Frozen ABG skimmer basket

[doc8404]

Usually I drain the pool below the skimmer, actually down past the return as the snow and water pushes the cover down and pushes water out anyway.

Because I had to add so much softened well water (versus untreated with iron) this spring I decided to not drain it.

I installed the return plug along with the skimmer cover that came with the pool.

I noticed it had a slow drip drip drip type of leak in one corner and couldn’t get it to seal.

Didn’t think it would be a big deal.

Tonight i I took the attached pic.

We have a few warmer days coming up.

Should i
1) leave it alone and don’t worry
2) hope to be able to drain it below the return jet

thank you
[email protected]

 

[kimkats]

Rock and hard place there Did you put anything in the skimmer to keep water out of the pipe? I am thinking using a hair dryer to help melt the ice and hoping you can plug it if it is not already. What i worry about is the pipes breaking.

 

[doc8404]

Thanks for the reply.

What pipes would break? The only thing connected is the 12” pipe and valve you see in the photo.

if I put something in the skimmer to block the water, that would still let the water accumulate in the skimmer and freeze like it did.

I used the skimmer cover that came came with the pool that goes from the inside.

 

[kimkats]

The worry is the pipe coming down from the skimmer. If the ice/water cannot flow out then the ice can expand and cause the pipe to crack. The same for the skimmer.

Looking at the pic and what you said I am guessing there is nothing attached to the pipe under the valve. If that is the case then you should be good to go. What about the return? Can the water flow freely from it as well?

Kim

 

[doc8404]

Yes ma’am. Both valves are open so it can freeze and expand. Not a fan of that much ice weight in the now filled skimmer

anyone ever just close the valve and fill the skimmer with this?

https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Non-Toxic-Swimming-Pool-Anti-Freeze/dp/B00ESJEVKY

 

[zea3]

After the ice melts stuff the skimmer with cut up pool noodle or similar closed cell foam It won't keep out 100% of the water out of the skimmer but it will occupy space and will compress as the ice expands. Check your skimmer for cracks once the ice thaws.

 

[doc8404]

thanks all...hoping in the next few days I can make that happen!

also ordered one of these.
Just trying to drain the water below the skimmer!

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product...4df-15aac5223b10&pf_rd_r=AXCPNVYFEK7RNCCTM196

 

[kimkats]

If you are worried about the weight you can prop a 2x4 under it to take some of the weight load. I would worry about that also so....I think it might worth digging out that snow and fitting something to help.

 

[doc8404]

break ice today.
check

2x4 today.
check.

pool noodles Sunday....
it is -1 now and in the 40s the next few days.
Check

 

[kimkats]

Be VERY careful "breaking" the ice. You might break the skimmer

-1 BURRRRRRR