How to Unclog a Pool Skimmer
A pool skimmer quickly removes leaves, sticks and other floating debris from a swimming pool. As the skimmer, also known as a scupper, filters pool water, these unwanted items can easily clog skimmer lines and the skimmer basket. A clog causes the water to become stagnant, unfiltered and accumulate dirt. Clogs should be cleared quickly to keep the pool clean and crystal clear. If a skimmer basket or line is clogged for an extended period of time and water flow is restricted, the pool pump may be damaged and the motor can burn out. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Turn off power to the pool pump. This will decrease the suction in the skimmer basket, and allow debris to float to the top of the basket for easy removal.
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2
Remove the lid to the skimmer basket. Look for any obstructions in the skimmer basket. Remove any small pool toys that may be in the basket, as these can clog and obstruct water flow into the filtration system.
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3
Lift the skimmer basket out by the handle. Hold the skimmer basket over a 5-gallon bucket dumping out the debris that has been clogging the system. Gently tap the basket on the side of the basket to loosen leaves or wet matted dirt.
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4
Look down into the skimmer line below the skimmer basket reservoir. Remove any leaves or clogs by hand. Then, thread a plumber's snake into the skimmer line. Crank the handle of the snake to loosen and break up the clog.
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5
Remove the skimmer line from the pool pump with a screwdriver. Insert the snake to break up a clog in the line stretching from the pool pump to the skimmer basket. Reaching the clog from both angles may be needed for a long clog or multiple clogs in a skimmer hose. Pull out any waste and place it in the bucket for later disposal into a compost pile or garbage can.
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Re-attach the skimmer hose. Place the skimmer basket back in place, and close the lid over the basket. Turn the power back on to the pool pump. Listen for the water to push any leftover debris into the filter attached to the pool pump. Listen and watch for smooth water flow into the skimmer basket, into the filter and back into the pool.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a pool net on an extension pole to remove floating debris from the surface of the pool water on a daily basis. This will eliminate clogs in the skimmer by items that are too large to be filtered, such as tree limbs.
