Think of a pool skimmer in a residential pool like you would a gutter in a larger public swimming pool: it assists in pool cleaning by skimming water and capturing floating debris -- leaves, flower petals, dirt, twigs, dead insects and oil (sunblock) -- before it can sink to the pool's bottom.

Most skimmers on in-ground pools are built into its upper sides, where the suction draws debris and traps it.

Most pool skimmers are accessed via the pool deck area through a trap door or hatch. The skimmer is also in a convenient location to attach a suction line for a pool vacuum.

Because above-ground pools have thin walls, floating pool skimmers are most often used, as are units that hang on the pool's edge. To keep skimmers for above- and in-ground pools working properly, try to clean out the skimmer basket daily during swim season.

 

Pronunciation: ski-m?r

Also Known As: Surface skimmer, floating skimmer, ball skimmer.

Common Misspellings: skimer, skymmer.