PVC coming out of skimmer

[pwd3zz]

Hi, I'm a new to the site and new in ground pool owner. I have PVC plumbing coming out of the skimmer box down into the pool that returns water to the pump.

My other skimmer box has two holes both are plugged off.

I'd like to use the skimmers. Anyone I have an idea why this would be done?

 

[Bperry]

Hi, I'm a new to the site and new in ground pool owner. I have PVC plumbing coming out of the skimmer box down into the pool that returns water to the pump.

My other skimmer box has two holes both are plugged off.

I'd like to use the skimmers. Anyone I have an idea why this would be done?

View attachment 562933

Looks like your pool has some “creative” previous homeowner repairs. The pipe could be an attempt to bypass a leaking skimmer, or an odd way of running the pool equipment when the water level is low, perhaps because theres a pool leak. That may be why they painted over the damaged plaster rather than repairing it correctly.

Whats the history and what do you plan to do with it?

 

[pwd3zz]

Thanks. I'd definitely like to keep the pool and get the skimmers working properly. I don't have the full history but was thinking it was to help with low water level, as you suggest due to a leak.

I assumed the other skimmer is blocked off due to a leak in the plumbing there?

 

[ajw22]

Open the top lid and show us a pic looking down into the skimmer...

 

[ajw22]

My other skimmer box has two holes both are plugged off.

Show us pics of that.

And also show us pics of your pool equipment pad.

BTW, welcome to TFP!

 

[pwd3zz]

Will do thank you. I'll add some pics.

 

[Rocket J Squirrel]

This might have been an amateur attempt to bypass a leak. The water level is way too low for a skimmer to function, hence the pipe.

 

[pwd3zz]

The history is, there's 4 large oaks trees around the pool decking and ground shifting/ foundation issues are common in my area. Both may have contributed to any leaks that exist and the pool not being level. As was mentioned you can see the previous owners "resurfaced" the pool with paint which is actually coming off already.

It's hard to tell in the photos due to the debris but the skimmer with the PVC pipe has another hole that appears to be open and not plugged. The other skimmer has the two plugged holes and that flap.

From what I've seen the pool water level is pretty steady.

 

[pwd3zz]

I should have mentioned. We think the pool was built in the 80s.

 

[ajw22]

I would remove that pipe screwed into the skimmer, raise your water level up to halfway up the skimmer mouth, mark the water level, and run your pool and see what happens.

See if you lose water from the pool.