too small to get grabbed by filter while vacuuming?

[resp215]

nope nobody tilling or farming near me. i live in pennsylvania but not deep into it, just outside of philadelphia.

ill go out in the morning and reassess it. then try to get a sock at some point.

[CarlD]

You usually cannot vacuum with a skimmer sock in place because you have to take out the basket.

If your pump is what is called "uprated", it's probably OK with your filter. However, if it's what is called "full-rated" it is almost certainly too much pump and stressing or even damaging your filter.
Solutions:
1) Get a bigger filter or
2) Get a smaller pump or
3) Get a smaller impeller for the pump so it reduces the flow. If everything is good, this is the least expensive solution. The pump guys can help you with that.

Carl

[Watermom]

Carl,
When I vacuum, I do not take my skimmer basket out. But, at any rate, I agree that you should remove the skimmer sock when you vacuum.

[CarlD]

Carl,
When I vacuum, I do not take my skimmer basket out. But, at any rate, I agree that you should remove the skimmer sock when you vacuum.

do you have one of those 5" round angle plates? If no your vacuum usually goes in the pipe at the bottom of the skimmer case, requiring you to remove the basket.

[AnnaK]

I have a plate that goes on top of the skimmer basket. The basket stays in place during vacuuming. I do use skimmer socks when I vacuum. Is that a bad thing to do?

[Watermom]

As long as your pressure isn't plummeting, I guess it isn't a concern.

[CarlD]

AnnaK,
If it works, go for it! Having the sock catch all the debris rather than the pump's basket is always a good thing.

Carl

[Yeggim]

I have a plate that goes on top of the skimmer basket. The basket stays in place during vacuuming. I do use skimmer socks when I vacuum. Is that a bad thing to do?

I don't any more. I used to vacuum with the skimmer socks in but mine seem take a beating and wear out prematurely.

[AnnaK]

They do prevent a whole lot of fine debris, especially tree flower bits (bracts) and dog hair, from getting into the filter and I save much water by not having to vacuum to waste or backwash. The pump pressure doesn't appear to be affected, the gauge stays steady.

Yes, the socks do take a beating but they really are very inexpensive in the overall scheme of things. I go through maybe six skimmer socks in a season. My pool store sells 5 for $6 and they sell for less than that on eBay.