The only things between the skimmer and the pump are a valve with a clear lid with six screws and the filter basket. I haven't touched the valve cover and I've opened and closed the filter basket lid quite a few times. I thought I had it tight enough but maybe I need to try again. When the pool is opened, the pool guys usually put some type of gel on the bottome of the lid, presumably to get a tighter seal(?). I don't really see any of that on there now. Do you know what that is and can I get it at Home Depot/Lowes or is that a pool specialty item?