Keep the water level at the middle of the skimmer

Keep the water level at the middle of the skimmer

Right at the middle of the skimmer opening.

That’s the standard for a reason. Low water means the skimmer sucks air – your pump loses prime, runs dry, and that’s how you burn up a $400 motor. Too high, and floating leaves and bugs just skip right over the skimmer door. Also, if water gets above the skimmer lid, it can flood the pump area or mess with the weir door operation.

Aim for the waterline to hit halfway up the skimmer faceplate. Easy to check, easy to adjust with a hose or drain.

This is one of those things where a couple inches matter more than you’d think.