too small to get grabbed by filter while vacuuming?

[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.

[AnnaK]

Got'cha! Be kind to skimmer socks

Something Poconos mentioned to me some time ago when I was unhappy with a Polaris cleaner for leaving the fine stuff. The suggestion was to put a wad of medical gauze or cheese cloth inside the Polaris bag to help trap that dust. I sold the Polaris because I really do like vacuuming by hand and the thing got in my way but the idea of trapping what amounts to silt with gauze or cheese cloth is a good one.

In fact, I think I'll try that in my skimmer basket, see what happens.