Skimming & Debris /
How to Remove Twigs and Small Branches from a Pool Safely
Stop the pump before checking baskets, skim debris with the right net, and clear twigs early to protect water quality and avoid equipment damage.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Mar 10, 2026 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
Safety and tools come first
It is not uncommon for twigs and the like to end up in the pool following a storm, some yard work or just a particularly windy day. The way to handle it is to put them out without overworking the circulation system or pushing debris further into the water.
There are a few things to do before you get started: - Shut off the pump prior to opening a skimmer basket or handling any of the pool’s equipment. - Put on some proper PPE; gloves and eye protection are wise if the branches are sharp or soiled. - Make sure children and pets are not in the vicinity of the pool while you are at it. - Should the water seem unsafe or you have any reason to think there is an electrical issue nearby, let a professional have a look before anyone goes in.
For floating matter a leaf net with a telescopic pole will do the job. When the pool is well littered, a deeper skimmer type of net can be more efficient as it holds more between trips to the deck.
Dealing with what is on the surface
Most of the twigs will be found on top, so that is where to begin. Be methodical about it; if you move too fast the debris is apt to break up and disperse. A good practice is to make overlapping passes from one end to the other and to lift the net clear of the water before you reposition. Empty it frequently to keep the weight down and give it a rinse with a hose when necessary.
If you come across a twig that has partly submerged, slide the net under and raise it from below. Do not make any sudden moves that might scratch the liner or send smaller pieces scattering.
An inspection of the skimmer and filter
Once the surface is tidy, have a look at the pump strainer and skimmer baskets. Even when the water appears clean, small branches have a habit of collecting in there.
Follow this order of operations: 1. Power down the pump to open the skimmer lid. 2. Take out the basket and dispose of the contents in a compost bin or trash (where permitted). 3. Put the basket back in place firmly and only then restart the pump. 4. If your system is fitted with a gauge, check the pressure and circulation afterwards.
A basket full of sticks puts an unnecessary strain on the pump by restricting flow. Persistent debris may be an indication the filter is due for service per the manual.
Sunk or spread debris
Some pieces will sink once they have had time to soak, and fine fragments can find their way to the steps or corners. A vacuum is useful for this provided the equipment is set up right and it is safe to run. You might also want to give the surfaces a light brush to dislodge anything trapped and have another look behind ladders. If you have a cover, inspect it as well; you do not want to put it back and have the debris fall in again.
Under no circumstances should one try to force a branch into a skimmer or put hands near running suction. If something is wedged in the plumbing and will not budge, leave it to a pro.
Pitfalls to steer clear of
There are some shortcuts that only lead to trouble or damage: - Running the pump when you are taking out the baskets. - Using ordinary household implements that could splinter or mar the liner. - Letting wet leaves and such sit in the pool for days, inviting algae and stains. - Overlooking a cracked basket or torn net.
Chemicals are not going to dissolve a branch, so you have to remove it by hand. Getting after it promptly is part of keeping the pool in good shape and ensuring the water is safe to swim in.
Time to call in an expert
You would be wise to contact a qualified pool professional if large limbs have done any harm to the returns, skimmers or the pool itself. The same applies if the pump is running loud, has lost its prime or if you suspect the storm has left the water quality or electrics in question. For the most part, however, removing the occasional twig is straightforward: stop the pump, skim, check the baskets and verify the system is running as it should. It is a simple routine that protects the equipment and makes for a safer pool.