Skimming & Debris /
How to Remove Hair and Lint from the Pool Surface
Use a fine skimmer net, keep the pool clean with regular basket and filter checks, and fix circulation issues before fine debris builds up.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Aug 2, 2025 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
The proper way to skim
Debris such as hair and lint will make its way to the corners of a pool or congregate at the skimmer. To put an end to it before it is drawn into the system or sinks, the most efficient approach is to deal with what is in plain sight right away.
A telescopic pole with a fine-mesh leaf or skimmer net is the tool for the job; you will find a finer net does a better job of holding on to fibers than a coarse one. Take your time making overlapping sweeps over the water, paying particular attention to the downwind side, the walls and any steps.
- Let the running pump do some of the work by drawing debris to the skimmer
- Be slow with the net so that fine lint has no chance to slip back under
- Do not let the net get too full or the debris will be lost again
Inspect the skimmer and water flow
Should you find that hair and lint are persistent, there may be an issue with the skimmer basket or a lack of force in the water flow. For safety’s sake, never put a hand near suction equipment while it is in operation. Switch off the pump prior to taking the lid off or removing the basket.
Once the pump is off, have a look at the basket and clear out any buildup. A clogged basket hampers circulation and allows fine matter to go round and round on the surface. You can tell if flow is poor by a few things: uneven skimming, lint piling up by the returns or in corners, or surface debris that will not budge toward the skimmer. Unusual noise from the system or air in the pump basket are also red flags.
Put some care into the filter
If the filter is not doing its job, it will let hair and lint through to reappear later. Adhere to the schedule in your manual for routine upkeep. Sand and DE systems require the same attention as cartridge filters, which should be rinsed when you notice a drop in flow.
Do not discount the filter if you are still finding lint after a good skimming and basket cleaning. Proper filtration is what makes the pool stay clean and spares you from having to skim all the time.
Stop the lint where it comes from
For a pool that stays cleaner, address the origin of the problem. Swimmers bring in their share with long hair, swimsuits and towels. Then there is the yard debris from shrubs and trees, dust and pollen carried in on the wind, or an old pool cover that is shedding.
Have bathers give their clothing a rinse and shake out their towels before they get in. If the pool has been sitting unused and you still see debris, take a close look at the cover and the surrounding area.
Pitfalls to steer clear of
Some habits only serve to aggravate the situation. This includes using a net that is too coarse, or waiting for the lint to sink rather than getting it early on. It is also unwise to rely on skimming to fix what is really a filter problem, or to overlook weak circulation simply because the water appears clear. And as noted, never access the skimmer basket with the pump on.
When to get expert help
There is no need to keep at it if you have done your due diligence with the skimmer, filter and likely sources and the problem remains. A qualified professional can sort it out. The same goes for any equipment that is shutting down on its own, cracked parts on the skimmer, or stubborn air in the lines.
Under no circumstances should anyone be in the water if it is visibly soiled, there is an electrical fault or the system is not performing as it should. Wear the appropriate PPE for maintenance and heed the instructions on your chemical labels and manuals.
An effective routine
For a faster clean with less trouble, this sequence works well:
1. Make a pass over the surface with a fine net 2. Power down the pump to check the skimmer basket 3. Give the basket and filter the attention they need 4. Clear away any obvious lint sources in the vicinity 5. If it is still an issue, contact a pro
Stick to this and you will prevent fine debris from accumulating in the first place.