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Thread: Skimmer not catching debris floating on surface

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  1. #1
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    Default Skimmer not catching debris floating on surface

    The surface debris won't make it's way to the skimmer.
    I have to wind up using a net to clean it up.
    The skimmer has plenty of suction and the weir flap is working properly.

    I think it's the directions of my return jets that is the problem. I don't know what else it can be.

    The pool is rectangular. The skimmer is at one end.
    There are two eyeball jets on one of the long sides. They are about 5' from each end.
    There is another jet on the other long side, close to the middle.

    Should I point them all toward the skimmer? That's what I have now and it doesn't work.

    Should I try to make a circular current? If so which jets should I adjust to go which way?
    Should they be pointed downward or toward the surface?

    Thank you for any advice.

  2. #2
    BigDave's Avatar
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    Default Re: Debris floating on surface

    Every pool is different. I have an 4' deep oval pool with a return right next to the skimmer. I've found I get the best skimming by pointing the return to the opposite end of the pool and down. The current appears to follow the bottom then expand at the wall rising to the surface creating a surface current that bring a lot of surface debris toward the skimmer.

    My advice: experiment until you find what works for your pool.
    12'x24' oval 7.7K gal AG vinyl pool; ; Hayward S270T sand filter; Hayward EcoStar SP3400VSP pump; hrs; K-2006; PF:16

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Debris floating on surface

    If your skimmer is on the UPWIND side of your pool, with respect to the prevailing wind direction . . . the only complete fix is to move the skimmer. (SORRY!)

    Another common problem is that the weir (floaty or flappy thing) inside your skimmer is missing or broken. That can make a BIG difference.

    Yet another is insufficient flow through your skimmer, to actually pull surface film into the skimmer.

    Adjusting eyeballs to improve flow can also help, but if you get a circular current going, make sure it's not so fast it sweeps everything right past the skimmer.

    . . . membership upgraded.

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    Default Re: Debris floating on surface

    The prevalent southerly winds are completely blocked by the house.
    The weir is in good working order.
    I don't know how to judge the skimmer flow. I only know there is plenty of suction from the skimmer to the pump.
    I'm going to play around with the jets and see if I can make them push the debris toward the skimmer.

    Thank you both for your replies.
    IG pool

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    Default Re: Debris floating on surface

    I don't know how to judge the skimmer flow. I only know there is plenty of suction from the skimmer to the pump.
    Scatter some baby powder on the water in a 3 foot area around the skimmer. If the skimmer and weir are working properly, it will be drawn into the skimmer in about a 1 foot half circle around the skimmer throat. Doing this will also let you see what's happening with respect to the currents in your pool.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Debris floating on surface

    I did as you suggested and sprinkled an arc of powder 3' in front of the skimmer. It sucked it all in.
    Part of the powder to the right of the skimmer mouth was pushed more to the right away from the skimmer by some kind of current. It all came back and disappeared into the skimmer.
    IG pool

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