Unable to remove skimmer basket

[Zurex]

I recently cleaned the filter cartridges. The suction has increased so much that I can't remove the skimmer basket without turning off the pump. Is this normal?

 

[PoolGate]

That's a lot of suction. Do you have a main drain? How many skimmers? Mine can get tight especially if it's full of leaves but never really that hard.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Z,

Show us some pics of your equipment pad and your skimmer basket. Maybe we can see something..

Since you have a single speed pump, it would be pretty normal if the basket is full, or close to being full.

Do you use hairnets or skimmer socks in your skimmer?

You have a large cartridge filter, which should be almost impossible to "clog up".... How long ago with your last filter cleaning?

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[duraleigh]

A little off the subject, but I would turn the pump off before removing the basket.......always

There is FAR LESS chance of something getting sucked into the system.

 

[BMerrill]

IMHO its best to turn the pump off when removing the basket because any debris that is not in the basket will be sucked to the pump strainer basket. Then you have to turn the pump off to clean it out as well. Best to do it right the first time.
Just curious, what speed are you running the pump?
Do you have more than 1 intake from the pool?

 

[Newdude]

Just curious, what speed are you running the pump?

Single speed

Do you have more than 1 intake from the pool?

I'm guessing no.

With one intake my skimmer basket was hard to remove when it was empty with a single speed pump.

With 2 intakes the baskets were only hard to remove when stuffed.

With 3 intakes (now), I have to weigh the baskets down because they float.

 

[Jimrahbe]

I can't argue with the "Better safe than sorry" rule, but....

What the heck do you guys get in your skimmer baskets???

I never turn off my pump, when taking out the skimmer baskets, on any of my pools... There is never anything in my skimmer baskets that would cause any issues even "if" it got sucked into the pump.

Sorry, but I just don't see the need to shut off the pump, in most cases.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Newdude]

Sorry, but I just don't see the need to shut off the pump, in most cases.

It depends on the amount of debris IMO. At heavy times, it was all jammed up in the throat and weir too, and some would get down the pipe once the basket came out. There's always one more clump or leaf up in there somewhere.

But when I go out there and it's *2* leaves and a small clump of dog hair, there's no need to shut the pump off, providing everything small enough to get sucked into the skimmer pipe is secure in my pockets.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dude,

I agree 100%.. Let common sense be your guide..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Mdragger88]

If mine is even moderately full I have to turn the pump off or I risk breaking the basket as it is quite hard to remove. So when its leafy out I always just turn the pump off.

 

[duraleigh]

Sorry, but I just don't see the need to shut off the pump, in most cases.

That's an easy one. Few pool owners keep their pool water as well managed as you do.

To some, emptying the skimmer basket is a reaction to the suction flow dropping to near zero! Those folks need to shut off the pump.

You (and many others) keep your pools so clean there is never anything lurking around the skimmer throat that might get sucked in.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dave,

I think it is more that none of my pools are surrounded by trees...

My pool is surrounded by other peoples houses...

I am always envious of people that have large lots, and great views, trees or not...

Thanks,

Jim R.