Do You Remove Skimmer When Closing Pool? Step-by-Step Guide

Tools & Supplies Needed

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Quick Answer

You don't remove the entire skimmer unit when closing your pool for winter. The skimmer housing remains permanently attached to your pool wall. However, you do need to remove specific skimmer components and take steps to protect the plumbing from freeze damage.

Step-by-Step Skimmer Winterization Process

1. Remove the skimmer basket - Lift out the plastic basket that collects debris. Clean it thoroughly and store it in a dry location like your garage or basement. Leaving it in can cause cracking if water freezes inside.
2. Remove the weir door (flapper) - The hinged door that moves back and forth should be lifted out of its brackets. Like the basket, this plastic component can crack from ice expansion. Store it with your other pool equipment.
3. Check the skimmer throat - Look inside the skimmer opening where water normally flows in. Remove any debris, leaves, or buildup that could block water flow or freeze.
4. Lower your pool water level - Drop the water to approximately 4-6 inches below the skimmer opening. This prevents water from sitting in the skimmer throat where it could freeze and crack the housing.
5. Add skimmer plugs or antifreeze - Install expandable rubber plugs in the skimmer's return line openings, or add pool antifreeze (propylene glycol) to the skimmer well. Never use automotive antifreeze as it's toxic.
6. Blow out the lines - Use a shop vacuum or air compressor to blow water out of the plumbing lines connected to the skimmer. This includes the line going to your pump and any equalizer lines.
7. Install the skimmer cover - Place a skimmer cover or winter plate over the opening to keep debris out during winter months. Secure it properly to prevent wind damage.

Why the Skimmer Housing Stays Put

The skimmer housing is permanently built into your pool's structure. It's either molded into a fiberglass pool, built into a concrete pool's wall, or sealed into a vinyl liner pool's wall. Attempting to remove it would damage your pool and isn't necessary for proper winterization.

Different Approaches by Pool Type

Vinyl Liner Pools

For vinyl pools, be extra careful when removing components to avoid tearing the liner. The skimmer faceplate may need to be partially loosened to access certain plugs, but the main housing stays connected to the liner.

Concrete and Fiberglass Pools

These pools typically have more robust skimmer installations. Focus on protecting the plumbing lines and ensuring proper drainage rather than worrying about the housing itself.

Common Winterization Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving water in the skimmer - Even a small amount of water can cause expensive damage when it freezes and expands
• Forgetting the equalizer line - Many skimmers have a secondary line that also needs to be blown out and plugged
• Using the wrong antifreeze - Only use pool-grade propylene glycol antifreeze, never automotive ethylene glycol
• Over-tightening plugs - Expandable plugs should be snug but not over-expanded, which can crack the fitting
• Skipping the cover - An uncovered skimmer collects debris all winter, making spring opening more difficult

Tools and Supplies Needed

Gather these items before starting your skimmer winterization:

• Expandable rubber skimmer plugs (size #10 or #11 most common)
• Pool antifreeze (propylene glycol)
• Shop vacuum or air compressor
• Skimmer winter cover or solid safety cover
• Basic tools (screwdriver, wrench set)
• Clean storage containers for removed parts

When to Call a Professional

Consider hiring a pool service company if you're uncomfortable working with plumbing connections, don't have the proper equipment to blow out lines, or if your skimmer system is particularly complex with multiple returns and valves. The cost of professional winterization is much less than repairing freeze damage.

Spring Opening Considerations

Keep your removed skimmer components in a labeled container so you can easily reinstall them when opening your pool. Check all parts for winter damage before reinstalling, and replace any cracked baskets or weir doors before the swimming season begins.