Cleaning pool skimmers

[Winterhater]

First time pool owner here again. Do I leave the pump running when I clean out my pool skimmer basket? I have seen both answers online. Some say shut off the pump and others say leave it on. My plan is to pull out baskets and dump them and put them back. Anything else I need to know? Thanks in advance.

 

[Jimrahbe]

W,

I have two sets of baskets... I also use hairnets in my skimmers.

So, in my case, I never shut off the pump. I just pull out the dirty skimmer basket and put in the clean one. Takes a couple of seconds.

Then I can take my time with cleaning the dirty baskets, adding new hairnets and putting them on the shelf for next time.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Winterhater]

W,

I have two sets of baskets... I also use hairnets in my skimmers.

So, in my case, I never shut off the pump. I just pull out the dirty skimmer basket and put in the clean one. Takes a couple of seconds.

Then I can take my time with cleaning the dirty baskets, adding new hairnets and putting them on the shelf for next time.

Thanks,

Jim R.

That’s a great idea.

 

[flynwill]

I leave the pump running as well. That way the floating debris stays in the basket as you pull it out. Only takes a few seconds to pull it out, tap out the junk and put it back.

 

[Oly]

I am a 2 skimmer basket with hair nets man myself and prefer running my VS pump at a low setting when doing a change out. I also keep a hand strainer close by to scoop out any debris before it gets pulled into the pump basket.

 

[Jimrahbe]

I also keep a hand strainer close by to scoop out any debris before it gets pulled into the pump basket.

Oly,

I do the same thing use a little fish/minnow net.

Jim R.