Why Your Skimmer Water Level Matters for a Healthy Pool
Maintaining a crystal-clear pool isn’t just about keeping up with chemicals and cleaning—your skimmer water level plays a major role in how well your pool system runs. It’s one of the most overlooked parts of pool care, yet it directly affects water quality, equipment performance, and long-term maintenance costs.
Here’s why keeping your water at the right level matters.
What Your Skimmer Actually Does
Your skimmer acts as the first line of defence for clean water. Its job is to:
Remove leaves, insects, and surface debris
Pull water through your filtration system
Help distribute chemicals evenly
Maintain smooth circulation throughout the pool
When the water level isn’t right, the skimmer can’t do its job properly—and your whole system feels it.
When the Water Level Is Too Low
If the water drops below the skimmer opening, your pool pump starts pulling in air instead of water. This can lead to:
Reduced suction
Overheating of the pump
Loss of prime
Potential pump damage or failure
Because the pump relies on consistent water flow to stay cool, running it dry can cause expensive repairs.
When the Water Level Is Too High
A high water level might look harmless, but it prevents the skimmer from drawing surface debris into the basket. You’ll likely notice:
Leaves and dirt floating on the surface
Inefficient skimming
Cloudier water over time
More strain on your filter and chemicals
The skimmer works best when the waterline sits in the “sweet spot,” allowing debris to flow directly in.
The Ideal Water Level
For optimal performance, your pool water should sit halfway to three-quarters up the skimmer opening.
This allows:
Strong, consistent suction
Effective debris removal
Proper filtration and circulation
It’s a simple check that makes a big difference.
What Causes Water Levels to Change?
Your water level can fluctuate frequently due to:
Hot weather and evaporation
Heavy rainfall
Backwashing the filter
Splash-out from swimming
Possible leaks
Keeping an eye on it once or twice a week can prevent issues long before they become costly.
Why It’s Worth Paying Attention
A properly balanced skimmer water level protects your equipment, keeps your pool cleaner, and reduces how much work (and money) you’ll need to put into maintenance.
It’s a small detail with a big impact—one that helps your pool stay healthy, efficient, and enjoyable all year round.