Skimmer
Repair
A failing skimmer is one of the most common — and most overlooked — sources of pool water loss. We identify the exact failure point and repair it properly, with a 3-year no-leak warranty on every job.
Skimmers Fail in More Ways Than One
Most homeowners assume a leaking skimmer means the whole unit needs to be replaced. That's rarely true — and replacing a skimmer that doesn't need it is expensive and often avoidable with proper diagnosis.
We diagnose exactly where the skimmer is failing before recommending any scope of work. The failure point determines the repair: a cracked skimmer body, a separated skimmer throat, a failed face plate seal, or a deteriorated bottom gasket each require a different fix.
Most skimmer leaks aren't visible — they occur behind the shell where the connection fails. We also pressure test the skimmer suction line back to the equipment pad to confirm whether water loss is at the skimmer itself or in the underground plumbing between the skimmer and pump.
Most skimmer leaks we see are at the throat — the point where the skimmer connects to the pool shell. This joint is sealed with plaster and hydraulic cement, and in DFW's shifting clay soil, that joint separates regularly. It's repairable without replacing the skimmer body.
With over 20,000 repairs completed across DFW, we've seen every type of skimmer failure — and more importantly, which repairs actually hold.
Schedule a Service Call
The Right Repair Starts With the Right Diagnosis
Every skimmer failure has a specific cause — and a specific fix. We don't apply the same repair to every skimmer. We identify the exact failure point before any work begins.
Skimmer Throat Repair
The skimmer throat is the joint between the skimmer body and the pool shell. When this joint separates — which happens frequently in DFW due to soil movement — water bypasses the skimmer and goes directly into the surrounding soil. We reseal the throat using hydraulic cement and a proper bond to the shell, eliminating the leak without replacing the skimmer and restoring a proper seal between the shell and skimmer body. Covered by our 3-year no-leak warranty.
Skimmer Body Repair
A cracked skimmer body allows water to escape through the body itself rather than through the throat joint. Depending on the extent of the damage, we repair the crack directly or recommend full replacement. The correct approach depends on the location and severity of the crack — which we confirm during inspection. Covered by our 3-year no-leak warranty.
Face Plate & Gasket Repair
The face plate and gasket form the seal between the skimmer opening and the pool shell. When this gasket deteriorates or the face plate cracks, water migrates behind the shell at the waterline. We replace the gasket and face plate assembly to restore a proper seal at the skimmer opening. Covered by our 3-year no-leak warranty.
Skimmer Line Pressure Testing
Before any repair, we pressure test the skimmer suction line from the skimmer to the equipment pad. This tells us whether the leak is at the skimmer itself or somewhere in the underground plumbing. If the line fails pressure, we use electronic listening equipment to pinpoint the break location — preventing unnecessary excavation or misdiagnosis.
Full Skimmer Replacement
When the skimmer body is cracked beyond repair — or the entire assembly has structurally failed — we perform a full skimmer replacement. This is not a simple swap. The skimmer is typically encased 3 to 4 feet underground in concrete, married to the pool shell and plumbing.
A full replacement involves: removing the surrounding deck, excavating and demolishing the concrete encasement, disconnecting the plumbing, removing the failed skimmer, installing a new skimmer body with proper plumbing connections, pouring new concrete, and matching the deck finish to the existing surface.
It's a significant job — and we do it right. Every skimmer replacement comes with our 3-year no-leak warranty, covering both the skimmer and the plumbing connections.
How It Works
Every skimmer repair starts with finding the exact failure point — not assumptions.
Skimmer Leak Diagnosis
We dye test the skimmer throat, face plate, and body under live flow conditions — and pressure test the skimmer suction line back to the equipment pad. This confirms whether water loss is at the skimmer itself or in the underground plumbing between the skimmer and pump. If the line fails pressure, we use electronic listening equipment to locate the exact break point before any excavation.
Written Repair Estimate
You receive a clear written estimate before any work begins. Repair vs. replacement, method, and timeline — all in writing. No surprises.
Skimmer Repair or Replacement
We perform the appropriate repair for the failure type — throat resealing, body repair, gasket replacement, or full skimmer replacement with deck matching. All work is performed in-house by trained technicians.
3-Year No-Leak Warranty Issued
Every skimmer repair and replacement is backed by our 3-year no-leak warranty — in writing. Transferable to new homeowners at no additional cost.
If something isn't right, we come back. That's not a policy — it's how we operate.
Written Warranties on Every Repair
Every repair is backed in writing, with clear coverage and real accountability. Warranties are transferable to new homeowners at no additional cost — a documented asset at closing.
Pool Skimmer Repair — FAQ
The most reliable way to confirm a skimmer leak is a dye test. If dye injected near the skimmer throat or face plate is drawn through — toward the soil side — that confirms an active leak at that point. Signs like a pool that loses water only when the equipment is running, or wet soil directly behind the skimmer, also indicate a skimmer leak. We also pressure test the skimmer line to rule out underground plumbing issues. We verify this during testing — not based on symptoms alone.
Yes. Water escaping through a skimmer throat goes directly into the soil behind the pool shell. In DFW's clay-heavy soil, that water accumulates, causes swelling, and can accelerate foundation movement under the pool and surrounding deck. A skimmer leak that's ignored long enough becomes a structural problem — and a much more expensive repair.
Most of the time it can be repaired — specifically the throat joint, which is the most common failure point. We assess the full condition of the skimmer during the inspection and recommend replacement only when the body itself is cracked or structurally compromised beyond repair.
A full skimmer replacement is a significant job. The skimmer is typically encased 3 to 4 feet underground in concrete, married to the pool shell and plumbing. Replacement involves removing the surrounding deck, excavating and demolishing the concrete encasement, disconnecting the plumbing, removing the failed skimmer, installing a new skimmer body with proper connections, pouring new concrete, and matching the deck finish. We handle the entire process in-house and back it with a 3-year no-leak warranty.
The water level typically needs to be lowered below the skimmer opening for a throat repair. Full skimmer replacement requires draining to the bottom of the pool. We'll tell you exactly what's needed before scheduling the work.
A throat repair or face plate replacement is typically completed in a single visit. A full skimmer replacement — including deck demolition, excavation, new concrete, and deck matching — may require 2-3 days depending on access and the condition of the surrounding shell material.
All skimmer repairs and replacements are covered by our 3-year no-leak warranty. This includes throat repairs, gasket replacements, and full skimmer replacements. The warranty is transferable to new homeowners at no additional cost.
Think Your Skimmer Is Leaking?
Tell us what your pool is doing, and we'll identify the exact failure point before recommending the right repair.
Last reviewed: April 2026