Skimmer basket malfunction

tstex

Silver Supporter
Aug 28, 2012
2,236
Houston, TX
Hello to all,

Have 2 skimmer baskets that do not seem to want to stay level in the skimmer. One side has sunk [1/2"] into the body of the skimmer and it's locked into skimmer recepticle. I also added a tie-strap to the inside at 3 oclock to help remove, which has worked previously for the last 7-8 yrs w hair nets. Instead of a true 8" width, it was less and this is the culprit. Just didnt think it would have been an issue.

I know I would take a pair of needle nose a destroy them while removing, but just looking to see of there are any tricks of the trade I am not aware. Any help appreciated for a pretty mundane request. thank you very much for any assistance.

 
Thanks Jim

The skimmer basket, instead of fitting into the skimmer basket receptacle evenly at the top lip, has gone below the top to make it cockeyed and sagging in one area that has locked it into place. Does this make sense?
 
I'm all for saving $16, but if the old ones aren't acceptable anymore, I would not worry about breaking them to get them out.
 
Ok so just to recap, the new basket(s) was a hair too small and got lodged below the skimmer housing lip. If so, it'll Jimmy out the same way it went in, and your patience level will determine how long you try to get it out gently. :)
 
Ok so just to recap, the new basket(s) was a hair too small and got lodged below the skimmer housing lip. If so, it'll Jimmy out the same way it went in, and your patience level will determine how long you try to get it out gently. :)
Yes, that about sums it up. Also, w such high winds, some type of debris/grit has lodged inside the lip to make it near impossible to move. Its just one of those trial by error but was cking to see if someone had a trick of the trade or technique to help dislodge. I live w all girls so I'm good at taking instructions...I have all daughters that achieved masters in "Dad Guidance Techniques". Their mom was their professor.
 
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Can relate with 2 daughter and a Mrs. There is zero shortage of being told how I'm doing it wrong. :laughblue:

Fun fact: manhole covers are round because it's the only common shape that can't fall into itself with a slightly larger piece. If its cocked on an angle, the high side may need to be pushed down in order to slide the whole thing over a hair and pop it right out. I'm guessing there is a molded line / edge sticking out that is acting like a ceiling that that side can't get past.

Pushing down or wiggling/rocking it down may free that stuck area.
 
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Thanks Jim

The skimmer basket, instead of fitting into the skimmer basket receptacle evenly at the top lip, has gone below the top to make it cockeyed and sagging in one area that has locked it into place. Does this make sense?
You seem to have the wrong size skimmer baskets. A proper size one won't do that unless it or the skimmer is damaged. And yes, even 1/4" smaller can cause that, especially if it is not a ValPak one. You can park a truck on those, literally. Mine is going on 30 years with no replacement.
 
Another tip, look on the underside the skimmer cover for a brand and model number for the skimmer. Then order the correct ValPak model for your skimmer.
 
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Well, by the pics, you can see how difficult it was to extricate. I had to put a sm FH screwdiver into the side and try to wk my way in to create a gap. I tried saving them but no can do until i took pliers and pulled in edges. The top just broke of this one.
 

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Sorry you're out $16, but if *a* part had to break to get it out, ya did good. (y)