Essential Pool Care: Your Handy Guide On Replacing An Above Ground Automatic Pool Sweeper

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May 20, 2024
Smonet

Enjoying all the fun and relaxation a swimming pool offers involves a degree of diligent upkeep. One key aspect of maintaining your pool’s pristine condition is ensuring a fully functional skimmer. This filtration device sifts out debris before it sinks in your pool, keeping it clean. With wear and tear over time, your pool’s skimmer might call for a replacement. This article provides an easy step-by-step guide to replacing a skimmer on an above-ground pool.

Here's what you will need:

New Skimmer and accompanying parts (Gasket and Faceplate)
Screwdriver
Pool Putty (Optional)
Wrench
Utility Knife (Optional)

Step 1: Lower the Pool Water

Start off by turning off your automatic pool cleaner for inground pools, then proceed to lower the pool water. You want it to be about 4-6 inches below the skimmer opening to avoid any water leakage during the process.

Step 2: Disconnecting the Existing Skimmer

Remove the hose clamp that connects the skimmer to the filtration system using a wrench. Next, using a screwdriver, unscrew the faceplate that secures the skimmer from the inside of the pool and remove the skimmer.

Step 3: Assess the Pool Wall

Once the old skimmer is removed, inspect the cutout hole in the pool wall. A clean and flat pool wall surface is key to successfully installing a new skimmer. Use a utility knife to scrape off any old gaskets and residue.

Step 4: Installing the New Skimmer

Now, bring in your new best pool cleaning skimmer. Note that it typically comprises three parts: the skimmer body, a rubber or plastic gasket, and a faceplate. Align these parts with the same holes in the pool wall. The gasket goes between the pool wall and the faceplate.

Step 5: Attaching the New Skimmer

Once aligned, put in one screw at the top of the faceplate from inside the pool to hold the assembly together temporarily. Now, go around and insert all other screws, but don’t tighten them yet. Once all screws are in, progressively tighten them in a crisscross pattern to evenly distribute the pressure. A word of caution: avoid overtightening, as it may warp the skimmer body or damage the gasket.

Step 6: Connecting the Skimmer to the Filter

After installing the skimmer, it’s time to reconnect the skimmer pipe to the pool’s filtration system. Once securely attached, tighten the hose clamp around the pipe to ensure a snug fit.

Step 7: Leak Check and Restart the Pool System

Finally, fill your pool back to its regular water level and inspect the new skimmer for any leaks. If no leaks are detected, you can restart your pool pump. Check for proper water flow into the skimmer, and observe if it effectively filters out debris.

In short

While it might seem daunting, replacing the pool sweaper is a manageable task. It’s an efficient way to maintain your pool’s cleanliness and ensure a pleasant swimming experience. With the detailed steps outlined in this article, mastering the replacement of an above-ground pool skimmer is now at your fingertips.