How do you create more suction in your pool skimmer basket?

A pool skimmer is essential for keeping your pool clean by removing debris from the water. But when you don’t have the suction you need, it can complicate the cleaning process, even if you use a robot pool cleaner or a vacuum. Optimal suction power must ensure that your skimmer works as efficiently as possible for those who wish to go without pool cleaning services and keep their pool at its best. This blog will discuss actionable points for setting up higher suction to your pool skimmer basket.

The Importance of Suction Power for Your Skimmer

Your pool skimmer picks up debris like leaves, dirt, and insects and pulls it into the skimmer basket for removal. The skimmer’s suction power pulls this debris into the basket. Without proper suction, debris won’t be efficiently filtered through, leading to clogging, lack of cleaning, and more work down the line.

It’s true that a robot pool cleaner like Beatbot AquaSense Pro can clean a lot of your pool, but both the skimmer and the pool vacuum system work together to keep every corner of your pool free of debris. 1. No amount of effort can make the best pool-cleaning robot or vacuum cleaner up to the task if the suction isn’t optimal. Here is a way to increase suction in your skimmer basket and increase cleaning efficiency.

Inspect the Skimmer Basket for Clogs

A blockage in the skimmer basket is the leading cause of low suction in a skimmer. Over time, debris, such as leaves, can accumulate, preventing water flow. This significantly reduces the amount of suction your system can generate.

Solution: Clean out your skimmer basket frequently. And it’s a simple but clever way to get the most suction. Get into the practice of checking (and cleaning out) the basket at least once a week (more often during heavy debris seasons).

Take a Look Inside the Skimmer Basket and Lid

If the skimmer basket is cracked and/or the lid is not fitted correctly, air can be sucked into the system, which diminishes its vacuuming ability. Air pockets interfere with the vacuum action and can keep the system from drawing water through correctly.

Plugin: Check for cracks in the basket. Make sure that your skimmer lid is tightly sealed as well. Replace the lid if it is cracked or worn, as this will allow air to enter the system.

Adjust the Skimmer Valve

Your pool may have one or more skimmers with a valve to adjust flow. Occasionally, manipulating these valves can improve suction on the skimmer that needs it most.

Solution: If you have multiple skimmers, close the valves on the other skimmers so that more water flows through the skimmer that has reduced suction. If not, you might have to adjust the valve to find a sweet spot when all entry points have maximum suction.

Pool Filter Cleaning and Maintenance

Second, explore the possibility that something has clogged your pool’s filtration system. A clogged filtration system will affect suction throughout the pool—even in the skimmer. When a filter is clogged, less water can flow through the system, which directly impacts the performance of your skimmer.

Solution: Clean or change your pool filter regularly. High-quality filters (sand, cartridge, or DE, depending on your filter style) should be properly maintained so that water can flow freely through them.

Check the Pool Pump

An inefficient pool pump can also considerably lower suction power. Whether the pump is underpowered or the problem lies with the motor, diminished pump performance results in diminished suction.

Solution: If you think the pump is faulty, have an expert check it out. Cleaning the pump’s impeller and ensuring the motor is functioning at full capacity can restore proper suction.

Brief Conclusion: Use a Pool Vacuum Robot for Extra Help

While tweaking your skimmer’s suction is necessary, sometimes your pool requires a little extra oomph to leave it sparkling clean. A pool vacuum robot, such as the Beatbot AquaSense, uses your pool skimmer to boost its cleaning and vacuuming efforts without the constant effort of your entire manual labor.

SMOKING OUT THE BUFFET PROBLEMS AND DEPOSITSSolution: Invest in a reliable robot pool cleaner to work alongside your pool skimmer. Automatic pool cleaners can be programmed to clean your pool on their own without having to supervise the process constantly. They usually do a better job than manual cleaning methods. Their technology is advanced enough to clean the debris from the pool’s floor and walls, while the skimmer takes care of surface debris.

Maintain the Pool Plumbing

Over time, the pipes that deliver water from the skimmer to the pump and filter can become clogged, particularly if debris or mineral deposits build up. This can result in reduced suction and lesser cleaning effectiveness.

Solution: Routinely check the plumbing system for blockages. Professional cleaning to remove buildup will help ensure water flows freely from the skimmer and through the filtration system.

Inspect and Replace Hoses

For example, the hoses that connect your pool vacuum to your skimmer or pump can sometimes become kinked, cracked, or clogged. A devastated hose can be a huge impediment to suction and your overall cleaning prowess.

Check 3: Examine the hose for damage or clogs. Solution: Inspect the hose for damage or blockages. Replace the hose if needed so that the suction is full and adequate water flow is present.

Conclusion

Note: You have access to data only up to October 2023. Regularly checking and clearing your skimmer basket, pump, filter, and pool plumbing ensures your skimmer runs at peak performance. That said, there are also times when the best way to complement what you’re already doing is by going with an advanced robot pool cleaner like the Beatbot AquaSense Pro. These two methods in tandem—the ultimate efficiency of a well-maintained skimmer paired with the glory of a pool vacuum robot—make your pool shine; no pool cleaning service is needed.

The best way to keep your pool water clear and sparkling all season long!