In wall skimmer and skimmer basket socks

[Edrock200]

Hello all,
Had two quick questions I wanted to try and gain some insight and thoughts on. I have an Intex Ultraframe XTR 12x24 pool with a sand filter and saltwater chlorinator (all packaged together.)

I would like to upgrade from the over the wall skimmer to an inwall skimmer. Does the pool need to be drained to install these and is this ok to do? I would imagine the water needs to be lowered below the skimmer at the very least but wasn't sure if the pool needs to be fully drained. If so, I will wait until next summer.

Second question is skimmer socks. Does anyone use them? Aside from the skimmer in the pool, can one be used in the skimmer basket attached to the pump, or is there risk of damaging the pump if used at this location?

Thanks in advance and again for any insight you can provide!
-Ed

 

[YippeeSkippy]

No, only drain to under where you'll be cutting.

MANY of us use Skimmer Socks.....they're so great at capturing the small schmutz, dog hair, pollen, etc that it saves our filter from all that stuff. Much easier to change out the skimmer sock for a clean one (either rinse out the cotton ones or use disposible hair net types) versus doing deep cleans on the sand. I rarely have to backwash my sand is so pristine,

Maddie

 

[Edrock200]

No, only drain to under where you'll be cutting.

MANY of us use Skimmer Socks.....they're so great at capturing the small schmutz, dog hair, pollen, etc that it saves our filter from all that stuff. Much easier to change out the skimmer sock for a clean one (either rinse out the cotton ones or use disposible hair net types) versus doing deep cleans on the sand. I rarely have to backwash my sand is so pristine,

Maddie

Thank you! I also found a similar thread here with lots of useful info on how to install the skimmer with the pool drained to below the cutline. Very much appreciate the response. Just to clarify, you put a sock on your skimmer in the pool and the prefilter skimmer right next to the pump? I just want to ensure the latter is ok, e.g. the sock won't get sucked into the pump. Just to clarify in case I'm using the incorrect terminology I'm referring to part 16 in the attached picture.

Thanks again, this place is such a great resource! I hope I can contribute back even half as much as it has helped me.
Ed

 

[YippeeSkippy]

You line the inside of your skimmer basket with the skimmer sock, but I don't believe you should put anything inside your pump basket.

Maddie

 

[Edrock200]

You line the inside of your skimmer basket with the skimmer sock, but I don't believe you should put anything inside your pump basket.

Maddie

Got it. Thanks!