Skimmer filter function

[steveb21]

How is the skimmer supposed to function?

Is the piece in middle supposed to move up and down? Or should it be fixed?

Mine bounces up and down, it's ok when it's down but when it goes up it pushes the water in the opp direction for a second or so.

 

[pabeader]

I think we're going to need a pic or two. The majority of skimmers have a door on the pool side, that floats at the water level. It sounds like you have something a little different.

 

[steveb21]

Here you go:





The left part fits flush down, the part on the right fits into it.

video : 15 April 2017 - YouTube

(excuse the dirt, in the middle of cleaning everything up)

 

[pabeader]

Oh I remember you. Good idea with the video! I have two thoughts; either the pump is too strong or the water level isn't right, in the pool. I'm assuming that the slidey part, floats when the pump is off...

 

[steveb21]

Good call on the water level. If anything I think it may be too high, do you think this would cause the problem?

it actually was working fine a few days ago, the middle piece sat a level which continually purged water through, take it that's how it should work?

 

[Analogbytes]

During the slam, since your pump will be running 24/7, just pull that piece out for now

 

[pabeader]

Good call on the water level. If anything I think it may be too high, do you think this would cause the problem?

it actually was working fine a few days ago, the middle piece sat a level which continually purged water through, take it that's how it should work?

Yes. That's how it should work. Just sit in one place; not cycle up and down like in the video. That sucking sound kinda weirded me out

 

[steveb21]

Hmmm what could be causing it then?
My water level is approx half - in between skimmer.

If I remove the middle piece the suction reduces by a fair amount.

On 2 occasions the middle piece has some how got stuck at the bottom , which causes the pump to lose its prime.

 

[pabeader]

Does the middle part float when the pump is off?

 

[steveb21]

Yep, it floats when the pump is off.

The other piece slightly raises aswell - when pump is off.

 

[Analogbytes]

Once you open main drain as well, the suction will be less. That "could" be the issue at the moment

 

[steveb21]

Good point, il see how it goes. Many thanks.

 

[Flying Tivo]

The problem you have on the video is that the skimmer basket is not level with the
water line. That makes the floating part stick and cycle like that. Make sure the whole
assembly is clean with no debri and level the basket.

Felipe

 

[steveb21]

Opening the drain/sump did not resolve the issue with the skimmer float.

I thought as a general rule of thumb that the water level should be approx middle of skimmer area? I will double check but the only way to make the basket level with water line is to to lower water level, im pretty sure that it will then be less than 50% of the opening?

At times (i think when there is less water movement) it appears to work fine.

Below videos were taken ony few mins apart.

Not working
https://youtu.be/CQen7sf-8mk

Working
https://youtu.be/0klKm-5y-20

 

[tifford]

It looks like it's getting stuck due to friction. Maybe lightly sand the surfaces to get them to slide better. I've noticed that some of the plastics get porous over time and change properties after being in the pool environment.

 

[steveb21]

Just to update this incase any one else has a similar issue.

I ordered another kit.... it was identical to the one I already had BUT it came with clips which secure the collar to the middle section, this prevents the collar from rising up too much therefore preventing the loss of suction. Glad it was a simple one!