the skimmer to circulate the clean, chlorinated water back into the pool.
Over time, however, the pool skimmer can become clogged with debris from the swimming pool. Read on to learn the steps you need to take to unclog your pool skimmer and how to know when to call a professional for skimmer repair.
How to Unclog a Pool Skimmer
Safety Precautions
Before doing any work on your pool, safety is crucial. As with all home projects, this should also be your top priority. Begin by turning off the pool pump. If you can, try to shut off power to the motor to prevent it from turning on accidentally. You should also gather any tools you need before you start working.
Remove the Lid
Now that you’ve made sure the area is safe, you can begin the unclogging process. Start by removing the lid, which is held in place either by a few screws or a twist lock fastener. Put all the parts to the side, so you don’t misplace them. Take a look inside the skimmer to check for any sharp objects. This way, you won’t hurt yourself when trying to unclog it.
Remove the Debris
Pull the basket out of the skimmer. Remove the debris in the basket and dump it in the trash. Then, look inside of the basket holder. Sometimes, leaves and other debris can fall through the cracks and wind up outside of the basket. Scoop out anything that is trapped in there and put it in the trash with the other debris.
Snake the Pipe
Next, you can move onto actually tackling the clog. For this step, you will need a plumbing snake. Insert the plumbing snake into the plumbing of the pool skimmer until you feel a large bump. Try to push the snake past it to ensure that it is not just a turn in the pipe. If you cannot get past the mass, you have found the clog. Wind the snake to break up the clog. The larger the mass, the longer you will need to wind the snake.
As the clog breaks up, you may need to reposition the snake to make sure that it remains in contact with the obstruction. Once you have broken up the clog, remove the snake from the drain. Throw out any debris that you are able to remove too.
Replace the Pieces and Turn It On
After breaking up the clog, you can put the skimmer back together. Replace the basket, lid, and screws. Reconnect the pool pump and turn the power back on. After a few hours, check the pump and skimmer to ensure everything is working properly once again. The debris that you loosened in the pipe that was not removed will flow into the basket. You will also need to remove the debris from the basket once more.
Call a Professional
After unclogging the pool skimmer, check to make sure everything is working correctly. If not, your problems may be worse than just a clog. The best thing you can do is contact a professional who handles skimmer repair in Sacramento. Contact us at Bullseye Leak Detection, Inc., to learn how we can help.
