Why Skimmer Maintenance Is More Important Than You Think in Late Summer
Tracy in Lincoln loved her pool most in late August. The kids were still swimming every afternoon, and neighbors gathered on weekends for barbecues. But she noticed her pump started making strange noises, and her water chemistry needed adjusting more often. When she called for help, the technician found the culprit: a clogged skimmer basket, stuffed with leaves, ash, and sunscreen residue. The blocked skimmer had put extra strain on her system, leading to cloudy water and a pump that was working overtime.
This is a common problem for Northern California homeowners as summer winds down. Skimmer baskets are one of the most overlooked parts of pool maintenance — yet they’re critical for keeping water clear and equipment protected.
How Skimmers Keep Your Pool Healthy
Your skimmer isn’t just a basket for leaves. It’s the first line of defense in your pool’s circulation system.
When water flows into the skimmer:
Debris like leaves, twigs, bugs, and oils are trapped before they can clog filters.
Cleaner water is pushed through the pump and filter system.
Circulation is improved, which helps distribute chemicals evenly.
Without a functioning skimmer, your pool’s entire system works harder — and may not keep up.
Why Late Summer in Northern California Is Hard on Skimmers
In areas like Loomis, Granite Bay, and Rocklin, late summer brings unique challenges for skimmers:
Dry winds: August winds carry dust, leaves, and even wildfire ash into pools.
Heavy use: End-of-summer parties mean more sunscreen, hair, and oils entering the water.
Dropping leaves: Early fall leaf drop starts filling skimmer baskets quickly.
When baskets clog too often, pumps struggle to draw water, creating strain and risking damage.
Signs Your Skimmer Needs Attention
Pump sounds louder than usual
Reduced water flow or weak jets
Cloudy water despite balanced chemicals
Skimmer basket looks damaged or warped
Preventing Bigger Problems
Skimmer care is simple but powerful. Pool owners should:
Empty baskets daily during heavy debris season.
Inspect baskets for cracks and replace if needed.
Check the skimmer weir (the flapper door) for smooth movement.
Schedule seasonal inspections to make sure water flow stays steady.
Local Help When Skimmers Cause Trouble
A neglected skimmer doesn’t just lead to cloudy water — it can shorten the lifespan of your pump and filter, leading to expensive repairs. At American Dream Pool & Spa Service, we help pool owners in Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, Loomis, Sheridan, and Penryn keep their skimmers and systems working smoothly.
Contact us today to schedule a service and keep your pool ready for every late-summer swim.
American Dream Pool and Spa Service is a trusted provider of pool and spa maintenance, repair, and cleaning services. They serve the areas of Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, and Sheridan, CA, offering comprehensive care for both residential and commercial pools. Their services include everything from routine maintenance to specialized repairs for pool and spa equipment, ensuring that every pool owner enjoys a clean, safe, and well-maintained pool or spa throughout the year. With a focus on customer satisfaction, American Dream Pool and Spa Service strives to keep pools in top condition, regardless of the season.
