can't separate skimmer parts

[Rick P]

We recently opened our pool, and upon pulling out the skimmer to remove debris, I found that I can no longer separate the skimmer basket from the float.​

Pentair R38013A Basket​

Pentair R38013B Floating Weir

I was always able to twist the float so it could be separated from the basket for cleaning, but now it will only slide up and down, but will not separate. I have no idea how this ‘change’ took place.

Can anyone please tell me how to separate these?

 

[Rick P]

Surely SOMEONE has to know about this!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I have one, but never had an issue with removing the float. If you've had it apart before then you know there are notches that need to be lined up to remove the inner float. The fact that it moves up and down, but doesn't twist is puzzling.

 

[Rick P]

Thanks for reply.

Ok so I grabbed one, angry as heck, and pulled them apart with serious force figuring I may have to break it in order to get it to work, or buy new ones if they do break.

So I was able to force them apart without breaking anything and was able to put them together again in the normal fashion (through 3 tabs, rotate, and next 3 tabs etc) and are now functioning normally, making it MUCH easier to clean debris out of them.

The problem was 3 of the tabs were stuck in the 3 vertical ‘tracks’, and apparently is an optional feature for those who want it.

This ‘modification’ had to have been be made by the guys who come here twice a year (opening and closing) but I will make dam sure it doesn't happen again.