Pool Equipment & Cleaning
What Is a Pool Skimmer?
A pool skimmer is a component of a swimming pool’s circulation system that draws in surface water and collects floating debris, such as leaves and insects, before the water continues through the filtration system.
How Does a Pool Skimmer Work?
The pool pump draws surface water through an opening in the pool wall. Water passes over a hinged flap called the weir and into a removable basket. The basket catches larger debris; water passes through its openings and flows toward the pump and filter. The weir moves with the water to help skim the surface.
Why Is a Pool Skimmer Important?
A skimmer removes floating debris before it can settle. It also provides a path for surface water to enter the circulation system. The basket captures larger material, while the downstream filter handles finer particles. A skimmer does not disinfect water or replace the pool filter.
Which Kind of Skimmer Does This Mean?
This entry describes a fixed, wall-mounted circulation skimmer. A handheld leaf net and a floating robotic surface cleaner can also be called skimmers, but they collect debris in different ways. Component shapes and plumbing vary by model; this diagram is a simplified explanation, not an installation guide.
