- [Instructor] Your skimmer line is the first line
of defense when it comes to filtering out debris
in your pool.
And that means it's easy to get a clogged up skimmer line.
So, if you're getting poor suction or you think
your pool skimmer line is clogged,
here's how to troubleshoot and unclog your system.
Let's dive in.
(rock and roll music)
Real quick, before we continue,
if you want more help taking care of your pool,
be sure to grab our free pool care cheat sheet
at swimminguniversity.com/cheat sheet.
It's totally free and we'll help you keep your pool
clean and clear all season long.
First, how does a pool skimmer work?
Pool skimmers act as a gateway to your pool's
filtration system.
Your pool pump sucks water into the skimmers.
And as the water passes through the skimmer basket,
the skimmer collects large debris.
This stops things like leaves and twigs
from getting into your filter.
And that means your filter can focus on capturing
smaller contaminants.
The moving door on the front of the skimmer
is called the weir and it opens and closes and regulates
the amount of water entering the skimmer.
When you turn the pump off, the weir closes so that debris
collected in the skimmer basket
doesn't float back into your pool.
If you have two holes at the bottom of your skimmer well,
the furthest one from the pool is the suction port.
That leads the skimmer to the pump.
Your pool skimmer is also used for vacuuming.
You can connect a vacuum by inserting the vacuum hose into
the skimmer suction port or by using a skimmer vacuum plate.
The skimmer basket is also where some people
add chlorine tablets.
As the water is pulled through the skimmer,
it runs over the tablets and dissolves them.
But be careful, you don't wanna leave any partially
dissolved tablets in the pool skimmer
when your pump isn't running.
That highly chlorinated water can end up sitting
in one place where the tablet's acidity can damage
your equipment.
So how do you clean a pool skimmer?
Simply take the cover off the skimmer and pull out
the basket and dump it out.
Then put it back in the skimmer and replace the cover.
Clean out your pool skimmer at least once a week.
And if you have a smaller pool that you use more often,
or you're constantly seeing debris in your basket,
clean it every other day.
The longer debris sits in the skimmer basket,
the more likely it will start to break up and decay.
If you want to increase the amount of contaminants
picked up by your skimmer, you can cover it with
a pool skimmer filter sock or pantyhose.
The finally knit fabric will help catch smaller debris.
You can also place a few tennis balls
in your skimmer basket.
They're fuzzy exteriors will help absorb surface oil.
So, how do you know if there's a clog
in your pool skimmer line?
Well, there are a few signs it might be clogged.
One, your pool pump is pulsing or unusually loud,
and the pressure is low.
If the water is surging or pulsing in your pump,
this may be a sign of a clogged pipe.
But first you have to rule out other potential problems
like air leaks.
Check the O-ring on the pump lid.
Then check to see if your impeller inside
your pump is clogged.
Be sure the pump is off when you check this.
And if you need any help troubleshooting your pump,
be sure to check out our other videos.
It may also be a time to backwash or clean your filter
if you haven't done that in a while.
If you've just cleaned your filter, that may have caused
an air pocket to form.
Number two, your water intake into your pump is slow
even if the skimmer basket is empty.
If your water is slow coming into your pool pump,
check the skimmer door to make sure it isn't stuck.
Also make sure your pool's water level
is halfway up the skimmer.
If the skimmer door and water level look good,
then you may have a clog in your skimmer line.
To find out which pipe is blocked,
run your pool pump and check each line one at a time.
You can do this by using your pool diverter valve,
AKA a Jandy valve.
Switch the valve between the skimmers and the main
drain lines.
If one line has low pressure or your pump loses suction,
that means it's clogged with an air pocket or debris.
As you test these lines, be sure to always leave
one line open.
You never wanna run your pump with all the intake valves
closed and no water flowing.
So, if there is something blocking your skimmer line,
here's how to unclog it.
One, try moving the pool's diverter valve back and forth.
Opening and closing the pool diverter valve
while the pump is running may dislodge
whatever is blocking your skimmer line.
Shimmy the diverter valve back and forth between the lines
for several seconds each time.
After several rounds of opening and closing
the skimmer valve, you may remove the air pocket or dislodge
the debris into the pump strainer basket.
And like we said, be sure to always leave one line open
during this process so there's water flowing
into your pump as it runs.
Number two, clear the blockage with a drain
cleaning bladder.
Drain cleaning bladders attach to your
garden hose and then are inserted into the clogged line.
When the hose is turned on, the bladder expands and pushes
pressurized water down the pipe.
You can find these bladders in the plumbing section of your
local home improvement store.
First, shut off the pump completely.
Make sure your diverter valve is turned
to the skimmer line.
Then remove your skimmer basket.
Insert the hose with the bladder attachment
into the suction hole of your skimmer and push it in
as far as it will go.
When you turn on the hose, the bladder will expand
while it's in the pipe.
That pressurized water will push any debris and air
into the pump.
Now, if that doesn't work, you can try using the drain
cleaning bladder in the pump.
Make sure that the pump is turned off and the diverter valve
is set to the skimmer line.
Remove the pump basket and insert the hose with the bladder
into the pump's intake pipe that flows back
towards the pool.
This will force pressurized water back into the skimmer.
And keep an eye out for debris that blows back
into the skimmer.
You'll also wanna use the bladder in the pump
if you have a clog in your main drain line.
Just make sure the diverter valve is turned
to the main drain when you do this.
If nothing works, it might be time to call a professional
to come unclog your lines.
But don't give up right away.
It can take several rounds of diverting water and using
the bladder to unclog your lines.
If you need more help maintaining your pool
throughout the season, grab our free pool care
cheat sheet at swimuniversity.com/cheat sheet.
And if you found this video helpful, leave a comment,
hit the like button, and subscribe for more pool maintenance
tutorials throughout the season.
That's it.
Thanks again.
And happy swimming.