skimmer diverter stuck? help

[Spence]

Hi,
pretty new to pool ownership. We just recognized that our skimmer didn't seem to be pulling in any water. With the pump on, I cannot actually feel/see suction at all through the skimmer. Tried to reach down and pull up the skimmer diverter (the UFO looking thing) and it is STUCK. It even looks like it's settled unevenly/crooked. Is there a trick or a tool that can help remove it? thanks in advance.

 

[mknauss]

Can you remove it with the pump off?

 

[Spence]

no, not with the pump off either.

 

[mknauss]

Hmmm --- any identifying marks on the skimmer, etc? Part number, manufacturer, etc?

 

[mknauss]

I do not have that type, but it appears upside down to me.

See Custom Molded Products Float Valve Assembly for SP1070 Skimmer - SP1070FV - INYOPools.com

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

It looks similar to mine and appears to be installed correctly. The sliding port cover is on the bottom. It should just pull up with the pump off.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Spence,

Show us a pic of the inputs to your main pool pump..

It would be nice to know what the spaceship diverter is doing..

With the pump off it should just pop right up..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JamesW]

It looks like it's too big for the skimmer.

It's probably the wrong one and it's probably stuck.

 

[Spence]

I just turned the pump off and tried to pull it up again. no luck. It doesn't move even enough to rattle. James is right - it's stuck. Does anyone know how to get it out? Is there a special tool?

Jim - what exactly do you want a picture of? the pool equipment?

thank you all!

 

[Jimrahbe]

Jim - what exactly do you want a picture of? the pool equipment?

Spence,

Yes the pool equipment.. I want to see how many pipes tie together and come into your pump.

Basically I'm trying to understand what the spaceship is there for..

Does your skimmer basket sit on top of the spaceship? Maybe it is just the pic, but it looks like your skimmer basket is only three inches deep???

I'd think about running some thin rope through the top of the spaceship and bringing the rope above the skimmer lid so you could use a 2x4 or metal bar to get some leverage..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JamesW]

Maybe try twisting and pulling?

You might end up breaking the skimmer if you pull too hard.

What is the part number on the skimmer lid?

 

[JamesW]

You can probably cut the 8 plastic stands that hold the top part on.

That will at least give you a clear hole.

Maybe use a thin wire saw.

General Tools PVC Pipe Cable Saw 858 - The Home Depot

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[taintn]

have you tried pressure washer looks like sand and gunk may have wedged in around it?

 

[Spence]

Thank you Jim! here are some pictures.

 

[mknauss]

Open the suction side valve to your skimmer. See if that assists.

 

[Spence]

a pressure washer is a good idea. I needed to haul mine out for a different project anyway.

James - interesting thought!! once I have a "clear hole," what would be my nest step?

 

[duckcmmndr]

It looks like this contraption:

Custom Molded Products Float Valve Assembly for SP1070 Skimmer - SP1070FV - INYOPools.com

It just sits in there...so unless someone glued it in place....it's probably just stuck.

 

[JamesW]

James - interesting thought!! once I have a "clear hole," what would be my nest step?

Probably won't need to do anything.

There's a float inside the piece that you should be able to feel if it is up or down.

 

[JamesW]

What skimmer lid do you have?

There should be a part number stamped on the skimmer lid.

 

[Spence]

Open the suction side valve to your skimmer. See if that assists.

when I turn the valve to the skimmer side, there's a little water movement, but still zero suction. tried to upload a video, but sadly, it looks like that doesn't work