Skimmer Replacement

by Raymond Cote
(Tewksbury MA)

I have an above ground pool and the skimmer has to be replaced. The pool is filled just below the skimmer. Is there a certain way of doing it?

Will I have to replace the liner to? The pool is 2years old. thanks Raymond Cote.


Hi Raymond. Having the water just below the skimmer is perfect, that way the liner should not move or shift and there will be no reason to replace it.

You simply remove all the screws holding the skimmer in place and remove it. The new one should go on as easy as the old one came off. I insert the two top corner screws into the faceplate and poke them through the wall and let it hang there by itself. I can then get the skimmer up and into place. I take a screwdriver in my right hand and set it on one of the screws. My left hand is holding the skimmer in place. I then get both the top screws started and do the same with the bottom two corners. With these four screws in place, and snugged up, you can then check and make sure the gaskets are perfectly aligned. With that done you can insert and tighten all the rest of the screws.



If you decide to use a power drill, be careful. I have installed hundreds of skimmer and can use one with confidence. Your biggest concern is to be sure the clutch setting on the drill is set correctly. It is very easy to crack face plates or strip the screw holes inside the skimmer. The drill should tighten the screws to just the right torque and then engage the clutch.

This page might help with your skimmer installation also.


Above Ground Pool Skimmer Installation