Alright, let’s talk about fixing a leaky pool skimmer. I had this issue just last week, and let me tell you, it was quite the adventure.
First off, I noticed the water level in my pool was dropping faster than usual. That was the first red flag. I started poking around and found that the area around the skimmer was always wet. Yep, that’s a sure sign of a leak.
Finding the Leak
So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. The first thing I did was to turn off the pump. You don’t want that thing running while you’re trying to find a leak.
- Inspect the skimmer: I carefully checked the inside of the skimmer. Looked for cracks or any signs of damage.
- Check the seal: The seal around the skimmer where it meets the pool wall is a common culprit. I paid extra attention there.
- Look for air bubbles: Sometimes, when the pump is on, you can see air bubbles coming out of the return jets if there’s a leak in the skimmer. But mine was leaking even with the pump off.
After some detective work, I found a small crack in the plastic around the skimmer’s opening. It was barely visible, but it was definitely there.
Fixing the Leak
Now, there are a few ways to fix a skimmer leak. You can use pool putty, silicone sealant, or even replace the whole skimmer. I opted for the pool putty because it seemed like the easiest and quickest fix.
- Clean the area: I used a wire brush to clean the area around the crack. You want the putty to stick well, so make sure it’s free of dirt and algae.
- Apply the putty: I took a good amount of pool putty and pressed it firmly into the crack. Made sure to cover the entire crack and then some.
- Smooth it out: I used my finger to smooth out the putty, making sure it was flush with the surface of the skimmer.
Then I let the putty cure for about 24 hours. I didn’t turn the pump back on during this time, just to be safe.
Testing and Monitoring
The next day, I filled the pool back up to the normal level and turned the pump on. I kept a close eye on the skimmer area for the next few days. And guess what? No more leaks! The water level stayed consistent, and the area around the skimmer remained dry.
I was pretty stoked that I managed to fix it myself. Saved some money, and it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. If you ever find yourself with a leaky skimmer, don’t panic. Just follow these steps, and you might be able to fix it yourself too. Of course, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it is always a good idea to get a pro to help you out.