Can I Fix My Jupiter Pool Skimmer Myself, or Should I Hire a Pool Contractor?

A pool skimmer is one of the most important components of your swimming pool’s circulation system. So, what happens when your pool skimmer stops functioning the way it should? Many pool owners wonder:
“Can I fix my pool skimmer myself, or should I hire a pool contractor?”

At The Pool Butler FL, we want you to understand your options so you can make the best decision for the health of your pool — and your budget.

Understanding Your Jupiter Pool Skimmer and How It Works

A typical pool skimmer consists of:

A skimmer basket, a weir door (floating flap), the skimmer body and housing, plumbing lines connecting to the pump, and a lid and throat opening.

When any of these parts malfunction, your pool may experience:

Poor circulation, excess debris, pump strain or cavitation, low water level warnings, and/or air leaks in the system.

Some issues are simple… others are major repairs that require professional help.

**DIY Skimmer Repairs: What You Can Safely Do Yourself**

Not all skimmer problems require a technician. Here are the most common DIY-friendly fixes:

✔ 1. Cleaning or Replacing the Skimmer Basket

If your skimmer isn’t pulling debris effectively, the basket may be full or cracked — easy to spot and simple to replace.

✔ 2. Clearing Debris From the Skimmer Throat

Leaves and debris can get stuck. If the system is off, you can safely reach in and clear blockages.

✔ 3. Checking the Water Level

If the water line drops below the skimmer opening, the pump will pull in air. A simple refill could fix the issue.

✔ 4. Replacing the Weir Door

A broken weir door is a very common issue and is easy to replace with basic tools.

These are safe tasks for most pool owners and require no specialty equipment.

**When You Should Not DIY Your Skimmer Repair**

A skimmer is built into the structure of your pool — which means certain repairs can cause major damage if done incorrectly.

Here’s when you should call a professional:

❌ 1. Cracks in the Skimmer Body

Cracks can cause leaks behind the pool shell. DIY patch kits rarely last and can lead to costly future repairs.

❌ 2. Plumbing or Suction Line Issues

Skimmer plumbing is underground and tied into your pump system. DIY work here can cause leaks, suction loss, or pump damage.

❌ 3. Skimmer Replacement

Replacing a skimmer involves cutting concrete, working with structural components, and reconnecting plumbing. This is never a homeowner DIY task.

❌ 4. Air Leaks You Can’t Locate

Air leaks can cause pump cavitation, overheating, and long-term equipment damage. A trained technician uses pressure testers, dye tests, and industry tools to diagnose them.

❌ 5. Visible Deck Damage or Pool Settling

This may indicate shifting around the skimmer area, which requires professional evaluation.

Why Hiring a Pool Contractor Is the Safer Choice

Even if a skimmer repair seems simple, many problems are deeper than they appear. Here’s why Jupiter and Palm Beach County homeowners choose The Pool Butler FL for skimmer repairs and replacement:

⭐ Highly Trained Technicians

⭐ Specialized Tools and Equipment

⭐ Long-Lasting Repair Solutions

⭐ Safe, Clean, Professional Work

⭐ Twenty Years Experience in Jupiter and Palm Beach County

So… Can You Fix Your Pool Skimmer Yourself?

Yes — but only the simple issues.

For basic tasks like cleaning the basket, replacing the weir door, or checking the water level, DIY is perfectly fine.

However…

For anything involving leaks, cracks, plumbing, or structural components, you should hire a licensed pool contractor. These repairs require expertise, special tools, and knowledge of pool structure that homeowners typically don’t have.

Need Fast, Reliable Skimmer Repair? Call The Pool Butler FL

Whether you’re experiencing low suction, air in your pump, leaks, or circulation issues, our qualified technicians can diagnose and repair your skimmer quickly and professionally.

We offer expert leak detection, skimmer body repairs, skimmer replacements, plumbing diagnostics, and full circulation system evaluations.

ThePoolButlerFl.com, based in Lake Worth, FL., is the ORIGINAL Pool Butler swimming pool service and repair company in Lake Worth, Jupiter and Palm Beach County. Don’t be fooled by other companies with similar names!

Need repairs? Contact The Pool Butler today at 561-467-4030! to schedule your consultation.