Skimmer Equipment /
How to Tell If Your Skimmer Basket Is Cracked or Warped
A cracked or warped skimmer basket can reduce flow, strain the pump, and let debris bypass filtration. Learn the warning signs and when to replace it.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Apr 18, 2026 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
The importance of the skimmer basket
Do not let its size fool you; the skimmer basket is a vital component for your pool’s circulation. Its job is to intercept floating debris so it does not make it to the pump basket, impeller or filter. Should a crack appear in the basket, water will find a way around it and filtration will be compromised, leading to the sort of skimmer issues one wants to avoid.
Damage seldom presents itself in any dramatic fashion. You are more likely to spot a slight warp or a small crack while doing your regular cleaning. Identifying these early spares the pump from undue stress and makes for an easier repair down the line.
How to spot a crack
Before you open the lid and take out the basket, shut off the pump. Observe all safety protocols as outlined in your equipment manual and put on appropriate PPE like gloves. Under no circumstances should one reach into suction equipment that is in operation.
With the light on it, check for:
- Any hairline splits along the rim, bottom or sides
- A broken section where debris can slip through
- Missing fragments around the top lip or handle
- Edges sharp enough to catch on your fingers
- A fissure that opens up with a little hand pressure
A wet basket can obscure a small crack. Rinse and dry it off to get a clear view of both surfaces. If you have your doubts but cannot see anything, put the basket aside and hold it up to a new one from the supply store to check the fit.
Indications of warping
When a plastic basket has been subjected to heat, chemicals or the rigors of age, it may become deformed. It might look intact but will not sit right in the well. Telltale signs include a rim that will not lie flat on the ledge, a basket that rocks rather than sitting even, or a side that has bowed. You may also notice the lid does not close as it should once reassembled, or there are gaps at the wall of the skimmer. If the basket is oval instead of round, do not try to force it; put in a new one.
System impact
More than just some extra debris in the water, a bad basket can cause real trouble for the system. It can hamper the weir, diminish suction and let clogs work their way further into the plumbing. Expect weaker skimming, a pump that runs louder or under strain, and less flow at the returns. There is also a chance of air bubbles if the fit is poor.
Of course, if the water level is dropping at an odd rate or you find a crack in the skimmer body, you are looking at something beyond a simple basket problem. That calls for a professional to have a look at the skimmer box.
Maintenance procedure
Make this part of your routine:
1. Power down the pump. 2. Carefully lift the skimmer lid. 3. Take the basket out and dispose of the contents. 4. Give it a rinse and dry it to reveal any imperfections. 5. Run your eye over the walls, base and rim. 6. Put it back only if it is level and steady. 7. Swap it out if it is warped, cracked or does not fit properly.
There is no point in using pool putty or epoxy to patch a broken basket; those are for other types of repair and will not hold up when the part is under load. Leave skimmer body repairs to the pros.
When to seek help
Some things are best left alone. Do not attempt to put a warped basket back in by force, ignore a crack because the unit seems to function, or put your hands in open plumbing. And never swim if there are electrical concerns or the equipment is not in safe order.
If the basket keeps breaking, you are losing prime, or there is an unusual noise coming from the pump, contact a qualified pool technician. The same goes for any suspected in-ground skimmer or fitting issue. A new basket is a minor cost compared with the price of pump damage, and it is the easiest way to keep your filtration in good shape.