Skimmer Basket Damage / Missing
minor severitycommonDIY: yesPro repair$50–$100LA-area, parts and labor
DIY cost$10–$50parts and supplies
Typical time0.5 hrfor a pro
Difficulty1 / 51 is easiest
What you'll notice
- Debris bypassing into filter
- cracked or warped basket
- missing basket allows debris into pump
Likely causes
- Normal wear from UV exposure and use
- cracked from freeze or pressure damage
- debris tangling around basket
How to keep it from coming back
- Replace baskets every 1-2 years
- inspect before each season
- clean weekly during leaf season
Ranges are estimates; see How We Estimate. Affects: all.
Equipment involved
Maintenance that prevents it
Related costs
- Annual Pump Operation (Variable-Speed, 1.5HP, 8 hrs/day): $400–$600
- Annual Heat Pump Operation (electric heating, 6 months): $300–$600
- Pump Replacement (variable-speed, 1.5-2.5 HP): $1,200–$2,500
- Pump Motor Repair (capacitor, seal, bearing): $50–$600