If you own an inground pool, you know how important it is to keep it maintained. One essential component of an inground pool is the skimmer. Over time, the skimmer may become damaged or worn out, and you’ll need to replace it.
Replacing a skimmer may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow the right steps. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process in 5 easy steps.
Before you dive in, make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment to complete the job. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you’ll have your new skimmer installed and your pool ready to use in no time!
If you’re ready to learn how to replace the skimmer on your inground pool, keep reading!
Table of Contents
Step 1: Shut off the pool’s pump system and drain the water
Before you begin replacing the skimmer on your inground pool, the first step is to shut off the pool’s pump system and drain the water. This will ensure that you can work on the skimmer without any complications. Start by locating the valve that controls the water flow to the pump and turn it off. Then, open the drain valve and let the water out of the pool.
It’s important to note that the amount of water you drain should be below the level of the skimmer. This will prevent any water from flowing into the skimmer and causing further complications. Once the water has been drained, you can proceed with the skimmer replacement process.
When draining the water, it’s also important to be mindful of the environment. If possible, try to reuse the water for other purposes, such as watering plants or cleaning outdoor surfaces. This will help reduce water waste and benefit the environment in the process.
Remember, safety should always come first when working on any pool-related projects. Be sure to wear the proper protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, to prevent any injuries.
With the pool’s pump system shut off and the water drained, you’re ready to move on to the next step of replacing the skimmer on your inground pool.
Stay tuned for the next step, where we’ll guide you through the process of removing the skimmer lid and detaching the skimmer from the pool wall.
Locate the main drain plug and remove it to let the water drain
The main drain plug is usually located on the bottom of the pool near the pump system. It is important to locate this plug before you start draining the pool. Once you have located it, use a wrench to remove the plug and let the water drain out. This may take several hours depending on the size of your pool.
Make sure to turn off the power supply to the pool before you remove the drain plug. This will prevent any accidents from occurring and ensure your safety. Once you have turned off the power supply, you can remove the plug and let the water drain out.
Be sure to remove any debris or leaves that may have accumulated around the drain plug. This will ensure that the water drains out smoothly and will prevent any clogging or blockages. You can use a pool net or a brush to remove the debris.
Use caution when draining the pool. The water can be heavy and can cause damage to the pool walls or floor. It is important to monitor the water level and make sure that it is draining evenly. If you notice any uneven draining, stop the process and investigate the issue.
Once the water has drained out, you can proceed with the next steps of replacing the skimmer on your inground pool. Make sure to keep the drain plug in a safe place so that you can use it to re-fill the pool later.
Turn off the power supply: Locate the electrical panel and switch off the power to the pool’s pump system to prevent any electrical accidents. If you are unsure which breaker controls the pump, turn off the main breaker to the house.
Unplug any power cords: If there are any power cords connected to the pump, unplug them to avoid any accidents.
Label electrical connections: Before disconnecting any electrical connections, label them with tape or a marker so that you know where to reconnect them later. This will save you time and effort during the reinstallation process.
Secure the cords: After unplugging the cords, secure them in a safe place, away from any water sources, to prevent any tripping hazards.
It is essential to ensure that there is no power running to the pump system before proceeding to the next step. This will prevent any accidents and ensure your safety.
Open the air relief valve on the filter to release any remaining pressure
Before proceeding with draining the water, it is important to release any remaining pressure in the pool’s filtration system. Locate the air relief valve on the pool filter and turn it counterclockwise to open. This will release any remaining air and water pressure in the system.
It is important to make sure that the pool pump is turned off before attempting to open the air relief valve. Once the valve is open, water will start to drain out. Allow the water to drain out completely before proceeding with the skimmer removal.
If the air relief valve is difficult to turn or is stuck, do not force it. Use a pair of pliers to gently turn it counterclockwise until it opens. Do not overtighten the valve when closing it back up to avoid damage to the valve or filter.
After opening the air relief valve, it is recommended to wait for a few minutes to allow the pressure to completely release. This will prevent any accidental water spray or splashing when the skimmer is removed.
Once the water has drained out completely and the pressure has been released, it is time to move on to the next step of removing the skimmer lid and detaching the skimmer from the pool wall.
Step 2: Remove the skimmer lid and detach the skimmer from the pool wall
Turn off the valve that connects the skimmer to the pump system to prevent any water from leaking out. Once the valve is closed, use a wrench to loosen the screws holding the skimmer in place.
Lift the skimmer out of its position by pulling it towards you. Be careful not to damage the plumbing that connects to the skimmer. Place the skimmer on a flat surface near the pool.
Remove the skimmer lid by unscrewing it counter-clockwise. Be sure to set aside any screws or gaskets for reuse later. Clean the skimmer lid thoroughly with soap and water to remove any debris.
Inspect the skimmer housing for any cracks or damage. If the housing is damaged, it should be replaced before installing the new skimmer. Check the bolts or screws that attach the skimmer to the pool wall and replace any that are damaged or rusted.
Remove the screws that secure the skimmer lid in place
The skimmer lid is typically secured with screws around the perimeter. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws and set them aside for reassembly later.
Be sure to keep track of the screws and other small pieces as you remove them to avoid losing any components during the replacement process.
If the screws are difficult to remove, try spraying them with a lubricant to loosen them up before attempting to unscrew them.
Once all screws have been removed, lift the lid off the skimmer and set it aside in a safe place to avoid damage or misplacement.
Use a putty knife to loosen the adhesive that seals the skimmer to the pool wall
After removing the skimmer lid, use a putty knife to loosen the adhesive that seals the skimmer to the pool wall. Be careful not to scratch or damage the pool wall while doing so.
You may need to apply some force to detach the skimmer from the pool wall, but be gentle to avoid any cracks or damage. Once the skimmer is loose, lift it out of the pool and place it on a flat surface near the pool.
Inspect the area where the skimmer was attached to the pool wall for any signs of damage or cracks. If you notice any issues, it’s best to address them before installing the new skimmer.
Now that the old skimmer is removed, you can proceed to install the new skimmer using the steps outlined in the next section.
Disconnect the skimmer from the plumbing by loosening the union nuts
Next, you’ll need to disconnect the skimmer from the plumbing by loosening the union nuts. Locate the union nuts on the piping system that is attached to the skimmer. Use a pair of pliers to loosen the nuts, turning them counterclockwise until they come off.
Once the union nuts are removed, gently pull the skimmer away from the pool wall. Be careful not to damage the piping or any of the other pool equipment while doing so. If the skimmer is stuck, use a putty knife to gently pry it away from the wall.
Inspect the piping for any signs of damage or wear, and replace any components as needed. It’s also a good idea to inspect the skimmer itself for any cracks or other damage.
Finally, clean the skimmer and set it aside for storage until you’re ready to reinstall it for the next pool season.
Step 3: Prepare the new skimmer and apply sealant
Inspect the new skimmer to ensure it is free of defects and is the correct model for your pool. You may need to make some adjustments, such as trimming the skimmer to fit the pool wall or drilling new holes for the screws.
Apply sealant to the back of the skimmer and around the screw holes to create a watertight seal. Use a high-quality sealant that is compatible with both the skimmer and the pool material. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying time.
Attach the gaskets to the new skimmer and secure them in place with screws. The gaskets should fit tightly against the pool wall to prevent any leaks. Check that the skimmer is level before proceeding to the next step.
Apply PVC primer to the outside of the new skimmer’s pipe fittings
Step 1: Clean the outside of the pipe fittings on the new skimmer to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2: Apply a thin layer of PVC primer to the outside of the pipe fittings using a brush.
Step 3: Allow the primer to dry for at least 15 minutes before applying the PVC cement.
Applying PVC primer is an important step when replacing a skimmer. The primer prepares the surface of the pipe fittings to ensure a strong bond with the PVC cement. Without primer, the cement may not adhere properly, which can cause leaks and other issues.
Step 4: Secure the new skimmer onto the pool wall and connect the plumbing
Position the new skimmer onto the hole in the pool wall. Make sure it fits snugly and is level with the pool surface. Apply a generous amount of PVC cement to the outside of the pipe fittings, and to the inside of the union nuts.
Attach the new skimmer to the pool wall by applying a thin layer of sealant around the edges. Use the screws provided to secure the skimmer in place. Wait for the sealant to dry before continuing.
Reconnect the plumbing by attaching the union nuts to the corresponding fittings on the pool’s plumbing. Use a wrench to tighten them securely. Check for any leaks and fix them immediately if you find any.
Apply PVC cement to the pipe fittings of the new skimmer
Using a brush, apply PVC cement to the pipe fittings of the new skimmer. Make sure to apply enough cement to cover the entire fitting, but not too much that it drips or runs.
Insert the new skimmer into the hole in the pool wall and push it firmly into place. Ensure that it is level and flush with the wall. Hold it in place for a few minutes to allow the cement to dry and bond the fitting to the pool’s plumbing system.
Attach the union nuts to secure the new skimmer to the pool’s plumbing system. Use a wrench to tighten them, but be careful not to over-tighten as this can damage the skimmer and its fittings.
Secure the new skimmer onto the pool wall with screws and a sealant
Once the new skimmer is in position, secure it onto the pool wall by inserting screws through the holes in the skimmer flange and into the pool wall. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws, but be careful not to over-tighten them as this can crack the skimmer or damage the pool wall.
Apply a bead of sealant around the outside edge of the skimmer flange to create a watertight seal between the skimmer and the pool wall. Use a caulking gun to apply the sealant evenly and make sure that it covers the entire flange. Allow the sealant to dry for at least 24 hours before filling the pool with water.
Finally, reconnect the skimmer to the pool’s plumbing system by tightening the union nuts with a wrench. Turn on the pool pump and check for leaks around the new skimmer. If you notice any leaks, tighten the union nuts further or reapply sealant around the skimmer flange.
Connect the skimmer to the pool’s plumbing by tightening the union nuts
Once you have secured the skimmer onto the pool wall, it’s time to connect it to the pool’s plumbing. First, position the skimmer pipe into the opening in the pool’s plumbing, making sure it fits snugly. Then, tighten the union nuts on the pipe to secure it in place.
It’s important to use the proper tools to tighten the union nuts, such as a pipe wrench or pliers. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the plumbing or cause leaks.
After tightening the union nuts, check for any leaks around the skimmer and pipe fittings. If you notice any leaks, immediately shut off the pool’s pump and filter system and tighten the fittings further.
Step 5: Fill the pool with water and turn on the pump system
Fill the pool with water: After securing the skimmer onto the pool wall, you can begin filling the pool with water. Be sure to fill the pool to the appropriate level recommended by the manufacturer or a professional pool installer.
Check for leaks: Once the pool is filled, check the connections and fittings for any leaks. A common sign of a leak is water loss in the pool. If you detect any leaks, turn off the pump system and address the issue before continuing.
Turn on the pump system: After ensuring there are no leaks, turn on the pump system and allow it to run for several hours. This will help to circulate the water, and you can monitor the system for any issues or irregularities.
Refill the pool with water and monitor the skimmer for any leaks
Once the new skimmer is securely in place and the plumbing is reconnected, it’s time to refill the pool with water. Make sure to fill the pool up to the appropriate level, which is usually halfway up the skimmer opening.
After the pool is filled, turn on the pump system and check for any leaks around the new skimmer. If there are any leaks, turn off the pump and drain the pool until the water level is below the skimmer. Use a towel to dry off the area around the skimmer and reapply sealant or PVC cement to the leaking area.
Once the leaks are fixed, turn the pump system back on and continue to monitor the skimmer for any additional leaks. It’s important to fix any leaks immediately to prevent water loss and potential damage to the pool’s structure.
After a day or two of monitoring, if there are no leaks, you can start using the pool again. Congratulations, you have successfully replaced a pool skimmer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would you need to replace a skimmer on an inground pool?
Skimmers can crack, warp or wear out over time, leading to leaks and inadequate pool cleaning. Replacing the skimmer ensures proper water circulation and prevents potential damage to the pool and its equipment.
What materials and tools are needed to replace a skimmer on an inground pool?
Some of the materials and tools required include a new skimmer, PVC cement, PVC primer, sealant, screws, a saw, a screwdriver, and a utility knife. It is important to ensure that all materials and tools are of good quality and appropriate for the job.
How do you remove the old skimmer from an inground pool?
To remove the old skimmer, the first step is to turn off the pool pump and drain the pool water to below the skimmer level. Next, the skimmer lid and faceplate are removed, and the skimmer is cut out of the pool wall using a saw or utility knife. The remaining PVC pipe is then cut and removed from the skimmer.
What precautions should be taken when installing a new skimmer on an inground pool?
It is important to ensure that the new skimmer is the correct size and shape for the pool, and that all PVC pipe fittings are properly aligned and secured with PVC cement. The skimmer should also be tightly secured to the pool wall with screws and sealant to prevent leaks. Additionally, the pool pump should not be turned on until the skimmer is properly installed and the pool is refilled with water.
Can you replace a skimmer on an inground pool yourself or is it recommended to hire a professional?
While it is possible to replace a skimmer on an inground pool yourself, it is recommended to hire a professional if you do not have experience working with plumbing or pool equipment. A professional can ensure that the job is done correctly and safely, minimizing the risk of damage to the pool or injury to yourself.