Crack in Skimmer Face PLate

[richmgreen]

On my in-ground pool, I have about a 1/4" piece broken out of the rectangular face plate on the front of my skimmer. It does NOT appear to be leaking .... though I will test it with some die tonight. It looks like about an 18" wide plate. Do I need to drain the water to replace it? How big of a job is it? Trying to decide if I should pay to have a pool company change it. I assume there is a gasket as well. Afraid I may do damage if it is stuck to the liner, etc. Looking for advice.

Thanks,
Rich

 

[acamato]

you should drain it to a level below the skimmer to prevent water from getting between the liner and wall.

http://www.inyopools.com/HowToPage/how_to_fix_a_leaky_in_ground_pool_skimmer_gasket.aspx

 

[richmgreen]

Is this repair recommended by others that have done it, or should I have a professional do it? How likely is it that the liner will move? and/or that the gasket will not come off the liner? Any other concerns about the home owner (Me) doing this repair. It sounds simple enough ... I just don't know ... what I don't know

 

[Sminor]

Should be a piece of cake. I just replaced my liner and the skimmer was the easiest part. Drain your water just below the skimmer. Take out all the screws and pull the faceplate off - the gasket will probably be sticking to it... There is another gasket between the liner and the wall - you shouldn't have to do anything with that. Install the new faceplate with new a gasket and you'l be good to go!

 

[Sminor]

If it's not leaking, you could also just get a cover for the faceplate. It snaps on top and covers all the screws for a nice clean look...

 

[richmgreen]

I believe it is leaking. There is rust showing around some of the screws. The screws are stainless, I assume, so it is probably rust from the metal behind the liner ... again, I assume.

Also, Is there anything that will clean this brown (assume) rust color from the liner or plastic skimmer?

 

[Sminor]

Just because you have a bit of rust doesn't mean there's a leak. Actually I think chlorine can cause a slight bit of surface rust even on stainless after long periods. Maybe try some CLR to clean it

 

[richmgreen]

Ok. I don't want to sound too stupid here ... but what is CLR? Calcium, Lime Rust remover?

 

[Sminor]

Yep, but any generic rust remover will probably work. Unless that's some algae growing in which case scrub it with some bleach asap. I aways had a little growth right there when I opened my pool in the spring.

 

[richmgreen]

Does anyone know if there is just one gasket or two in the installation? One on the outside of the liner and one on the inside? or, just one on the outside behind the faceplate?

 

[Smykowski]

I did mine myself this spring. No issues, and the liner didn't move. Just drain the water level to just below the bottom of the old gasket.

As for how many gaskets, I don't know anything about inground pools, but you should be able to look up the skimmer model number and parts to get some help.

 

[Sminor]

There will be two gaskets. One between the pool wall and the liner. The other between the liner and the skimmer faceplate.

 

[richmgreen]

Ok. Just went to the pool store for parts and advice. They scared the heck out of me about the possibility of the liner moving. He basically said "Good Luck"! Yikes!

 

[Sminor]

Typical... You shouldn't have any issues and I bet it only takes about 20 mins to change it

 

[richmgreen]

Ok. I did the dye test around the cracked skimmer face plate. No sign of a leak. It is pretty cracked on the inside edge though. The decision ...... cover with a face plate cover .. or replace the face plate and gasket ???? Any opinions??

Thanks

 

[Smykowski]

If you're gonna be in there anyways, I'd replace the gasket as well.