Owning a pool is one of life’s little luxuries — particularly in the southern United States, where the heat can become severe. Whether you’re flopped on the edge with children or doing a quick swim after a workout, swimming pool upkeep is essential. Cleaning your Skimmer is just one small and very important step to ensure your pool runs smoothly after winterizing. If you’re wondering how this is done, we have you covered. And yes, we’ll also address why a pool cleaning robot makes pool maintenance easier in general.
What Is a Pool Skimmer Plug, and Why Is It Important?
During the off-season, your pool skimmer plug plays a crucial role in protecting your pool. This small but powerful device prevents water from entering your pool skimmer, which could freeze and cause damage during extreme temperatures.
How to Remove a Pool Skimmer Plug Safely
Turn Off Your Pool Equipment
Things to Remember and Do Before Removing the Skimmer Plug Make Certain to Power OFF Your Pool Pump and Filtration System. This makes sure that no sudden suction happens or unexpected water flows, making it difficult to pull it off.
Locate the Skimmer Plug
The skimmer plug is typically located at the bottom of the skimmer basket of the pool. It is meant to press against the Skimmer’s plumbing line during winterization, so you might have to duck or get down on your knees to see it clearly.
Take Off the Skimmer Lid and Basket
Take off the skimmer lid and pull out the skimmer basket. This makes it easier to grip and access the Skimmer plug itself, making it simpler to remove.
Gently Twist and Pull
Skimmer plugs are mostly threaded, so you’re going to be twisting them counterclockwise to loosen them. Some plugs could be very tight, so don’t be shy about using a little elbow grease. And if it’s still stuck, use pliers for added leverage—but don’t force it, or you could damage the threads or the Skimmer.
Inspect for Debris
When the plug is out, inspect the skimmer opening and plumbing for any debris that may have collected over the off season. Cleaning this out will allow water to flow smoothly once your pool is back in use.
So Where Does a Robotic Pool Cleaner Fit Into All Of This?
Removing the skimmer plug is just the beginning of pool maintenance.
Advantages of Using a Robotic Pool Cleaner
Saves Time and Effort
If you lead a busy life, a robotic pool cleaner can be a game changer.
Deep Cleaning Performance
Robotic pool cleaners don’t just brush the surface; they scrub and vacuum dirt from every nook and cranny, including those hard-to-reach areas.
Energy-Efficient
Unlike traditional pool vacuums, robotic cleaners work separately from your pool pump, which can conserve energy and save wear and tear on your filtration system.
Easy to Use
Once you’ve removed the skimmer plug and got your pool running again, using a robotic pool cleaner is a breeze. Simply plug it in and drop it in the water. Some models, like the Beatbot AquaSense Ultra, even offer programmable cleaning cycles for maximum convenience.
Conclusion
How To Remove A Pool skimmer Plug Removing a pool skimmer plug is an important but simple step to prepare your pool for the season. If you follow the steps given above, you can make sure that everything goes smoothly. And by the way, once you pull out that Skimmer plug and your pool is up and running, a robotic pool cleaner such as the Beatbot AquaSense Pro works some serious hours for you, giving you back the hours you could be spending doing what you really love the most, be it swimming with the children, traveling with the family or just sitting in the peace and quiet of your own poolside retreat.