Having your own pool is one of the great pleasures in life, particularly in the Southern heat, but maintaining its pristine state seems like a perennial chore. As you balance your family time, travel plans or fitness routines, you don’t have hours to learn every detail about your pool system. A common question that arises about the pool or spa is if a pool skimmer needs a flapper. Let’s take a look at this and learn how a gadget like a robotic pool cleaner can make cleaning your pool a breeze.
What is a pool skimmer flapper?
Before we discuss if your pool skimmer needs a flapper, let’s go over the basics. The skimmer is essential to your pool’s circulation system. It’s meant to snag on all that detritus — leaves, bugs, other suspended particles — before that stuff can sink and become more difficult to remove.
Is(sometimes referred to as a weir dooor) a small hinged thing at the top of the skimmer opening. It’s supposed to travel unhindered, allowing water and debris to enter the skimmer, while blocking debris from floating back into the pool as the pump shuts off. Or, think of it as a one-way door for dirt.
Why Is Flapper Important?
Holds Debris In The Skimmer Basket
The flapper is designed to keep debris in the Pool skimmer basket. Otherwise, leaves and bugs trapped in the skimmer can float back into the pool when the pump is off or on windy days.
Improves Filtration Efficiency
A flapper increases the water flow by ensuring a constant water level in the skimmer. This enables your pool pump and filter to operate more effectively.
Eliminates Pool Cleaning Headaches
If you’re already pouring money into equipment like a robotic pool cleaner, the last thing you want is debris being cycled back into the pool over and over again. Having a functional flapper allows your skimmer to properly assist your robotic pool with getting deep cleaning done.
Is a Flapper for Pool Skimmers a Must?
the vast majority of skimmers do well with a flapper attached. But there are a few instances where you may not require one.
When a Flapper Is Necessary
• Pools Near Heavy Debris: A flapper is a must to keep the skimmer working if your pool is surrounded by trees or has frequent debris in and around it.
• Windy Areas: If your pool is located in a windy region, a flapper can prevent debris from getting blown back into the water.
When Not to Need a Flapper
• Indoor Pools: Indoor pools are often protected from debris; thus, a flapper might not be as necessary.
• Pools with Secondary Cleanup Systems: If you have a robotic pool cleaner such as the Beatbot AquaSense Ultra, which can attack debris with surgical precision, the need to use a flapper is significant. But the flapper also provides extra peace of mind.
How to Test If Your Flapper Is Functioning
If you’ve seen debris floating back in your pool, it may be time to check your skimmer flapper. Here’s how:
Turn Off the Pump: turning off the pool pump to prevent injury.
Remove Skimmer Lid: Find the skimmer opening and take off the lid.
Examine the Flapper: Look for cracks, stiffness, or misalignment. A properly working flapper should sit snugly when closed and move freely.
Check Its Motion: Give the flapper a gentle push to check that it swings open and closes freely.
Replacements are readily available and straightforward to install if your flapper is damaged or missing.
Robotic Pool Cleaner or Skimmer: The Perfect Team
While the flapper helps contain debris in the skimmer basket, it doesn’t mean you don’t still need a deep-cleaning solution. That’s where a robotic pool cleaner comes in.
How a Robotic Pool Cleaner Works with the Skimmer
• Cleans the Pool Floor and Walls: A robotic pool cleaner goes deeper for dirt, algae and fine particles that the skimmer can’t reach.
• Works Independently: The skimmer attaches to the pump, but robotic cleaners work on their own, saving energy and wear and tear on your pool system.
• Saves Time: If you lead a busy lifestyle, a robotic pool cleaner such as the Beatbot AquaSense Pros will make sure that your pool remains hassle-free without the need to look into it all the time.
Using a functional skimmer with a pool robot cleaner gives you a pool that’s always ready to swim in.
Conclusion
So, Does Your Pool Skimmer Need a Flapper? In most cases, absolutely. This little but very important part is responsible for keeping your pool clean and your filtration system running smoothly. Combined with a robotic pool cleaner, you can keep every inch of your swimming pool spotless with minimal labor.Investing in a high-quality robotic pool cleaner such as the Beatbot AquaSense Ultra or Beatbot AquaSense Pro is the perfect way to complement the ability of your skimmer. The combined efforts of both will mean you spend less time worrying about maintenance, and more enjoying the pool with your family, whether that means a quick swim before work or a relaxing weekend by the water.
