One Skimmer Basket is higher than the other?

[unc99]

Hi, we have a fairly new pool, and we noticed that one skimmer is always full of debris, while the other is not. In examining more closely, I think the issue has been that one skimmer basket is about 1.25 inches higher than the other (based on water level), which has resulted in the water level in the empty (and higher) skimmer being above or close to the top of the entry point so that there is no room for debris to float in. Has anyone encountered this before? Note that the height issue is just internal at the skimmer basket, not the skimmer entry point around the tile of the pool.

 

[duraleigh]

Well, that's not good. IG pool? How old? Under any warranty maybe?

 

[kimkats]

Could it be the two baskets are different sizes? Or is there something keeping the higher basket from going down into the skimmer hole?

 

[unc99]

Thanks for the responses. This is a brand new custom in-ground pool. A picture of the issue is below. In sum, when the water level is at the recommended halfway point of the outside of the skimmer entrance, the water level inside the skimmer "frame" is at or above the opening in the frame that leads to the basket. See attached picture. We realized something was wrong with this skimmer because our other skimmer basket was filling with leaves/debris, while we hardly got anything in this skimmer. As it turns out, the issue appears to be that any floating debris are not able to enter the skimmer or reach the basket because the skimmer frame is too low and the opening is below the water level. In the other skimmer that is working, there a more than an inch of space.for debris to float in to the basket. Any thoughts on this?

 

[jtpipkin]

If the return jets are aimed correctly, it may be the first basket in line is grabbing it? I only have one skimmer, so I’m not an expert on the subject

 

[unc99]

Hi, just wanted to bump this post and see if anyone had any other thougts. In sum, am wondering if it is acceptable for a new inground pool to have the following:

1. One skimmer is an inch higher than the other (based on water level)

2. For the lower skimmer, when the water level is at the halfway point of the tile line, the skimmer itself is full of water. (which would seem to impair debris floating in).

See pics below. First pic shows that water level is at halfway point of tile line. Second pic shows that skimmer is full of water at this point (ie, seems to have been installed too low).

 

[splashpad]

@unc99, is the basket that has water up to the top of it before or after the "correct" level skimmer? (as far as the circulation flow)

 

[Jimrahbe]

99,

My skimmers are within an 1/8th of an inch of each other... Skimmers work best when the water is just above the bottom of the skimmer mouth.. They work worst when the water is at the top of the skimmer mouth.. Since you never want the water to drop below the skimmers, it makes sense to run them with the water level the middle of the skimmer mouth.

You need to talk with your pool builder and see what, if anything, can be done to have your skimmers set at the same height. It is his fault and he needs to fix it, but the problem is, is it just a skimmer or is the whole pool tilted?

Also important in how well a skimmer works is the operation of the weir door, the speed of the pump, and the valve positions..

It could just be the pictures, but I can't see the weir doors... Are they installed and working?

What speed are you running the pump? I am assuming you have a VS pump.

How do you have your valves set up that select the amount of suction that goes to each skimmer? In almost all cases, the skimmer that is farther away will need more suction than the skimmer that is closest to the equipment pad.

Another thing is that stuff that floats will never sink into the skimmer basket.. Once they become waterlogged they will, but some things just don't sink.

Thanks,

Jim R.