So what are the advantages / disadvantages of using a skimmer sock?

[anthonypool89]

I've heard these mentioned here but never really looked into it. I don't want to overtax the pump but am trying to find a way to maybe reduce the filter pressure in terms of less frequent DE changes.

 

[AK-]

I’m using skimmer socks… it catches the vast majority of stuff that would end up in my filter. I recently switched from “Socks” to hair nets that costs 1/10th of socks. Seems to be doing a good job, but the socks I was using before was catching a bit more fine partículas (such as pollen).

 

[anthonypool89]

I’m using skimmer socks

AK...thanks....so I've seen skimmer socks that look like they fit over the top of the round basket and sort of drape down inside. Then, I'm pretty sure I saw others that cover the basket from the bottom - which would seem to be more effective given that the sock would cover all the openings around the basket. Can't imagine that the former method would really do much good (?) Can you - or someone else - recommend any particular type or brand?

 

[Tcadwall0]

If the sock is inside the basket, then you are catching the stuff you dont want to end up in you filter. It seems that going on the outside of the basket would also work, but the sock ends up getting pulled (at least partially) into the pipe. This can cause a clog very easily (depending on what it is catching}. I would not recommend doing it that way.

 

[AK-]

More a review than a recommendation.

I started using this: Amazon.com : Impresa Products 10-Pack of Pool Skimmer Socks - Perfect Savers for Filters, Baskets, and Skimmers - The Ideal Sock/Net/Saver to Protect Your Inground or Above Ground Pool : Garden & Outdoor
PROS: captures fine particles and can be easily washed.
CONS: Not inexpensive to throw away when it looks nasty

Then I switched to this: Amazon.com: 100 Disposable Mop Mob Bouffant Caps 21inch Clipped Hair Head Cover Net for Salon or Spray Tan: Beauty
PROS: disposable
CONS: doesn’t seem as good capturing fine particles.

I use them in the inside of the basket, going around the skimmer basket neck.

 

[anthonypool89]

I started using this: Amazon.com : Impresa Products 10-Pack of Pool Skimmer Socks - Perfect Savers for Filters, Baskets, and Skimmers - The Ideal Sock/Net/Saver to Protect Your Inground or Above Ground Pool : Garden & Outdoor

AK...thanks. Just came across the Impresa that you provided a link to. Some reviewers say it's hard to get the thing over a hayward skimmer basket - especially due to the handle in the middle. Another idea I came across is to put one of these on the pump strainer rather than the skimmer basket (?) Guess it's worth experimenting with.

 

[anthonypool89]

but the sock ends up getting pulled (at least partially) into the pipe.

My goof...sorry... I got confused by seeing a picture of a blue basket and thought it was a blue sock over the bottom of the basket. You're right - wouldn't make much sense to run the risk of the thing getting sucked down into the pipe! Biggest issue appears to be fitting it over the basket handle.

 

[AK-]

AK...thanks. Just came across the Impresa that you provided a link to. Some reviewers say it's hard to get the thing over a hayward skimmer basket - especially due to the handle in the middle. Another idea I came across is to put one of these on the pump strainer rather than the skimmer basket (?) Guess it's worth experimenting with.

My skimmer is Hayward and I have no major issues.

 

[anthonypool89]

My skimmer is Hayward and I have no major issues.

And so you have a handle in the middle of the skimmer? Here's another concern: I've been told that my frequent DE filter pressure increases may be associated with algae, despite the water being clear. I read one the Amazon questions that discussed how fine the sock filters - says down to .2 microns. So will the sock catch some of this algae (if indeed that's the problem...)?

 

[AK-]

And so you have a handle in the middle of the skimmer? Here's another concern: I've been told that my frequent DE filter pressure increases may be associated with algae, despite the water being clear. I read one the Amazon questions that discussed how fine the sock filters - says down to .2 microns. So will the sock catch some of this algae (if indeed that's the problem...)?

The handle of my skimmer basket is in the middle, but swivels and rests on the side.

I don’t know about algae, but it was catching quite some pollen. I can get a picture tomorrow.

 

[pookiesunshine]

you should be able to remove the handle so you can put in the hairnet, then put the handle back on.

 

[Bengi010]

I use them all spring to catch pollen and fine debris that would pass right through the basket. It’s really incredible how much they collect. I removed the crossbar on my basket, just gets in the way and isn’t necessary. They are rinsable but so cheap it’s often easier to just get a new one. During peak pollen season you have to check/clean daily to make sure adequate flow as they do clog up.

 

[anthonypool89]

B....thanks. I'm going to get some. Worth a shot. Getting tired of these constant 4-5 day DE changes. If things don't settle down, I see no recourse but to go back to chlorine next year and see what happens.

 

[AK-]

Not sure if you going to be able to see how fine is the stuff on it. BTW, Bengi is right, during pollen season I have to clean (or replace) it at least one a day and sometimes twice a day (I have lots of tree and they hate my pool, so they are constantly deploying high accuracy guided pollen on my pool).

 

[AK-]

Here is the hairnet in action (as you can see it doesn’t case as much fine particles).

 

[Homebrewale]

I only use a skimmer sock during pollen season in spring. Now that it is summer, I don't use them anymore.

 

[anthonypool89]

AK and Homebrewale - thanks for additional info. Given that we're surrounded by farm fields, I would suspect there is a good amount of pollen floating around. All I can do is try it and see if it helps. Most here have told me that this (frequent filter cleaning issue) will likely resolve if I convert back to chlorine. So I'd like to rule out anything else first - getting near the bottom of the list of things to try. This season is definitely the turning point for continued use of baquacil (or not).

 

[Chad1979]

I use skimmer socks all season long. I got them last year on Amazon. It was like a 12 pack. I pit mine inside the skimmer basket. They work well at getting pine needles, small bugs, sun screen and pollens and dirt from making it to the filter. They last about a month each from what ive seen. I pull out once a week to clean them good, but otherwise i just pull basket and dump debris and put back into skimmer. I dont think there is a con for using them, at least in my experience.

 

[anthonypool89]

I dont think there is a con for using them

I wouldn't see why there would be other than letting them fill up too much and dragging down on the operation of the pump.

 

[Duckmore]

I think they have really helped me keep some of the pine tree and cotton & dandelion debris out of the filter. I have only used them this season but wash it off each day when I pull the basket and it’s usually pretty full of debris and cleans up nice.

I remove the center bar of the filter strainer basket and inert the sock, then put the bar back in