Your pool skimmer does more work than most people realize. It pulls debris off the surface, helps circulate water, and plays a key role in keeping your pool clean. But when a skimmer cracks, separates, or starts leaking, it can cause serious water loss and even structural damage to your pool.
If you live in Ocean Township, NJ and suspect your pool skimmer is failing, this guide will help you understand the warning signs, the replacement process, and why acting fast matters.
Caliber Pool Pro provides professional pool skimmer replacements and pool leak detection services across Ocean Township and the entire Jersey Shore. Our certified team has nearly two decades of experience fixing pool problems the right way.
What Does a Pool Skimmer Actually Do?
Before we talk about replacement, it helps to understand why your skimmer matters so much. A pool skimmer is a built-in opening in the side wall of your pool, usually at the waterline. It works like a drain for the surface of your water.
Here is how it fits into your pool system:
- Surface water flows into the skimmer opening
- A basket inside catches leaves, bugs, and large debris
- Water then travels through a pipe to your pump and filter
- Clean, filtered water returns to the pool through return jets
When your skimmer is damaged, this entire cycle is disrupted. Water can leak out around the skimmer body, air can get sucked into the plumbing, and your pump can lose prime. All of these problems cost you money.
5 Warning Signs Your Pool Skimmer Needs Replacement
Pool skimmers in Ocean Township take a beating from the coastal climate. Salt air, temperature swings, and years of use all take their toll. Watch for these signs:
1. Visible Cracks in the Skimmer Body
Plastic skimmer bodies can crack from age, ground movement, or freeze damage. Even small cracks can allow water to seep out around the skimmer and into the surrounding soil. If you see cracks on the skimmer face or throat, it is time to call a professional.
2. Water Level Drops Faster Than Normal
If your pool is losing water and the level seems to drop right at or below the skimmer line, the skimmer itself may be the source of the leak. This is one of the most common leak locations we find during pool leak detection in Ocean Township.
3. Separation Between the Skimmer and Pool Wall
Over time, the bond between the skimmer body and the pool wall can weaken. You might see a visible gap or notice water seeping through the joint. This separation often gets worse with each freeze-thaw cycle.
4. Air Bubbles in Your Return Jets
When a skimmer cracks or separates, air can get pulled into the plumbing line. You will notice bubbles coming out of your return jets. This is a sign your pump is pulling air through a damaged skimmer.
5. Staining or Erosion Around the Skimmer Area
Look at the pool surface and deck area directly around the skimmer. Staining, soft spots in the deck, or soil erosion nearby all point to water escaping from a damaged skimmer.
A leaking skimmer does not just waste water. It can undermine your pool deck and cause expensive structural damage if left unrepaired.
How Caliber Pool Pro Handles Skimmer Replacement in Ocean Township
Pool skimmer replacement is not a quick DIY fix. It requires cutting into the pool deck, removing the old skimmer body, and properly installing a new one with a watertight seal. Here is how our team handles it:
- Leak Detection Confirmation — We first confirm that the skimmer is the leak source using electronic listening and dye testing.
- Deck Access — We carefully cut and remove the section of pool deck around the skimmer to access the full skimmer body.
- Old Skimmer Removal — The damaged skimmer is removed along with the old plumbing connections.
- New Skimmer Installation — A new skimmer body is set in place and connected to existing plumbing with proper seals.
- Pressure Testing — We pressure test the new connections to confirm everything is watertight.
- Deck Restoration — The deck area is patched and restored.
Skimmer Repair vs. Skimmer Replacement: Which Do You Need?
Sometimes a minor patch can extend the life of a skimmer. Other times, full replacement is the only smart option. Here is how to tell the difference:
Why Ocean Township Pool Owners Trust Caliber Pool Pro
Caliber Pool Pro is the Jersey Shore’s trusted pool repair specialist. When you call us for a skimmer issue in Ocean Township, you get:
- Certified technicians with nearly 20 years of pool industry experience
- Advanced leak detection technology including LeakTronics and dye testing
- Transparent communication with honest assessments and upfront recommendations
- Same-day repairs available during leak detection appointments
We also serve nearby communities including Neptune Township, Asbury Park, Deal, Eatontown, and Long Branch.
Think your skimmer might be leaking? Call Caliber Pool Pro at (833) 776-2205 to schedule a pool leak detection appointment in Ocean Township, NJ.