Cat walk deck, skimmer basket access

[Whatrymes]

Hey,

Wondering if I could get a couple of tips. The access to the top of our skimmer/basket is blocked by the 18" cat walk decking around our pool. As of yet, I have not figured out an easy way to add DE to my filter when needed. We've been adding DE to a bucket of water, making a gruel and pouring it in a funnel through the front of the skimmer. It's just a pain to do and takes both of us. Any suggestions? Any tips and tricks to make this setup easier?

Thank you,
Ed

 

[Jamison04]

Cut out a section of the decking and frame in the opening and then frame up a trap door and use the removed decking to cover the door. Then just lift up the trap door out of the way when you need access to the filter. Better yet, attach it with a couple of hinges so it can just swing up.

 

[Richard320]

A lift-out section of decking above the skimmer?