Help what is this in my skimmer!

[Jgrl]

I have a weekly service, but are they coming? What has allowed this to grow in my skimmer? Is it a grass, algae,? Is my pool unbalanced? First time on this site trying to find answers. Thank you.

 

[Jimrahbe]

J,

That does not look like a skimmer... It appears to be an auto-fill water valve.

I have no idea what the 'string' is.. for sure not algae and does not look like grass..

The pool service guy would not normally look in there..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JamesW]

Looks like an autofill.

The stuff looks like roots.

What plants are nearby?