Part of filtration is surface skimming, which can be optimized thanks to a few devices that maximize flow through the skimmer. Standard skimmers weren’t made with variable-speed pump technology in mind. The premise behind the energy savings realized with variable speed pumps is to run the pump at low speeds for longer times, which decreases the amount of energy used. But often that speed is so slow that surface skimming is reduced.
That’s why there have been a variety of innovations in skimmer technology, which can be helpful in achieving enhanced surface filtration.
One innovation is the venturi skimmer. This is a total skimmer replacement with a specially designed throat that narrows the water passage, increasing the velocity of the water and reducing its pressure. This creates a suction effect that helps draw debris into the skimmer more effectively.
Another is a variety of devices that are available to accelerate the water flow through the skimmer by utilizing the Bernoulli effect. By narrowing the passageway and speeding up the water flow, they create a low-pressure area that enhances the skimming action, improving the skimmer’s ability to capture floating debris. Some devices are innovative replacement skimmer baskets. Others are disks or vortexincreasing devices that sit atop existing skimmer baskets.
