Solar covers and Intex skimmer

[Blacklisted]

Hello everyone, we just purchased a 15'x42" Intex metal frame pool about a month ago. I was given a solar cover from a coworker and have a question about the Intex floating skimmer. I'm worried about the cover blocking the skimmer. What is everyone doing to keep the skimmer clear of the cover? I haven't fully trimmed the cover yet, right now I just have the cover draped over the side so it doesn't block the skimmer. Will the cover block the skimmer or will it still work?

I was thinking of trimming the opposite side and leaving an overhang on that side so the cover doesn't interfere with the skimmer or making some type of U shaped floating thing to keep the cover off the skimmer.

If you have pics and links to you or others have done that would be great.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Patrick_B]

Welcome to the forum.

The cover will block the skimmer, but there is no need to run circulation through it when you have the cover on.
With the cover in place, it can't do much good skimming at all. I would suggest
pulling the hose off the suction fitting and letting the pump pull the suction from there.

 

[Blacklisted]

So basically it will pull from the bypass on the bottom if the cover is on.

Also what is the concensus on leaving the cover on? I have a blue solar cover and I live in So Cal. Should I leave the cover on or take it off during the day?

 

[linen]

All depends on how much direct sun the pool gets, what the ambient air temp is, what the relative humidity is, and how much wind there is. Basically, if the air temp is somewhat above the pool temp, the winds are low, the humidity is not extremely low and the pool is getting direct sunlight...then in those conditions I would certainly have the cover off if I wanted to warm the pool water.

 

[Blacklisted]

All depends on how much direct sun the pool gets, what the ambient air temp is, what the relative humidity is, and how much wind there is. Basically, if the air temp is somewhat above the pool temp, the winds are low, the humidity is not extremely low and the pool is getting direct sunlight...then in those conditions I would certainly have the cover off if I wanted to warm the pool water.

OK thanks. We are getting temps above what the pool is at and around 40% humidity and we generally don't have bad winds, just a small breeze across the pool. So I should leave the cover off during peak sun hours?

 

[linen]

I would give it a try. By a small breeze, do you mean constant, or just occasionally?

 

[Blacklisted]

I would give it a try. By a small breeze, do you mean constant, or just occasionally?

Sometimes constant, sometimes constant. Depending on direction of wind. My backyard is fenced and blocks most of it but we get occasional breezes mostly. The top of the pool is usually smooth if that helps.