Leaking Skimmer Hose

by Linda K
(Hampstead NC)

I have a 24 round above ground pool. The hose that leads from the bottom of the skimmer basket is leaking from the top no matter how tight we make the clamp. I just replaced the old hose. What are we doing wrong?


Hi Linda, getting a flex hose to not leak can take some trial and error, even for an old pro. Here are some of the things I do to stop that annoying drip. I first remove the hose and reposition it and retighten the clamp. Next I would again remove the hose and check the inside for burs. Sometimes using a razor blade to help smooth inside the hose helps. Next I would try adding a second clamp. Many times this does the trick. If it still drips you can either change the fitting with a new one or you could wrap some Teflon tape around the fitting. Tightly taping the fitting will make it slightly larger and many times the hose will fit tighter and not leak.

Another trick I have heard about but never used is to soak the hose in very hot water before you install it. As the hose cools down it should mold tightly around the fitting.

I hope one of these ideas help.