N
Velvet Digest

What is a weir in a swimming pool?

Author

Sophia Koch

Updated on April 05, 2026

A weir is a type of barrier across a river that is created to adjust or alter its flow. With this in mind, a weir for a swimming pool is a barrier in a skimmer over which water flows. A floating weir raises and lowers its level to match the water level in a pool or spa.

.

Similarly one may ask, how do skimmers work in swimming pools?

The function of the swimming pool skimmer is to pull water into the system from the pool's surface with a skimming action, pulling in floating objects, such as leaves, before they sink to the bottom of the pool. Typically, a pool over 700 Square feet will be equipped with 2 skimmers.

Secondly, why are there 2 holes in my pool skimmer? The second hole in the skimmer is connected to a pipe called an equalizer. It prevents the pump from taking in air if the pool's water level dips below the skimmer opening. If the pool water is low the pump pulls water from the equalizer line so the pump doesn't run dry.

Subsequently, one may also ask, how does a weir valve work?

The Auto Flo Weir Valve works by regulating the flow through the pool cleaner to the pump. As the filter collects debris, the valve will automatically maintain the correct flow.

What does a pool skimmer Weir do?

A weir is a type of barrier across a river that is created to adjust or alter its flow. With this in mind, a weir for a swimming pool is a barrier in a skimmer over which water flows. A floating weir raises and lowers its level to match the water level in a pool or spa.

Related Question Answers

How do I identify my pool skimmer?

Look for a part number on the underside of the skimmer lid or on the rim of the skimmer basket. The part numbers will help us identify the correct skimmer.

Do I need a skimmer Weir?

Yes, you need the weir. It assists greatly in skimming by creating a current in to the skimmer. Mine snaps into place in a slot on each side of the skimmer body. It sounds like you are sucking air through the vacuum hose.

Do I need a skimmer float valve?

Probably the most important thing this skimmer float valve does is regulate how much circulation gets split between the main drain and skimmer. If the water gets low in the Pool The Float inside will fall down and shut of the skimmer and only pull water from the drain.

How many skimmers should a pool have?

How many skimmers do I need? The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) advises that there should be a minimum of one skimmer per 400 sq. ft. of pool surface area.

Should pool skimmers be on all the time?

Although it's generally recommended that all the pool water undergo filtration every 24 hours, the pump does not need to run all the time. A proactive, productive and energy-saving maintenance activity is to remove the debris floating on the pool surface with a hand-held skimmer.

Why are my pool skimmers not working?

Turn the water on at the outside water spigot. Allow the water to flow back from the pump's intake port to the clogged skimmer. Debris should begin to flow out of the clogged skimmer and into the pool itself. Water should not be flowing from any of the plugged skimmers.

Can a swimming pool be too full?

If you get more than five inches of rain in an hour, or if your pool wasn't properly designed with sufficient overflows, then your pool may overflow, which can put you at risk of water getting inside of your home and causing serious damage. As your pool fills with water, it may overflow into your yard.

Where is the skimmer valve on a swimming pool?

The Skimmer - is the housing at the side of the pool that pulls water, leaves and debris into the system and collects debris in a basket. There are a variety of skimmer baskets and lids on the market. The Main Drain - draws water from the bottom of the pool into the filter system.

How many returns should a pool have?

While many professionals install two returns, some prefer more as a general rule. Builder Guy Wood, for instance, often will place four returns in pools that measure 250 to 600 square feet. A vessel of 600 to 800 square feet will generally have six returns to start.

Why is my skimmer basket floating?

Look for excessive air in the pump or a lot of air in the filter when you open the air bleed at the top. As for the basket floating, just use a rock to keep it down. The 'flying saucer' is to protect your plumbing in case your water level gets too low.

What is a skimmer sock?

A skimmer sock, sometimes called a filter saver sock or a skimmer basket liner, is a round shaped piece of fabric that stretches around your skimmer basket and it filters the fine particles that many times will make their way through the skimmer and into the pool filter.

What is a weir valve?

Weir Valves A weir valve is a type of diaphragm valve in which the flow passage includes a weir, or a notch with a horizontal edge through which a substance flows. In the open position, the diaphragm lifts up and allows a substance to flow freely through the valve.

What is a skimmer in a pool?

Think of a pool skimmer in a residential swimming pool like you would a gutter in a larger public swimming pool: it helps to clean by skimming water and capturing floating debris such as leaves, flower petals, dirt, twigs, dead insects, and oil (sunblock)?before the waste can sink to the pool's bottom.

What is pool coping?

Pool coping is the material above the tile line that generally covers the top of the pool structure. This part of the pool is normally 12" wide and is called the bondbeam. The pool coping is used to separate the pool structure from the pool decking. The above is an example of poured concrete cantilever coping.

How does a pool skimmer float valve work?

The float valve in the bottom is designed to shut off the skimmer and keep it from sucking air into the pump if the water level in the pool gets too low. On some systems where the skimmer and drain are both plumbed into the skimmer, the float valve serves to regulate the flow of water from the skimmer and the drain.

How do pools work?

The Flow of Water Water in a swimming pool needs to circulate through a filtering system to remove dirt and debris. This allows for an evenly heated pool and uniform chemical treatment. Afterwards, it is sent through the pump, the filter, the heater, and then returned back into the pool through the return fittings.

How does an above ground pool skimmer work?

Above Ground Pool Skimmers These are either mounted on the side of the pool. with a plastic arm, or are floating models that attach to your pool vacuum and then float around the water randomly collecting debris.

Should pool return jets point up or down?

To give your swimming pool the best filtration you should point your return jet away from your skimmer and downward to get the best circulation and filtration. The top few inches of your pool is usually the dirtiest and for your pump to clean properly it is best to keep the water calm on the top of the water.

What is the drain at the bottom of my pool?

During normal operation, water flows to the filtering system through two or more main drains at the bottom of the pool and multiple skimmer drains around the top of the pool. The main drains are usually located on the lowest point in the pool, so the entire pool surface slants toward them.