
Fall Pool Care: Keep Those Skimmer Baskets Clear
Fall brings cooler weather, beautiful colors, and a whole lot of leaves. While those drifting reds, yellows, and browns are a treat for the eyes, they can cause trouble if they end up clogging your pool’s skimmer baskets.
At Maritime Pools, we know that a little extra attention in autumn can save you headaches (and costly repairs) later. Here’s why keeping your skimmer baskets clear is a must this season.
Why Skimmer Basket Maintenance Matters
Your pool’s skimmer baskets are the first line of defense against debris. They collect leaves, twigs, bugs, and other floating matter before it reaches your pump and filter. If the baskets become clogged, water flow to the pump can be restricted, causing strain or even damage, filtration efficiency drops, leaving your water cloudy, and organic debris can break down in the water, increasing chemical demand.
How to Keep Skimmer Baskets Clear
1. Check Daily in Heavy Leaf Fall – When trees are dropping leaves quickly, make it part of your daily routine to check and empty the baskets.
2. Wear Gloves – Wet leaves can be slimy, and the occasional bee or wasp might be hiding inside. Gloves protect your hands.
3. Rinse the Basket – Give the basket a quick rinse with a hose to remove any stuck debris before placing it back.
4. Consider a Leaf Net Cover – A seasonal leaf net can dramatically cut down on the amount of debris that hits the water in the first place.
5. Don’t Forget Other Skimmers – If you have multiple skimmers or an attached spa, be sure to check them all.
Extra Fall Pool Tips
– Brush and vacuum your pool weekly to prevent leaves from sinking and staining the surface.
– Keep your water chemistry balanced, decomposing leaves can affect pH and chlorine levels.
– Have your equipment inspected before winter to ensure everything is in top shape.