You need to take the small ring out of the middle. that ring is supposed to be used only on low flow skimmers. It will provide TOO much restriction if you have good flow. It says that in the instructions.
I have one. There's two problems with it. First problem is you have to stay on it with the water level. If it gets even an inch lower than the top of the skim around, it starts to suck in from thr side of the basket and puts air in your filter. Second is if you get a bundle of leaves that get sucked into the skimmer, it's too easy for them to get stuck at the top of the basket which restricts water flow and puts air in your filter. Every time we get a windy storm I have to quickly run out and empty it. It doesn't take much for it to get clogged at the top. Also after multiple times of pulling it out to clean, those notches wear out and makes it really easy for the top of it to pop off.
Josh, Thanks for this video. I was going to purchase a Skim-A-Round and after watching your video I realized I need a weir door. I did not realize that door would help pull more trash into the skimmer. 🙂
I bought one of these to try (i have two skimmers). It seems to work OK but I don't run my filtration all the time. When the pump is off, the skim around floats to the top. Then, when the pump is turned back on, the skim around does not seal around the skimmer well so there is no suction to increase the flow of water into the skimmer. I had to put some rocks in the bottom of the skim around to hold it down when the pump is off. This is the trade off when getting a one-size-fits-all basket. It should be made heavier or at least have a weighted bottom. FYI, I bought the cheaper package. I couldn't see spending another $10 for a clarifier pill and two silt bags. I won't be buying another one.
Doesn't work. Tried to contact customer service to return and encountered a black hole, number disconnected. If you have a vortex, your sucking air. Don't buy.
I live in Peoria, AZ. I think my skimmer housing has distorted. When the in-floor system is on the weir door gets stuck in the opening and it's stuck tight. It's about half way open so not enough water can get in and it is sucking air and it is loud. That's not fun when I had the pump going off at 3:00 am! I purchased a new weir door and it does the same thing. That's why I was looking at this or maybe the Skim Doctor.
Yep like I thought, that's why you dont go by the reviews on the seller's site, It just didnt make sense to me, you still have the same amount of suction from the pump, plus you're adding a road block by making the hole smaller, it's just an illusion because you have that little whirlpool
This is working really well for my pool. I had a traditional basket and never had anything in it ,I bought this one and I actually now have to clean it. Works well for me.
Great review. I especially respect how you kept your your skepticism at bay to provide some excellent information to help make that purchasing decision. Your review is in line with one of my pool friends experience.
im surprised they banned you ?you actually had positive remarks for them .the idea that they banned you was enough for me to stay with my regular one .the idea that when ur pool water goes a little low(in Florida happens all the time) with evaporation that skim round wont work sucks to much air thanks very much good video.
Just purchased. I really don’t see any advantage and actually I have to keep my old basket to install for use when I vac my pool as the vac can’t go over the skin a round and seal to catch debris
So it seems this would be an ok solution since my weir flap or door broke off and my husband loves to turn the pump off. The next morning the pool is loaded with backwashed June bugs and a million other bugs on the surface that I have to skim off myself. I know the door will NEVER get fixed or replaced!! 🤔🤔
These are basically the pool equivalent of that air intake Vortex after market part for cars that claims it changes the air when in fact it actuality restricts air which for a car isn't great. But woosh woosh make everything great according to them
See the advantage of a skimmer weir is that it accelerates the surface of the water in the local area of the skimmer without a skimmer Weir you would be attempting to move water across a 6 inch tall opening rather than a half inch opening this causes decreasing the velocity of the water making the skimmer less effective the Bernoulli effect is already present with a skimmer Weir installed there is no need to buy a special skimmer
@@christianbrooks6331 Take out the weir door and lightly sand down the edges of either side, effectively reducing the length enough so it doesn't get caught on the skimmer walls as it floats up and down.
That ring that makes the hole smaller is great for low flow, however the only problem see is when the pump kicks up to high speed, the skin around is not a self adjustable basket so if you were to kick up to high speed, the skimmer will suck air. Also you will have to keep your water level higher than normal because the skimmer will get too much suction that it will suck air even if the pump is on low speed. I don’t have a skimmer weir. I have a basket and a floating ring that acts as a weir and it work awesome. Josh, are you able to make a video on how to determine the suction lines when you have a skimmer, cleaner, main drain on a separate line to the pump, and a spa drain on a separate line to the pump?
@@desmetde it’s the design of the skimmer basket. There is the basket, which is a heavy piece of plastic not like a traditional skimmer basket. Then there is a ring that fits inside of the basket that act like a skimmer weir.
I have this skim a round and it actually does work well for me. Had it for about 4-5 years and the top part just broke so I ordered a new one. Increases the amount of suction and flow towards the basket to help keep the surface cleaner. It's not going to change your life but if you want your pool filter to work better I recommend it.
I use my skimaround a lot during the spring and mid summer because of the rain and the constantly changing water level. the level often goes too high for my weir to work, but i dont want to drain the pool. the skimaround makes it easier.
Didn’t work for our pool. Just kept floating. Coming apart. Wanted to return but there policy is I gotta pay to return and enclose a return postage back to me if the don’t accept return.
I ordered one and then they came up with an ad to add to order. Well I ordered the brush and then the ad said brush free if you order the net. So I tried emailing and changing order. Customer service is HORRIBLE! The answer was no can't change it and didn't even bother contacting me and saying ... hey we will cancel this order and you can redo order. I just canceled the whole thing! Piss on them! Glad I did now that I am reading about the basket really isn't that good
Curious if the leaves collected float out of the basket with the skim-a-round when the pump shuts off. Without a wear in place, this would then allow them to re-enter the pool. Josh, do you have any feedback on this?
I bought one and figured out how to make it work. You really have to check it daily and make sure water level is correct. Unfortunately when I went to change the height of the ring had the skim a round on pool deck and pushed the ring to next notch and one of the basket legs cracked and broke. Cheap plastic. Useless now.
I keep seeing these come up in my FB feed. I couldn't really see how it would improve on my current basket. The flow rate of water will be the same, so its not going to more effectively suck in floating debris. The whirlpool looks like its doing something, but by the time debris hits that, its in the basket already. Your review pretty much convinced me of what I already know. Just like those aftermarket car intakes that are supposed to spin the air that is entering, or the magnets on the fuel lines to increase fuel efficiency - it is just snake oil. If those actually worked car manufacturers would be installing them when the car is built and its the same with this - pool companies would be installing them or the major manufacturers would be making them.
Good unbiased review as I suspected if your pool is dialed in and working properly you don’t need the skim around. The guys are Skim around have done a good job at getting the word out on social media but the reality is you really don’t need it🤷♂️.
Listen, it all comes down to how much water is passing the pool wall into the skimmer area. That thing makes the water look pretty, but it doesn’t do anything to increasing “skimming effectiveness”. The only way you are going to skim more effectively is to increase water flowing into the skim box…Ie. Increase pump speed for skimmer, thus increase water volume flowing thru pump and skimmer box
Its called Placebo Effect. That whirlpool makes people believe its cleaning better than their other skimmer because it doesn’t have a whirlpool. All they did was create a smaller basket, narrowing the opening to restrict the flow into the inlet. You might get higher air velocity breathing in through one nostril but You’ll get more oxygen breathing in through your mouth. Same concept.
I’m having issues with my skimmers and I really don’t know what it could be at this point. I found a potential hole and patched it but for some reason my pump is still humming loudly and the water level in that pump basket is low. I filled the pool up and it was high in the pump but then I woke up and it was humming yet again and the water level was low inside the basket. So I know there’s a issue but I can’t seem to find it. What do you think it could be?
I wish I watched this before purchasing. The skim-a-around did not work for my set up. The return process was frustrating, first customer must pay for return shipping - okay, fine, your product says it will work for all pools, not mine, but whatever. Next, the product must be like new upon their receipt of the return and their inspection. To put this plastic together and adjust the pieces apparently it then appears as "scratched" as the pieces rub against each other deeming it now NOT LIKE NEW and therefore you do not receive your refund. There is no one to call, no pictures of the "damaged" product which I know was not damaged. I have this skimmer at a vacation home and it works fine. But buyer beware if you want to return, save your $15 in shipping fees and keep or give it to someone.
Great video, I’ve been seeing advertisements for this and I was thinking it would cause problems with air being sucked into the system so I think I’ll pass on it but I’m sold on that basket with the handle.
$35 for $2.50 worth of plastic. You will NEVER get more water "pulling" into your drain than what is going into the pump. The brief increase in velocity is HIGHLY localized.
This is a waste of money. I’m very happy with my standard basket and floating weir. I use socks on my basket too. I never have debris float out. It’s not increasing flow or velocity, just scamming pool owners.
I have a handful of clients who went out and bought one. I don't believe that they are worth the $. One would have to be playing with it constantly to get it to work optimally. Basket you have with handle and a working weir door do the job. Remember, you're at their pool once a week. Most clients don't touch their pools. That's why we have jobs. I have a hard time getting them to add an inch of water. I agree with Josh, faster is better.
I actually reccomended these to a handful of customers. But after a year of use I will not be referring that anyone purchase them.. they are not designed for the easy and acceble debris removal or maintenence. Busting leaves all over the deck like a Easter egg lol
I bought 4. Not real happy with them. Mine I had to put a weight in the basket because it wanted to float. I adjusted and still had to put a rock in it. Also when you pull out basket always came apart. Product needs more thinking.
You thoroughly convinced me not to buy this product. Looks like a big pain that doesn't work any better than my original skimmer. Thanks for keeping me from wasting my money!
My skim a round skimmer recently broke. I tried to use the "lifetime warranty" that is listed in the product description and under the warranty section of their website. After contacting them I received an email invoice for $15.99 shipping to ship me a replacement top of the basket. After numerous email exchanges they are refusing to sent the part without ripping me off for $16 more dollars to pay inflated shipping. The responses received twist the wording from their website to exclude covering shipping cost to new purchases only. I would be happy to participate in a class action lawsuit against this compeny if you experience a similar experience.
Bye the way is you get a back surge in the skimmer line when the pump shuts off there is air collecting in the top of your filter. Air is spongy. water is not.
I am banned from their FB, without watching the video, my banned was for telling them about the float problem, everytime system shutoff, basket floats and next time system turns ON basket stay floating, i told them they need to fix it, so they banned me, now lets watch the video and hope me concurr LUL
What happens when some large leaves come in - the Skim Around has too small of an opening for them to go into the basket. Thanks for the review, it was just what I needed to see. I'm sticking with my old school skimmer basket and weir.
I was also banned for asking questions. As a 23 year service tech this is just another invention looking for a problem to solve. A B-9 basket (American made) and a weir door works perfect. Or an R-38 with float AND a weir door. Perfect.
The CIA spies monitoring my phone suggested this via ads so I gave it a look. Seems pool techs don't like this (with a common denominator reason) but home owners do. Also "for the money?". It's 35 bucks. It's by far the cheapest thing I've had to buy for this hole in my backyard. Hell, a new "regular" skimmer was 27.99 at leslies
Before I watch the video, I will tell you that it is JUST a visual effect that makes you see the water getting sucked. There is no volume speed difference. And in fact it ends up floating up, and not staying in position. Save you money, its a scammy product. Venturi effect I think...meaning the water at the smaller opening is moving faster, yet the volume is less so there is no difference in end result.
@@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS and the suction doesnt take it back down. It is just a visual effect, otherwise the 1, 2, 3 HP pump is still pulling the same volume, and the access to the skimmer opening is not going to make a significant if any difference in direction.
@@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS it’s suppose to float up when the pool isn’t running that keeps the debri that is inside the basket from coming back out into your pool.
This thing has to be pretty magical to pull right back down into place correctly every time. Factor in the growing number of variable speed pumps out there running on low speed and there’s no way this thing is dropping into place. If it’s working for you, that’s awesome. Like I say in the video, there might be a few situations where this is the solution but no way does this beat a properly functioning skimmer weir and basket.
@@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS yes it works great pops up when filter turns off and gets sucked down when filter comes on. I love it and honestly it works great hate to tell you.I have a Pentair variable speed pump. 2500 rpms for 2 hours to run sweep then 6 hours at 1500 rpm to just clean pool.
this is excellent with variable speed pump. Been using it for almost 2 years and my pump constantly running at around 30 to 35% of the power. Not sucking air in.
Got dooped by them, too slow on email questions which pushed me past the Return/Refund timeline...it's a POS. When my pump is on low speed it floats and allows bypass to my pump DO NOT BUT THIS CRAP. They banned me from making comments on FB as well 😂
OK I MADE AN OOPS WHEN I USED A CARD THAT HAD THE WRONG ADDRESS ATTACHED TO IT. GOOD LUCK MTRYING TO GET SOMEONE TO ANSWER ANYTHING, CUSTOMER SERVICE IS JUST ONE SCREEN TO ANOTHER. NO PHONE NUMBER, THIS REALLY SUCKS AND THE PACKAGE IS GOING TO THE RONG PLACE!
I’ve had the traditional baskets that would get stuck to the point where I had to cut them out. Skim a round always better and never an issue PLUS with cotton wood we have to use a sock which skim around does nicely but baskets with handles do not.
I don't like them. I own my own route. A client of mine has 1. It's not something you need. It works just as good as a regular basket. Plus with a regular basket, all I got to do is just drop a tab in the basket and I'm good. With that, what if someone wanted to add tabs? You can't cause it messes with the way it works plus if I was to add a tab, it would work just the same as a regular basket anyways and I'd have to take it apart everytime I want to add tabs if I was to do so. He's right about it taking in a lot of air. You can bleed the air out but still it takes in a lot of air. You shouldn't have to adjust your water level by adding more water than normal to make that skimmer work cause that's what you have to do. 1 week, have the level higher than normal with it barley working at all, then come next week, I show up again and it just sucking in air. Just my thoughts but a regular basket, that's all you need. I don't even charge my clients for them. They get free 1s from me. Just ask your Poolman for 1, he'll probably do the same.
Good review. I have been curious about the skim a round but after your review I will not be purchasing one. It looks like a complete waste of $45. I'm a pool nerd and usually give it a daily once over (summer only). Your review was very helpful. Thanks.
Could have just asked the pup, he could have reviewed the skim-a-round since he’s been wearing one around his neck hahahahahaha, he’s been skimming around 🤪
You need to take the small ring out of the middle. that ring is supposed to be used only on low flow skimmers. It will provide TOO much restriction if you have good flow. It says that in the instructions.
Dude, why are you trying to defend a smarmy company?
I have one. There's two problems with it. First problem is you have to stay on it with the water level. If it gets even an inch lower than the top of the skim around, it starts to suck in from thr side of the basket and puts air in your filter. Second is if you get a bundle of leaves that get sucked into the skimmer, it's too easy for them to get stuck at the top of the basket which restricts water flow and puts air in your filter. Every time we get a windy storm I have to quickly run out and empty it. It doesn't take much for it to get clogged at the top. Also after multiple times of pulling it out to clean, those notches wear out and makes it really easy for the top of it to pop off.
Josh, Thanks for this video. I was going to purchase a Skim-A-Round and after watching your video I realized I need a weir door. I did not realize that door would help pull more trash into the skimmer. 🙂
I bought one of these to try (i have two skimmers). It seems to work OK but I don't run my filtration all the time. When the pump is off, the skim around floats to the top. Then, when the pump is turned back on, the skim around does not seal around the skimmer well so there is no suction to increase the flow of water into the skimmer. I had to put some rocks in the bottom of the skim around to hold it down when the pump is off. This is the trade off when getting a one-size-fits-all basket. It should be made heavier or at least have a weighted bottom. FYI, I bought the cheaper package. I couldn't see spending another $10 for a clarifier pill and two silt bags. I won't be buying another one.
Doesn't work. Tried to contact customer service to return and encountered a black hole, number disconnected. If you have a vortex, your sucking air. Don't buy.
I live in Peoria, AZ. I think my skimmer housing has distorted. When the in-floor system is on the weir door gets stuck in the opening and it's stuck tight. It's about half way open so not enough water can get in and it is sucking air and it is loud. That's not fun when I had the pump going off at 3:00 am! I purchased a new weir door and it does the same thing. That's why I was looking at this or maybe the Skim Doctor.
after watching I have to agree. I am going to stick to my regular basket just not worth the extra money
Owww, the dog looks like part of the skim-a-round with the Elizabethan collar. Great review. Thanks for the info!! :)
Yep like I thought, that's why you dont go by the reviews on the seller's site,
It just didnt make sense to me, you still have the same amount of suction from the pump, plus you're adding a road block by making the hole smaller, it's just an illusion because you have that little whirlpool
This is working really well for my pool. I had a traditional basket and never had anything in it ,I bought this one and I actually now have to clean it. Works well for me.
It doesn't last, it will break with time
@@arm2storm yep mine did
Had mine for 4 years, they work fine. Adjust your skimmers for proper suction when pump turns back on and they suck right back down.
Great review. I especially respect how you kept your your skepticism at bay to provide some excellent information to help make that purchasing decision. Your review is in line with one of my pool friends experience.
Don’t use the small hole gasket. That’s for low flow pools. I don’t use it.
2:35 You start working with the REDUCER ring, which is ONLY to be used, if you find that you need to increase suction because the unit is failing.
If you publicly ask a manufacturer reasonable questions and they ban you then they are hiding something
im surprised they banned you ?you actually had positive remarks for them .the idea that they banned you was enough for me to stay with my regular one .the idea that when ur pool water goes a little low(in Florida happens all the time) with evaporation that skim round wont work sucks to much air thanks very much good video.
Thanks for taking the time to do the review. I was stoked when I saw the MTB 5 Ten shows!
Just purchased. I really don’t see any advantage and actually I have to keep my old basket to install for use when I vac my pool as the vac can’t go over the skin a round and seal to catch debris
i have haywood system that's about 18 years old, never had a Weir door and when pump off debris floats rift back into pool. Can one be added on?
Yup! Measure the width and you can get a replacement. They take about 30 seconds to install.
Thanks for doing this video. Do I understand you correctly, that if you have this skim a round, you don't need a weir (door)?
Mine did not fit properly so debris got past it. Had to put a weight in it trying to keep it in place. Went back to the original baskets.
So it seems this would be an ok solution since my weir flap or door broke off and my husband loves to turn the pump off. The next morning the pool is loaded with backwashed June bugs and a million other bugs on the surface that I have to skim off myself. I know the door will NEVER get fixed or replaced!! 🤔🤔
Wow, you must be a joy to live with
These are basically the pool equivalent of that air intake Vortex after market part for cars that claims it changes the air when in fact it actuality restricts air which for a car isn't great. But woosh woosh make everything great according to them
See the advantage of a skimmer weir is that it accelerates the surface of the water in the local area of the skimmer without a skimmer Weir you would be attempting to move water across a 6 inch tall opening rather than a half inch opening this causes decreasing the velocity of the water making the skimmer less effective the Bernoulli effect is already present with a skimmer Weir installed there is no need to buy a special skimmer
EXACTLY.
@@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS my weir door sometimes gets stuck up or down causing zero flow or too much. Any thoughts?
@@christianbrooks6331 Yup. Get it unstuck.
@@christianbrooks6331 Take out the weir door and lightly sand down the edges of either side, effectively reducing the length enough so it doesn't get caught on the skimmer walls as it floats up and down.
That ring that makes the hole smaller is great for low flow, however the only problem see is when the pump kicks up to high speed, the skin around is not a self adjustable basket so if you were to kick up to high speed, the skimmer will suck air. Also you will have to keep your water level higher than normal because the skimmer will get too much suction that it will suck air even if the pump is on low speed. I don’t have a skimmer weir. I have a basket and a floating ring that acts as a weir and it work awesome. Josh, are you able to make a video on how to determine the suction lines when you have a skimmer, cleaner, main drain on a separate line to the pump, and a spa drain on a separate line to the pump?
Where did you find a floating ring?
@@desmetde it’s the design of the skimmer basket. There is the basket, which is a heavy piece of plastic not like a traditional skimmer basket. Then there is a ring that fits inside of the basket that act like a skimmer weir.
What do you guys think about those surface skimming robots ?
Surface water just needs to rotate. Easy to fix. Better than having a moving skimmer.
What PSI was your pump set on I think k most of the sales videos that pump is probably running at 1800 or more to create that cyclone
I have this skim a round and it actually does work well for me. Had it for about 4-5 years and the top part just broke so I ordered a new one. Increases the amount of suction and flow towards the basket to help keep the surface cleaner. It's not going to change your life but if you want your pool filter to work better I recommend it.
these baskets are the biggest piece of crap ever put in a skimmer, im amazed it wasnt made by Heyward
So what will happen if too much air is sucked in?
I use my skimaround a lot during the spring and mid summer because of the rain and the constantly changing water level. the level often goes too high for my weir to work, but i dont want to drain the pool. the skimaround makes it easier.
Yeah I just ordered a couple with the handle from your links appreciate the review my man
Why can't this be used with above ground pools?
You dump all that stuff out right by the pool, then it just blows right back in the pool. Just put it in your bucket or trash. Go the extra step.
Didn’t work for our pool. Just kept floating. Coming apart. Wanted to return but there policy is I gotta pay to return and enclose a return postage back to me if the don’t accept return.
One of my biggest concerns from seeing the adds with that vortex was will it suck air and in, and un- prime the pump. Thanks for covering that!
I ordered one and then they came up with an ad to add to order. Well I ordered the brush and then the ad said brush free if you order the net. So I tried emailing and changing order. Customer service is HORRIBLE! The answer was no can't change it and didn't even bother contacting me and saying ... hey we will cancel this order and you can redo order. I just canceled the whole thing! Piss on them! Glad I did now that I am reading about the basket really isn't that good
Curious if the leaves collected float out of the basket with the skim-a-round when the pump shuts off. Without a wear in place, this would then allow them to re-enter the pool. Josh, do you have any feedback on this?
A bit but it wasn’t like no weir at all.
I bought one and figured out how to make it work. You really have to check it daily and make sure water level is correct. Unfortunately when I went to change the height of the ring had the skim a round on pool deck and pushed the ring to next notch and one of the basket legs cracked and broke. Cheap plastic. Useless now.
Mine floats when pool is off.
I just got my skim a round and I'm going to try it for a few days and see.
I keep seeing these come up in my FB feed. I couldn't really see how it would improve on my current basket. The flow rate of water will be the same, so its not going to more effectively suck in floating debris. The whirlpool looks like its doing something, but by the time debris hits that, its in the basket already. Your review pretty much convinced me of what I already know. Just like those aftermarket car intakes that are supposed to spin the air that is entering, or the magnets on the fuel lines to increase fuel efficiency - it is just snake oil. If those actually worked car manufacturers would be installing them when the car is built and its the same with this - pool companies would be installing them or the major manufacturers would be making them.
I bought one of these and it always sucked air. The only way it didnt was if the water level was basically above the skimmer opening.
Got June bugs?
Good unbiased review as I suspected if your pool is dialed in and working properly you don’t need the skim around. The guys are Skim around have done a good job at getting the word out on social media but the reality is you really don’t need it🤷♂️.
My pool guy said it will stress the pump? I have a pentair. Is this true?
Not true. Should have just told you it's just an invention waiting for a problem to solve. It's junk.
This confirms my suspicion... The skim around system is a great way to introduce air into your filtration system...
The cone of shame!!! Poor puppy 😂
I’d take the cone of shame over a skim a round any day.
Listen, it all comes down to how much water is passing the pool wall into the skimmer area.
That thing makes the water look pretty, but it doesn’t do anything to increasing “skimming effectiveness”.
The only way you are going to skim more effectively is to increase water flowing into the skim box…Ie. Increase pump speed for skimmer, thus increase water volume flowing thru pump and skimmer box
Its called Placebo Effect. That whirlpool makes people believe its cleaning better than their other skimmer because it doesn’t have a whirlpool. All they did was create a smaller basket, narrowing the opening to restrict the flow into the inlet. You might get higher air velocity breathing in through one nostril but You’ll get more oxygen breathing in through your mouth. Same concept.
I’m having issues with my skimmers and I really don’t know what it could be at this point. I found a potential hole and patched it but for some reason my pump is still humming loudly and the water level in that pump basket is low. I filled the pool up and it was high in the pump but then I woke up and it was humming yet again and the water level was low inside the basket. So I know there’s a issue but I can’t seem to find it. What do you think it could be?
Replace your pump lid o-ring. Should be no air in your pump basket.
Are both holes supposed to be open under the basket?
If the front hole isn’t tied to the main drain, it will be capped on the bottom
I wish I watched this before purchasing. The skim-a-around did not work for my set up. The return process was frustrating, first customer must pay for return shipping - okay, fine, your product says it will work for all pools, not mine, but whatever. Next, the product must be like new upon their receipt of the return and their inspection. To put this plastic together and adjust the pieces apparently it then appears as "scratched" as the pieces rub against each other deeming it now NOT LIKE NEW and therefore you do not receive your refund. There is no one to call, no pictures of the "damaged" product which I know was not damaged. I have this skimmer at a vacation home and it works fine. But buyer beware if you want to return, save your $15 in shipping fees and keep or give it to someone.
Great video, I’ve been seeing advertisements for this and I was thinking it would cause problems with air being sucked into the system so I think I’ll pass on it but I’m sold on that basket with the handle.
$35 for $2.50 worth of plastic. You will NEVER get more water "pulling" into your drain than what is going into the pump. The brief increase in velocity is HIGHLY localized.
This is a waste of money. I’m very happy with my standard basket and floating weir. I use socks on my basket too. I never have debris float out. It’s not increasing flow or velocity, just scamming pool owners.
I have a handful of clients who went out and bought one. I don't believe that they are worth the $. One would have to be playing with it constantly to get it to work optimally. Basket you have with handle and a working weir door do the job. Remember, you're at their pool once a week. Most clients don't touch their pools. That's why we have jobs. I have a hard time getting them to add an inch of water. I agree with Josh, faster is better.
Same story with our service company, many have gone back to the traditional skimmers
I actually reccomended these to a handful of customers. But after a year of use I will not be referring that anyone purchase them.. they are not designed for the easy and acceble debris removal or maintenence. Busting leaves all over the deck like a Easter egg lol
I bought 4. Not real happy with them. Mine I had to put a weight in the basket because it wanted to float. I adjusted and still had to put a rock in it. Also when you pull out basket always came apart. Product needs more thinking.
You thoroughly convinced me not to buy this product. Looks like a big pain that doesn't work any better than my original skimmer. Thanks for keeping me from wasting my money!
what do i do fill my pool does not have a weir door. can those be added after.
You can add a weir door after.
@@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS how do you get the right door ?
Measure the inside width of your skimmer and order/purchase based on that
What is the purpose of the weir?
Watch our video titled How To Tune Your Pool Skimmer and find out.
Can you do a review if 4he Vac Mate by Pentair
Sure! Have you purchased one or are you thinking about it?
My skim a round skimmer recently broke. I tried to use the "lifetime warranty" that is listed in the product description and under the warranty section of their website. After contacting them I received an email invoice for $15.99 shipping to ship me a replacement top of the basket. After numerous email exchanges they are refusing to sent the part without ripping me off for $16 more dollars to pay inflated shipping. The responses received twist the wording from their website to exclude covering shipping cost to new purchases only. I would be happy to participate in a class action lawsuit against this compeny if you experience a similar experience.
Same here! Tried to charge me 25 for a bottom and top
Bye the way is you get a back surge in the skimmer line when the pump shuts off there is air collecting in the top of your filter. Air is spongy. water is not.
What is a "weir"?
These are highly useful for variable speed pumps.
Couldn’t be more wrong
I am banned from their FB, without watching the video, my banned was for telling them about the float problem, everytime system shutoff, basket floats and next time system turns ON basket stay floating, i told them they need to fix it, so they banned me, now lets watch the video and hope me concurr LUL
I had that issue too with mine. I just tossed a couple of pieces of gravel from my landscaping to weigh it down. Not ideal, but it works.
the top of my skim around broke today, granted I've had it for 2.5 years but for that $ it should not break
Pretty fair assessment. Still I will stick with my traditional.
It would be nice if it was made of material that didn’t float and needed to be held down by rocks!
7:29 😂😂😂😂 “Bernoulli Effect”
No! It’s BERNOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLEEEEEE effect.
I purchased one and it didn't work for me either and I have since sent it back.
What happens when some large leaves come in - the Skim Around has too small of an opening for them to go into the basket. Thanks for the review, it was just what I needed to see. I'm sticking with my old school skimmer basket and weir.
There is no customer support if you have a problem.
Tell me about it!!!
What happened to the dog with the skim a round around his head!?
I hate the skim - a - round. I prefer using a skimmer basket w/ a leaf tower.
Got one of those and never could get it to work right.
It worked right for them…..they got your money!
This is true....=(
What is a weir?
The flappy door in the opening of the skimmer.
@@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS do we have to have one?
I was also banned for asking questions. As a 23 year service tech this is just another invention looking for a problem to solve. A B-9 basket (American made) and a weir door works perfect. Or an R-38 with float AND a weir door. Perfect.
Guess this product is noy ideal for VS Pumps?
The CIA spies monitoring my phone suggested this via ads so I gave it a look. Seems pool techs don't like this (with a common denominator reason) but home owners do. Also "for the money?". It's 35 bucks. It's by far the cheapest thing I've had to buy for this hole in my backyard. Hell, a new "regular" skimmer was 27.99 at leslies
Does nothing but suck air into my filter.. messed with it many times and still can’t get it to function as advertised. Don’t waste your money or time.
*looks for instructions and then doesn't read them and can't figure out how to put it together.
You obviously didn’t watch closely enough when he was assembling the thing. He’s looking at the instructions often.
I'm a pool guy and I hate those damn things
Looks like a solution looking for a problem
Before I watch the video, I will tell you that it is JUST a visual effect that makes you see the water getting sucked. There is no volume speed difference. And in fact it ends up floating up, and not staying in position. Save you money, its a scammy product. Venturi effect I think...meaning the water at the smaller opening is moving faster, yet the volume is less so there is no difference in end result.
I’ve heard a fair amount of complaints about the device floating up when the pool isn’t running..
@@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS and the suction doesnt take it back down. It is just a visual effect, otherwise the 1, 2, 3 HP pump is still pulling the same volume, and the access to the skimmer opening is not going to make a significant if any difference in direction.
@@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS it’s suppose to float up when the pool isn’t running that keeps the debri that is inside the basket from coming back out into your pool.
This thing has to be pretty magical to pull right back down into place correctly every time. Factor in the growing number of variable speed pumps out there running on low speed and there’s no way this thing is dropping into place. If it’s working for you, that’s awesome. Like I say in the video, there might be a few situations where this is the solution but no way does this beat a properly functioning skimmer weir and basket.
@@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS yes it works great pops up when filter turns off and gets sucked down when filter comes on. I love it and honestly it works great hate to tell you.I have a Pentair variable speed pump. 2500 rpms for 2 hours to run sweep then 6 hours at 1500 rpm to just clean pool.
this is excellent with variable speed pump. Been using it for almost 2 years and my pump constantly running at around 30 to 35% of the power. Not sucking air in.
I love my skim a round. Well worth it to me.
What is a scimmer weer
Got dooped by them, too slow on email questions which pushed me past the Return/Refund timeline...it's a POS.
When my pump is on low speed it floats and allows bypass to my pump
DO NOT BUT THIS CRAP.
They banned me from making comments on FB as well 😂
OK I MADE AN OOPS WHEN I USED A CARD THAT HAD THE WRONG ADDRESS ATTACHED TO IT. GOOD LUCK MTRYING TO GET SOMEONE TO ANSWER ANYTHING, CUSTOMER SERVICE IS JUST ONE SCREEN TO ANOTHER. NO PHONE NUMBER, THIS REALLY SUCKS AND THE PACKAGE IS GOING TO THE RONG PLACE!
I’ve had the traditional baskets that would get stuck to the point where I had to cut them out. Skim a round always better and never an issue PLUS with cotton wood we have to use a sock which skim around does nicely but baskets with handles do not.
Buy an American made B-9 basket and that will stop. The lip won't fail. Hate when that happens.
As a pool guy I’m thinking ….ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! Time is precious and that POS would cost me money!! No way in hell would I use that!
I have a fiberglass pool that never had a weir door.
I don't like them. I own my own route. A client of mine has 1. It's not something you need. It works just as good as a regular basket. Plus with a regular basket, all I got to do is just drop a tab in the basket and I'm good. With that, what if someone wanted to add tabs? You can't cause it messes with the way it works plus if I was to add a tab, it would work just the same as a regular basket anyways and I'd have to take it apart everytime I want to add tabs if I was to do so. He's right about it taking in a lot of air. You can bleed the air out but still it takes in a lot of air. You shouldn't have to adjust your water level by adding more water than normal to make that skimmer work cause that's what you have to do. 1 week, have the level higher than normal with it barley working at all, then come next week, I show up again and it just sucking in air. Just my thoughts but a regular basket, that's all you need. I don't even charge my clients for them. They get free 1s from me. Just ask your Poolman for 1, he'll probably do the same.
I can’t stand dealing with the baskets along with any of those floating weirs
Good review. I have been curious about the skim a round but after your review I will not be purchasing one. It looks like a complete waste of $45. I'm a pool nerd and usually give it a daily once over (summer only). Your review was very helpful. Thanks.
What is a what is a weir
Could have just asked the pup, he could have reviewed the skim-a-round since he’s been wearing one around his neck hahahahahaha, he’s been skimming around 🤪
I threw mine away. Didn’t work at all on my pool.
Skim a round seems like a waste. I don’t seem to have issues with traditional basket