Pool skimmers are both cleaning ports installed into swimming pools and manual or automatic devices that clean away floating debris in the pool.

Permanently installed swimming pool skimmers are the holes, or ports, on the side of the swimming pool. Many pools have more than one pool skimmer port. The pool skimmer circulates water to the filter, taking along dirt and debris.

Pool skimmers are installed into pools during installation. Over time, skimmers may become cracked or broken, or flaps may wear out and need replacing. Owners can learn how to replace a swimming pool skimmer themselves, or they can hire a professional for the job..

One very important step in replacing a swimming pool skimmer is proper placement of the pool skimmer gasket. The gasket creates the seal between the inside and outside of the pool, and an improperly placed gasket will cause the pool to leak.

Tricky skimmer replacement can be avoided by installing over the wall pool skimmers. Aptly named, over the wall pool skimmers install directly into the pool from the top and have fewer chances for improper installation and leaks.

Another piece that may need replacing, or may be added to pool skimmers, is a leaf guard. A leaf guard for a pool skimmer blocks leaves and larger pieces of debris from entering the filtration unit, saving filter wear and tear. Large collections of debris are easily cleaned from the skimmer leaf guard.

Permanently installed pool skimmers do not collect all of the debris that floats along in the simming pool, so pool owners will need a backup cleaning accessory. Manual skimmers are as simple as flat nets attached to long, telescoping poles. Recently, however, skimming the pool has gotten much more fun. Skimmer choices now look more like work than play. Fun skimmers like a remote control boat pool skimmer make it easy to get the kids to join in on pool care (if they can get it away from Dad long enough).

Pool skimmers can be used more practically, too. With a pool skimmer vacuum insert, the pool floor and sides can be cleaned with a vacuum that connects directly to installed skimmers and vacuums to the pool filter. To learn how to vacuum your pool when you have two skimmers, consult vacuum and pool instructions. Sometimes one of the skimmer ports will need to be closed or blocked to create good suction.

There are many good names in pool skimmer and accessory manufacturing. Olympic pool skimmer is one dependable name. Ask your pool supply dealer for more recommendations, or research the information online.