Quick Skimmer & Return Sizing

Understanding Skimmer and Return Placement

Skimmers remove floating debris from the surface while return fittings send filtered water back into the pool. A balanced layout helps create steady circulation, moves leaves and insects toward the skimmers, and reduces areas where water can become stagnant.

Why Pool Shape Matters

Simple rectangular and oval pools are easier to circulate because water can follow a predictable path. Freeform pools, tanning ledges, attached spas, steps, benches, and narrow areas create more circulation challenges and may need additional returns or more careful return placement.

Skimmer Placement Basics

• Place skimmers where prevailing wind pushes surface debris.
• Avoid placing all skimmers in areas where wind pushes debris away.
• Use more than one skimmer on larger pools for better coverage and backup suction.
• Balance plumbing so each skimmer receives useful flow.

Return Placement Basics

Returns should be aimed to create a broad, gentle circulation pattern rather than a strong jet in one small area. The goal is to move surface debris toward the skimmers while also circulating water through corners, steps, shelves, and deeper areas.

More Pump Power Is Not Always the Answer

Poor circulation is often caused by return direction, restricted plumbing, unbalanced valves, dirty filters, or inadequate placement. Adding pump horsepower without fixing the layout can increase energy use without solving dead spots.