If you’ve ever wondered how pools stay looking so pristine—even when leaves, bugs, and sunscreen are constantly being introduced—there’s one quiet hero working behind the scenes: the skimmer.

Skimmers are one of those pool parts you rarely think about, but they’re absolutely essential for keeping your water clean, clear, and healthy. Whether you have an inground pool, an above-ground setup, or even a spa, understanding how skimmers work can save you time, money, and a whole lot of scrubbing.

What Exactly Is a Pool Skimmer?

Think of a pool skimmer as your pool’s personal garbage collector. It’s designed to draw in water from the surface and trap floating debris like leaves, petals, bugs, twigs, and even oily residue from sunscreen or lotions—before they sink to the bottom.

Most skimmers are built into the side of the pool, near the top edge. They use suction from the pool’s pump to pull in water and debris, which then gets caught in a skimmer basket. This basket acts like a filter, collecting the junk so it doesn’t clog your pump or end up back in the pool.

How Do Skimmers Work?

Inside the skimmer is a small but mighty part called a weir—a flap that adjusts to let only a thin layer of water spill over into the skimmer. This creates a fast-moving surface current that pulls in debris efficiently. A well-placed skimmer can keep about 500 square feet of pool surface clean.

But here’s the catch: if the skimmer basket gets too full, it can restrict water flow and put extra strain on your pump. That’s why it’s important to empty the basket daily during swimming season.

Skimmer Features You Should Know About

• Equalizer Line: This is a pipe that connects the bottom of the skimmer to the pool water below. It prevents air from being sucked into the system if the water level drops too low—protecting your pump from damage.

• Auto Fill & Chlorinator Add-ons: Some skimmers come with built-in automatic water levelers or chlorinators, which can make maintenance even easier.

• Access Hatch: Most skimmers are accessible through a small door or panel on the pool deck, making it easy to clean the basket or attach a vacuum hose.

Types of Skimmers: Built-In, Floating, and Robotic

• Built-In Skimmers: Common in inground pools, usually made of plastic or PVC. They’re fixed in place and connected to the pool’s circulation system.

• Floating Skimmers: These are great for above-ground pools or spas. They float on the surface and move around the pool, collecting debris as they go.

• Robotic Skimmers: A newer innovation, these are battery- or solar-powered and move independently across the pool surface. They’re especially useful in leafy or buggy areas and can help reduce energy costs since they don’t rely on the pool pump.

Can You Put Chlorine Tablets in the Skimmer?

Some pool owners toss chlorine tablets (also called “pucks” or “hockey pucks”) directly into the skimmer basket to save time. But many professionals advise against this. The high concentration of chlorine in one spot can damage skimmer parts, degrade o-rings, and even affect your pump over time. It’s safer to use a floating chlorine dispenser or an inline chlorinator.

Skimmers for Spas and Hot Tubs

Spas and hot tubs have skimmers too—but they’re usually smaller and simpler. Some use plastic screens instead of baskets, and many built-in spa filters double as skimmers. Regardless of the type, the same rule applies: clean them regularly to keep your water flowing and your soak stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Skimmers may not be the flashiest part of your pool or spa, but they’re absolutely essential. They protect your equipment, reduce cleaning time, and help keep your water crystal clear. Whether you’re using a traditional built-in model or a high-tech robotic skimmer, the key is regular maintenance. A few minutes a day can save you hours of scrubbing later.

So next time you’re lounging by the pool, give a little nod to your skimmer—it’s working harder than you think.