Skimmer Not Skimming

[xrabbi]

My pool is 18x36 gunnite, with one skimmer, one sidewall and one main drain on suction side. I recently changed out my old Pentairt WhisperFlo single speed pump motor for the Neptune variable speed. Works well, pressure at returns is strong. As you can see in photos attached, swirling action in skimmer also looks good/active.

But the skimmer does not appear to skim. As you can see in the second photo, leaves and other things flow right by the mouth of the skimmer but do not go in. The weir door doesn't seem to fold down all the way to create the waterfall effect. Is it a water level issue? Waterline is only halfway up the skimmer as you can see in photo/video. Other? Appreciated,

 

[PoolStored]

Is it a water level issue?

Raise the RPM of the pump in increments of 100, until you get the skimming action you desire. Then run that speed for whatever duration give you the clean in the pool you want.

 

[xrabbi]

Raising the RPM does not meaningfully change the skimming action (even at 3400 rpm). It increases the "swirl" inside the skimmer but does not see more surface debris being sucked in.

 

[Jimrahbe]

x,

Skimmers work because of the weir door and not the speed of the pump.. If the water is 'swirling' your pump is probable running faster than needed..

Your weir door must be free to move up and down with the water level.. The water going over the top of the door is what makes it 'skim' the junk from the surface of the water.. Otherwise, it just sucks from the bottom of the skimmer basket and leaves junk floating on the surface.

Thanks,

Jim R.