Pool skimmer socks are one of the most useful, simple and inexpensive devices to keep your pool sparkling clean. As a result, they are a top seller for all pool supply stores.
Skimmer socks are made of a durable and ultra-fine elastic nylon mesh that captures hair, leaves, grass, pollen, insects and other debris. Using a skimmer sock not only enhances the skimmer’s filtering capability but reduces the frequency of filter cleaning by preventing clogging of the pool’s filter. After all it’s much easier to remove a skimmer basket filter sock than backwash the filter or clean the filter cartridge.
Pool skimmer socks can also be used with spa, hot tub or jacuzzi filters.
Table of Contents
What is a Pool Skimmer Sock?
The skimmer box has a weir flap that floats open and closed to regulate the water flow into the box. When the pump is running, water is drawn from the skimmer box to the filter. The skimmer weir flap is drawn open and pool water flows into the skimmer box to equalize the water level. The skimmer box contains a removable plastic filter basket that traps larger items of debris such as leaves, flowers and insects that are floating on the surface.
A pool skimmer basket filter bag or pool skimmer sock is an elastic nylon filter bag that stretches over the skimmer basket. The sock has a very fine weave that captures much more dirt and debris than the skimmer basket. And the less dirt and debris pumped to the filter keeps the filter cleaner for longer.
When the filter is cleaner it results in a lower pressure in the filter tank because water can easily flow through the filter and back to the pool. This results in a higher water flow and stronger return pressure at the return jets.
An, of course, the skimmer basket must be emptied periodically to keep the water flowing through the filtration system.
How to Use Pool Skimmer Socks
Simply stretch the elastic mesh fabric over your skimmer basket for a perfect fit.
Replace the skimmer basket in the skimmer box as normal.
When soiled, simply remove the basket and clean with a garden hose and reuse.
When the skimmer sock is very dirty throw it away and replace with a new one.
Skimmer socks can be used for one or two months if you clean it out each week.
Skimmer Filter Bags Catch Algae
If you have and algae bloom in your pool adding a filter bag to the skimmer basket will help clear up your pool more quickly. The dead algae will be trapped in the filter sock and not clog your filter. The filter will be able to do its job more effectively and efficiently. But remember to clean or change the filter sock frequently as it will get dirty quickly. And a dirty filter bag will reduce the water flow to the filter making your pump work harder and taking longer to filter the pool.
Benefits of Pool Skimmer Socks
- Reduces Pool Maintenance
The use of a skimmer sock will help keep the pool cleaner and the filter will stay cleaner for longer. You will not have to clean your cartridge filter or backwash the filter as often.
- Use Less Chemicals
As the pool is cleaner it will require less chemical treatment which save you money
- Less Chemical Smell
As you will be using less chemicals there will be less smell.
- Low Cost
The cost of skimmer socks is very low. A packet of socks is around $10 to $20.
You may even be able to save money by running the pump an hour less each day.
- Health Benefits
Pool skimmer socks make your pool cleaner enhancing the health benefits of your pool.
- Protect Your Pump
Grass, hair, pet fur, pine needles and other debris can bypass the skimmer and pump baskets to reach the pump and snag around the impeller and motor shaft.
Pool socks protect your pump impeller and shaft seal from damage or clogging from dirt and debris that has bypassed the skimmer and pump baskets.
Please read our article on How a Skimmer Box Works
The Cost of Pool Skimmer Socks
A packet of pool skimmer socks costs between USD$10 – $20 depending on the brand name, the quality and the number of filter socks in the packet.
The cost of one filter sock is around 30 cents to USD$1.
How Long Do Pool Skimmer Socks Last?
This really depends on how much use your pool gets and whether the pool water is dirty or not.
Normally, a pool sock lasts 4 to 8 weeks or until it is badly soiled and can no longer be cleaned.
Wash them out with a garden hose and reuse again and again.
Some pool owners prefer to install a new sock each week as they are so cheap.
You may want to only use a skimmer sock during the swimming season when the pool is in constant use. Pools stay cleaner when nobody is swimming in the pool.
Do You Remove the Skimmer Sock When Vacuuming the Pool?
No, there is no need to remove the skimmer sock when manually vacuuming the pool. However, you will find a reduction in the suction pressure. If the suction pressure reduces too much it’s better to remove the filter sock.
An alternative is to add a handful of filter balls to the skimmer basket when vacuuming to trap dirt before it flows through to the filter.
Most skimmer boxes work with a skimmer suction plate inserted into the box to create a vacuum. The vacuum hose connects to the top of the suction plate. When you vacuum the pool the skimmer basket traps larger items of debris protecting the filter from clogging up.
If you are connecting an automatic suction cleaner you still leave in the skimmer basket to protect the filter from debris.
If you are vacuuming the pool to the waste (storm water drain) you can remove the skimmer basket because the debris is not going to the filter.
Common Problems with Pool Skimmer Filter Bags
Don’t leave a skimmer sock on for too long without cleaning as it will fill up and possibly reduce the water inflow to the filter. This will eventually cause the pump to run dry and not be able to pump any water from the pool to the filter. When a pump runs dry you may damage the pump.
Most skimmer boxes have two holes located at the bottom of the box. One hole is the pipe connecting to the filtration system. The pump draws water from the swimming pool through the skimmer box to the filter.
The other hole is a pipe connecting to the bottom of the pool. It’s located at the deep end under the drain plate next to the hydrostatic valve.
If the water level ever falls below the skimmer flap the pump cannot draw water into the skimmer box. This will cause the pump to take in air and run dry damaging the pump motor. This second pipe is an equalizer line to prevent the pump sucking air from an empty skimmer box. The pump draws water up the equalizer pipe to refill the skimmer box so the pump won’t run dry.
Conclusion
Pool Skimmer socks are a ‘no brainer’!
They work well to keep your pool sparkling clean which is better for your health.
Skimmer socks help to maintain a cleaner filter and lower tank pressure resulting in better water circulation through the filter and pool.
They prolong the life of your filtration system requiring less backwashing or cartridge cleaning and replacement.
And they are very inexpensive.