Is Your Swimming Pool Skimmer Line Clogged?

Is the skimmer line in your swimming pool clogged? If you suspect so, there are some basic troubleshooting ideas that can confirm the problem.

Typically, the first symptoms of a clogged skimmer line in a swimming pool is when the pump pot won't fill with water the way it normally does and the pump may be somewhat noisier than normal. Also, the main pool filter pressure gauge should show a lower pressure reading than normal and the return lines to the pool won't have the same water pressure returning to the pool. If your pool is experiencing these symptoms, the skimmer line or another underground plumbing line in your pool could be clogged with debris.

But before doing anything else, there are a couple of basic problems to eliminate first that will exhibit the same symptoms as a plugged skimmer plumbing line. Number one is to make sure the water level in the pool is not too low causing the pump to be starved or partially starved of water. Second, check the suction diverter valve to make sure it is positioned correctly to allow water to enter through the skimmer and not only the main drain or suction pool cleaner. This diverter valve is typically found close to the pool pump on the suction side and allows you to control from where the pool pump sucks the water.

Next, check the pool skimmer basket to make sure it isn't clogged with debris. With the pump off, walk over to the skimmer and pull the skimmer basket out, clear any debris, and visually inspect the intake line to make sure it is clear of debris. Once all the debris is cleared, replace the skimmer basket, make sure the diverter valve is positioned to pull from the skimmer and turn the pump back on to see if it solved the problem.

One last check is to make sure the problem isn't the pump itself or a clogged pump impeller. Change the suction diverter valve to close the skimmer line and have the pump pull water from the main drain or pool cleaner instead of the skimmer line. If the pump still doesn't pull any water, the problem could be the pump. But if the pump starts working normally when the skimmer line is turned off, and it doesn't pull water when the skimmer line is turned on, this indicates that there is a clog in the skimmer line.

 

 

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