First Hole. The first hole in the skimmer leads to the swimming pool pump. In this way, the two skimmer pipes connect underground with a Tee fitting, and then one pipe runs back to the pump.Because the main drain is not tied into the skimmer in this set-up, pool systems using this configuration usually also have a separate valve to control a separate main drain line that runs from the pool to the pump.The purpose of an equalizer line arrangement was to allow the skimmer to keep operating if the pool water level drops below the opening to the skimmer. But over time, and especially for pools that put chlorine tablets in the skimmer, the flex pipe can grow internal ‘polyps’ and shrink and twist, and eventually crimp.
We have two skimmer diverters, that are used to switch between skimmer and main drain suction, search … Without the Float Valve, most of the suction going into the rear hole will be from the top down, the path of least resistance.
Original skimmer lines had been converted to PVC in the 1990’s.Hi Bruce, if the skimmer action has gradually decreased over time, it could possibly be a clog, but also possibly a collapsed skimmer line, if they used Flex PVC pipe and not rigid PVC pipe. Should I replaced the sinner and is this expensiveReplacing an inground skimmer is expensive, maybe $1500 or more, as they are encased in concrete, and under a concrete deck, in most cases. For years, we have had poor skimmer action and believe there is blockage in the lines. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. We have two skimmer diverters, that are used to switch between skimmer and main drain suction, search part number 85002600 and SPX1075L, both on our website. So under the skimmer basket are two holes. Old Style Sylvan used a 1.25″ vacuum pipe, that is just a black pipe that is inserted into the skimmer, and then the vacuum hose is connected, or slips over the black pipe. Why are there two holes at the bottom of a pool skimmer was one of the earliest questions I had when I first got my inground pool and started to clean it.What is the purpose of the two holes in a pool skimmer? Everything seems to be working fine. The second hole, usually the hole on the pool side of the skimmer is plugged off with a threaded plug from underneath.Many times the plug is a few inches below the bottom of the skimmer, and it fills with rocks and debris, making it appear as though it is not plugged. Replacing an inground skimmer is expensive, maybe $1500 or more, as they are encased in concrete, and under a concrete deck, in most cases. They can run a pipe from the main drain into the front hole of the skimmer, and then the back hole is the suction pipe that goes to the pool pump.This reduces costs, compared to running a separate main drain pipe, all the way back to the pump.Here’s some common inground pool skimmer plumbing configurations that you may encounter.
If there are two holes at the bottom of a pool skimmer then this is always the one furthest away from the pool. Ok long story short. Well one hole at the bottom of the pool skimmer takes water to the pool filter, via the pool pump, to allow it to be cleaned and then returned to the pool by the return line/s.The second hole, called an equalizer, connects to either the drain inlet at the bottom of the pool or to a separate inlet a few feet below the surface of the water in the side of the pool.If the water level in the pool falls below the water entrance at the top of the skimmer, so no more water is running in over the weir door, then water will start to be drawn from the pool via the second hole.If this didn’t happen then the pump would continue to operate but would start to run dry. Prolonged dry running would cause the pool pump to overheat and fail. The question comes up initially as it looks like when the pool is cleaning the float valve keeps the skimmer from pulling into the basket. This would mean a costly repair which no-one wants.You will probably find that, if you have more than one skimmer, the there will actually be two holes in skimmer bottom but only one will have two holes open.This is because only one is required to have two holes at the bottom of a pool skimmer open in case the water level drops to prevent the pump running dry. These cookies do not store any personal information.Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. They can be plugged, if not needed. I wrote a whole post about it here > I am seeing clear jelly like substance in the basin when I remove the skimmer. Also this stuff is in the skimmeR.
There’s also a separate pool water level hatch.