Watch your water level
If the water level is off, your pool pump can burn out in under an hour. This is how to check it and keep the skimmer functioning correctly.
What you'll learn
- The skimmer-mouth rule, water sits in the middle of the opening
- Summer evaporation rates in San Diego (~1/4" per day)
- How low water wrecks pump shaft seals quickly
- The 24-hour bucket test when you suspect a leak
Step by step
- Walk up to the skimmer and look at the opening.
- Water level under the skimmer mouth? Turn on the hose to fill it.
- Point toward the skimmer opening's center.
- Check it weekly; San Diego summers lose about 1/4" daily to evaporation.
Safety note
Over 1/2 inch lost daily beyond evaporation means a leak. Run a bucket test; call us if 3/4 inch or more per day vanishes.
Prefer to let a professional take care of it?
For weekly maintenance, repairs, or urgent issues anywhere in San Diego County, leave us a message and we'll return your call.
More guides
Keep learning.
Maintenance · 5 min watch
Test your pool water every week
Grab a test kit, record every reading, and stick to the kit directions carefully.
Maintenance · 3 min watch
Empty the skimmer and pump basket
A clogged skimmer basket cuts flow and forces your pump to work harder than it needs to.
Maintenance · 6 min watch
Brush and vacuum weekly
Brushing stops algae before it appears. Vacuuming handles the corners your robot can't reach.