Above Ground Pool Skimmer Mess

by Jeremy
(PA)

Is there any way of replacing the skimmer with the pool full? My skimmer has been covered with some kind of putty or epoxy from the previous owners of the house I just bought. Whatever this stuff is that he used is caulking and now I have a constant drip. HELP PLEASE



Hi Jeremy. Some people use caulking as a way to seal a leaky skimmer. The recommended way to seal a leaky skimmer on an above ground pool is to start by tightening all of the screws. This is part of pool maintenance that should be done every couple of years. If that does not work the gaskets should be replaced. This will usually do the job. If some of the screw holes are stripped out and will not tighten a new skimmer is needed.

When replacing the gaskets, or the entire skimmer, the wall should be inspected for rust. Anything that might cause a leak should be flattened out smooth. A pair of pliers usually works well for this.

Aside from tightening the screws, anything done to the skimmer would require the water to be lowered. It just needs to be a little below the skimmer, otherwise you will have a big mess when the skimmer is taken off.

I have seen the type of caulking mess you are talking about. Take a razor knife and patiently clean the skimmer and the sidewall, you want all of the caulking gone.