Domakihub How to Replace a Pool Skimmer Weir (Step-by-Step)
Restore proper skimming action in under 30 minutes with a cheap replacement part.
Reviewed by Domakihub pool pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A broken or missing skimmer weir is one of the most common pool maintenance problems — and one of the easiest to fix yourself. The weir is the hinged plastic flap inside your skimmer basket opening that controls water flow and prevents debris from washing back into the pool. The video above shows the process clearly; this guide walks you through every step so that whether you manage a private villa, a holiday rental, or a hotel pool in Greece, you can have your skimmer working like new within half an hour.
What the Skimmer Weir Actually Does
The weir sits in the throat of the skimmer and pivots freely on two small pivot pins. As the pump runs, suction draws the weir to a near-vertical position, pulling the top layer of water — along with sunscreen film, leaves, and insects — into the skimmer basket. When the pump stops, the weir falls flat and acts as a one-way valve, trapping the collected debris inside the basket so it cannot float back out.
Over time, UV exposure and pool chemicals cause the plastic to become brittle, crack, or warp. A stuck or missing weir dramatically reduces skimming efficiency, forces the pump to work harder, and can lead to algae build-up from surface debris left untreated.
Getting the Right Replacement Part
Weirs are not universal, so the most important step happens before you open any tools. Measure the width of the skimmer throat opening and note the brand name embossed on the skimmer body (Astral, Hayward, AstralPool, and Kripsol are the most common brands fitted in Greek pools). Take a photo of the pivot-pin holes so you can match the pin diameter. Most pool supply shops in Greece stock the Astral and AstralPool weirs, which fit the majority of in-ground pools built in the last two decades.
If you cannot find a brand-specific match, a quality aftermarket universal weir that is cut slightly oversized can be trimmed with scissors to fit. Avoid thin, opaque white plastic — opt for a slightly flexible tan or grey weir that will not crack again within a season.
Steps to Replace a Pool Skimmer Weir
- 1
Turn Off the Pump and Open the Skimmer Lid
Switch the pump off at the breaker or controller — never work inside a skimmer with the pump running, as the suction can trap your hand. Remove the skimmer lid, then lift out the basket and set it aside. You will now see the rectangular throat opening with the damaged or missing weir inside.
- 2
Remove the Old Weir
The weir is held by two small pivot pins — one on each side — that slot into moulded cradles in the skimmer throat wall. To remove it, push the weir to one side to compress the pin on that side, then swing the opposite pin out of its cradle and pull the weir free. If the weir is broken into pieces, clear all fragments from the throat and check that both pivot-pin cradles are clean and undamaged.
- 3
Check and Clean the Pivot-Pin Seats
Use an old toothbrush or small wire brush to clear any calcium deposits or algae from the two pivot-pin recesses. A build-up of scale in the seats can prevent the new weir from pivoting freely, which is the most common reason a newly installed weir sticks in one position. If calcium scale is heavy, a short soak with a diluted pool-acid solution on a rag will dissolve it without removing the skimmer.
- 4
Install the New Weir
Hold the new weir so the flat face points toward the pool (the curved or ribbed face faces the basket). Flex the weir slightly to compress one pivot pin, seat it into its cradle first, then press the opposite side until the second pin snaps into place. Release the weir and let it hang flat — it should pivot smoothly with minimal finger pressure. If it binds, remove it and re-check the pin seating.
- 5
Restore the Skimmer and Test
Replace the skimmer basket and lid securely. Restart the pump and watch the weir through the skimmer opening for the first 60 seconds. As suction builds, the weir should rise to roughly 45–60 degrees and hold that angle steadily. A weir that slams flat or stands fully vertical indicates a pump flow issue rather than a weir problem. If the action looks correct, you are done — no tools, no chemicals, no specialist needed.
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FAQ
- How do I know what size weir to buy?
- Measure the width of the skimmer throat opening in millimetres and look for the brand name embossed on the skimmer body. Most Greek in-ground pools use Astral or AstralPool skimmers, which take a standard 182 mm or 190 mm weir. When in doubt, buy a universal trimmer weir slightly wider than your opening — you can cut it to size with ordinary scissors.
- Can I run the pool without a weir while I wait for the replacement part?
- Yes, the pump and filtration will still function without a weir. However, skimming efficiency drops sharply because debris is no longer held in the basket when the pump cycles off. For holiday rentals or hotel pools, you should hand-net the surface twice daily until the replacement arrives to prevent algae from taking hold.
- The new weir pivots fine but floats upward even with the pump off — is that normal?
- No. A weir that floats instead of hanging flat is usually made of a material that is too buoyant, or it is installed backwards (curved face toward the pool instead of the basket). Remove it, flip it around, and reinstall. If the problem persists, the part may be the wrong model — contact your pool supply dealer with the brand and part number.