What Are Pool Skimmer Socks Used For? What Are the Alternatives?

Hey there fellow pool owner! Like me, you probably want to keep your pool super clean without a lot of work. That's where pool skimmer socks can really help out! These little mesh bags fit right into your fine mesh pool skimmer basket and grab all sorts of junk - leaves, bugs, hair, anything - before it plugs up your filter. Quite useful, huh?

We will explain the composition of skimmer socks, how to use them correctly, and when to get fresh ones in this article. In addition, we'll offer you some advice on how to prevent the socks from flying out of the basket! Skimmer socks are a useful accessory, but they don't last forever. 

Finally, if you're looking for something different, I've got some alternative options that get the job done. But read on first to see if trusty skimmer socks are the right fit for your pool.

What are pool skimmer socks made of?

Pool skimmer socks are typically made from polyester or nylon mesh materials. The specific construction can vary by manufacturer, but most share the following common characteristics:

• Fine Mesh - Skimmer sock fabrics feature openings of approximately 40-200 microns to filter small debris. This is much finer than the openings in a skimmer basket alone.
• Durability and Weave -the synthetic, tightly woven polyester and nylon material is easily permeable to water flow, resistant to chlorine, and made to withstand weather and pool chemicals.
•  Some feature a reinforced band to maintain shape. 
• Varied Shapes - Skimmer socks come in conical, cylindrical, and other shapes to fit inside different skimmer basket designs and sizes.
• Range of Micron Ratings - Finer micron ratings of 100 or less optimize small particle capture while coarser meshes above 150 microns handle larger volumes of debris.

So in summary, the fine woven constructions of nylon and polyester used in skimmer socks allow them to effectively filter debris while enduring the chemical conditions and constant water flow of swimming pool systems. The selection of mesh and shape provides customizable options for optimal skimmer-based filtration.

What does a skimmer sock do?

A mesh filter put within the pool skimmer basket is called a skimmer sock. When water from the pool surface travels through the skimmer and into the filtration system, the skimmer sock collects leaves and other tiny material before it reaches the filter and clogs it. As a result, the water remains pure and transparent. Additionally, it shields the filter from an excessive accumulation of debris, which could impair the pump and decrease water flow.

When the pool fills with pollen and fallen leaves in the spring and fall, the skimmer sock can become quickly clogged with material.

 As a result, you should routinely inspect the sock and either replace it or rinse it out. If not, it stops water from passing through the skimmer, which is bad for the filtration system of the pool.

Skimmer socks are made of a material that, despite having great qualities, does not last forever. The socks eventually become worn out from being around chemicals and cleaners in the pool. Thus, in order to make sure that they efficiently collect all the debris, they must be changed out on a regular basis with new ones. Check and change your skimmer socks from time to time, they are useful and economical filters that will help keep your water hygienic!

Can you reuse skimmer socks?

Yes, skimmer socks can be reused. However, there are some important factors to consider when reusing skimmer socks:

Inspect condition - Check for holes, tears, and thinning of the mesh material. Skimmer socks with excessive wear should be replaced for optimal debris trapping.

Remove debris - Rinse and clean the skimmer sock thoroughly to remove all leaves, insects, pollen, and other contaminants trapped in the mesh. Built-up debris can impair water flow if not fully removed.

Check for clogs - Closely examine the mesh and ensure water can flow freely through the material. Clogged areas indicate a need for replacement.

Disinfect: To sanitize and eradicate bacteria, immerse the skimmer sock in a chlorine solution or pool disinfectant after thorough cleaning. Well rinse before putting it back in. 

Frequency - Skimmer socks are designed for periodic replacement. Reuse for an extended time can allow smaller debris through the worn mesh reducing effectiveness. Follow manufacturer guidelines for optimal reuse periods.

Some pool owners choose not to use harsh detergents that can deteriorate the material and instead wash their skimmer socks in a washing machine on a moderate cycle. It is advised to let the socks air dry rather than machine dry them to avoid shrinkage or damage. 

In conclusion, if skimmer socks are cleaned, checked for damage, and disinfected in between uses, they can be used again for a short period of time. But regular replacement is needed to maintain proper skimming and filtration. Check condition frequently when reusing to determine appropriate replacement timing.

How do I Keep My Skimmer Sock from Floating?

To prevent skimmer socks from floating, it's essential to secure them properly to the skimmer basket. Here are some tips to prevent pool skimmer socks from floating:

• Weight the sock - Place a few pebbles or marbles inside the cuff of the skimmer sock to weigh it down. This helps hold the sock in place at the bottom of the skimmer basket.
• Get a contoured sock - Look for skimmer socks designed with a contour shape that hugs the bottom of the skimmer basket. This prevents the sock from floating upward.
• Use a tight weave - Sock skimmerwith a very tight knit mesh tend to stay submerged better than those with looser weaves. The finer fabric is heavier when saturated with water.
• Check for tears - Inspect old socks for tears or holes that allow water to enter and cause flotation. Patch small holes or replace torn socks.
• Install correctly - Ensure the pool strainer sock is smoothly installed flat along the floor of the basket, eliminating air pockets that can cause it to buoy upward.
• Weight the basket - Placing a couple of large pebbles in the bottom of the skimmer basket itself can also help hold down the sock.
• Consider size - An oversized skimmer sock can float more readily. Ensure you have the properly fitted size.

Use caution, though, and avoid using anything that can harm the skimmer basket or impede the water flow.

In summary, the combination of weighting, proper sizing, quality materials, and correct installation helps skimmer socks stay in position to filter debris without problematic floating. Remember to replace skimmer socks regularly, as worn-out materials can lose elasticity and buoyancy control, leading to floating issues.

How long do skimmer socks last?

Skimmer socks can be expected to last anywhere from two weeks to three months, depending on the debris level, cleaning techniques, and mesh strength. To optimize filtration performance, it is advised to replace them on a regular basis. The following are some variables that may impact the duration of use:

• 2-4 weeks - For in-ground pools with normal usage, skimmer socks typically last 2-4 weeks before needing replacement. Higher debris loads shorten lifespan.
• 1-2 weeks - Skimmer sock for above ground pool, expect 1-2 week lifespan on average. Their shallow depth and large surface area collect debris faster.
• 3-6 months - With periodic cleaning and low debris environments, well-maintained skimmer socks can sometimes last up to 3-6 months. But performance drops over time.
• 1 season - For seasonal pools only operated part of the year, one skimmer sock may last an entire 3-4 month season if cleaned periodically.
• Mesh deterioration - Extended chemical exposure and UV rays cause the mesh to degrade over time, regardless of debris load. Skimmers socks should be replaced at least once per season.
• When clogged - A skimmer sock that becomes clogged with debris and impedes water flow should be replaced immediately, regardless of age.

Follow manufacturer recommendations - For expected lifespan, defer to the specific replacement guidelines provided by the skimmer sock manufacturer.

Pool Skimmer Sock Alternatives

The primary alternative to utilizing skimmer socks is to rely entirely on the skimmer basket to remove material before it enters the pump and pool filtration system.

Skimmer baskets are less fine than skimmer socks because their slots and perforations are larger than skimmer socks' micron mesh. Skimmer baskets typically filter debris no larger than 1/4 inch. Whereas, socks capture more - the fine mesh of a filter sock traps much finer contaminants such as dirt, pollen, insects and hair that would pass through a skimmer basket.

Socks protect the basket - skimmer socks prevent most of the debris from getting into the basket, preventing it from clogging up quickly. This way the basket needs to be emptied less often.

Disposable socks - when the skimmer socks become full of waste, they are simply discarded and replaced. Skimmer baskets should be emptied, cleaned and reused. Baskets are standard - the skimmer basket is built into the skimmer housing itself. Skimmer socks are an optional accessory.

Skimmer socks can easily be added to any existing pool skimmer to increase its filtration efficiency. No modifications are required.

So, essentially, the basic default skimming option is to use only the skimmer basket. But adding skimmer socks can greatly improve filtration by providing cleaner water and less frequent skimmer maintenance.