Newbie Question “what is adding a sock” to the skimmer

[slater1182]

I have read in other threads about adding a sock to the skimmer to help remove small particles.

Question is:
What kind of sock? (some say nylon stocking, some say sock)
Do you add anything inside the sock to help remove particles?

thanks in advance.
scott

16k gallon plaster in ground pool
Phx, AZ

[Watermom]

Some people just use a piece of nylon hosiery. Don't have to add anything inside it. Or, you can buy something called 'skimmer socks' which is basically the same thing. It just helps to catch some of the finer stuff.

[Maxout]

You may also be refering to using a sock to add CYA (stabilizer) by putting it in the sock and placing it in the skimmer.

[larry2338]

AQUACHEM makes a Skimmer Screen (sock) that comes in a 3-pack. I buy them here @ Walmart in the pool supply section for ~ $6.00 for the package of 3 and have been happy with the fine silt they remove from the water.

[waterbear]

I have discovered that skimmer socks might actually be cheaper at a pool store. I have seen a 5 pack for $5 and change at one of the local ones!

[pairadocs]

I have discovered that skimmer socks might actually be cheaper at a pool store. I have seen a 5 pack for $5 and change at one of the local ones!

i agree - got it cheaper than above at big name national pool store starting with an L

[VOLDADDY]

I use them as well. It is amazing how dirty these things get in a couple of days.

[tphaggerty]

We have LOTS of pollen around here and the socks work great to keep that from going through to the filter.

In order to avoid making them too much work, I have 2 sets. I replace the dirty socks with clean ones every morning, then rinse the dirty ones in a bucket and let them air dry. Perfect for the next morning.

The only problem with using them is that when you see how much junk they pick up, you'll never want to stop using them.

[VOLDADDY]

tp- do they work pretty good after washing in a bucket as you described? I usually just toss them after a day or so. TIA.

[tphaggerty]

They seem to. I generally turn them inside out, shake them off (outside the pool area of course), stick my hand inside and swish them both in a clean bucket of water. Then I empty the bucket, refill and really swish and squeeze and pick off any remaining stuff. Then I let them air dry for a least a day - this really seems to be the key to having them continue to work. I've thought about adding a bit of bleach to the last soak, but instead I'm going to throw them in the wash with my Pool Rover bag at some point. So far, they seem to hold up pretty well.

I'm rotating 3 sets now (started with 2 before I started using the socks full time).