Skimmer Crack Repairs

Skimmer repairs are the single most common leak in a swimming pool.  Poolmax repairs dozens of skimmers every year.  Skimmer repairs can come in three main forms:

1) GAPS AROUND SKIMMER FACE
​This happens when the grout lines around the plastic face of the skimmer start to deteriorate.  It can also happen when the skimmer starts to pull away slightly from rest of the pool.  The skimmer is typically attached to the pool shell, but also attached to the deck.  As the deck moves, the skimmer can pull away from the pool shell just enough to cause a leak.  This type of leak can lose anywhere from 1/2 inch to 3 inches per day.  Typically this type of leak will move quickly until it gets to the bottom of the tile line, then stop leaking.

This can be repaired by re-grouting the skimmer face, using a specialized pool epoxy around the skimmer face, or through a skimmer injection which helps stabilize movement and seal the skimmer face.  The appropriate skimmer repair depends upon what caused the damage, how severe the damage is, and the materials used to in construction of the pool and skimmer.  Prices can range from $125 to $650 for these skimmer repairs.

2) CRACKS IN SKIMMER BODY
​If the skimmer body (the plastic basin) is cracked, warped, or twisted, then the whole skimmer needs to be replaced.  We typically need to cut the concrete around the skimmer, break out the old skimmer, place in a new skimmer, and plumb it all back together. 

This sort of job usually takes 1-2 days and can cost between $1500 to $2200 depending upon the type of plumbing, deck replacement, and other structural considerations.  Poolmax team of experts includes masons who can repair and re-finish any deck type.  In addition to replacing the skimmer body, we will add an expansion joint around the new skimmer to alleviate as much future movement as possible to keep the leak from coming back.

​3) CRACKS IN SKIMMER WALL 
Cracks can appear in the walls around the skimmer face.  Often this is caused by pressure from the deck pushing on the skimmer or the concrete structure around the skimmer.  This can result in cracks in the concrete, missing tile, and ultimately water lose.  

The best way to repair this kind of skimmer leak is to remove loose tile, open up the crack to relieve the pressure and tension that caused the crack, then rebuild the face of the skimmer.  Often this will require removing the coping above the skimmer face.  

​These repairs typically cost anywhere from $350 to $750 depending upon amount of damage, and amount of material needed to repair.