Notes from the deep end

Practical articles for pool owners on skimming, water testing and choosing the right equipment.

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50 articles

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

Why Your Pool Skimmer Isn’t Catching Leaves Well

If your skimmer misses leaves, the cause is usually low water level, weak suction, a clogged basket, poor circulation, or a stuck weir door.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Clean a Pool Skimmer Basket Without Making a Mess

Turn off the pump, lift the skimmer basket slowly, empty debris into a bag, rinse it away from the deck, and reseat it correctly to keep your pool tidy.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

What Causes a Pool Skimmer to Suck Air Instead of Water?

A skimmer that pulls air usually points to low water, clogged baskets, a suction-side leak, or a valve issue. Start with safe checks before chasing hidden faults.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Remove Fine Dirt That Floats Past the Skimmer

Fine dirt often slips past the skimmer when circulation is weak or the filter is overloaded. A careful cleanup sequence usually restores clear water.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

Why Leaves Sink Before the Skimmer Reaches Them

Leaves often sink when they get waterlogged or the pool’s surface flow is too weak. Safe checks can reveal whether the skimmer, pump, or circulation needs attention.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

How Often Should You Empty Your Skimmer Basket During Heavy Debris?

During heavy debris, empty the skimmer basket whenever flow drops or the basket looks crowded. Frequent checks protect circulation and reduce pump strain.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

Best Way to Skim a Pool After a Windy Day

After strong winds, skim large debris first, protect skimmer baskets, and let filtration finish the cleanup. Stop if equipment or water safety is uncertain.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Stop Acorns and Seed Pods from Clogging Your Pool Skimmer

Keep acorns and seed pods from clogging your pool skimmer with smarter cleanup, basket protection, and seasonal maintenance that protects flow and equipment.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

Why Pool Pollen Keeps Returning After You Skim

Pollen can keep reappearing on pool water because wind, weak circulation, and tiny particles outpace simple skimming. Find out what helps most.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Skim a Pool with Lots of Bugs on the Water

Skim bugs with a fine-mesh net, clear baskets safely, and check circulation and water quality. If they return, fix the cause or call a pool professional.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

What to Do When a Pool Skimmer Weir Door Is Stuck

A stuck skimmer weir door can reduce surface cleaning and strain circulation. Use safe checks, simple fixes, and know when to replace the flap or call a pro.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.

Skimming & Debris · Archive date: · 3 min read

How to Tell If Your Pool Skimmer Basket Is the Wrong Size

A basket that is too small, too tall, or shaped for the wrong skimmer can bypass debris and strain circulation. Learn the fit checks that matter.

Written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026; assigned an earlier archive date, not published on that date.