We don't have any suction in skimmer why?

I have a similar question. My skimmer isn't pulling any water from the surface. There is plenty of suction in the line but the float valve doesn't float, closing the line. When the pump first fires up, there is suction for a few moments, then nothing. I can tell there is no blockage because if I lift the float by hand, it sucks like crazy. Also, there is plenty of water in the pool. Do I need to replace the float? Is something else going on causing it to keep the valve closed?

You folks may have different problems, the first person has not confirmed good suction. Smiley, stick your hand down into the skimmer while the pump is on. Does it nearly suck your fingers into the drain hole? Now for Davum, is you float a door with styrofoam glued to the back side or a round float? It sounds like your skimmer is opening too much and you are pulling an inch or more water into the skimmer, kind of makes the word skimmer worthless. Add more foam or raise the float.

You're right. It was pulling too much water. It's the style with the small door/flap that swings over the opening that leads to the pipes that lead to the pump. The screw that holds that door in the desired position had come loose so it was being forced open too far causing the problem. A small turn of the screw and the door stays in the half-open position keeping the suction pressure down. Thanks ballengerb1!

Glad to help davum. Smiley, how are you oing with your skimmer? Bob

When first priming the pump, we have great suction power, then soon after it loses prime. We already know that there is no debris in the line, stopping suction. What else could it be?

You have pin hole leaks in your hose or connection. If yoiur lose your prime its because air is getting sucked into the system somewhere, now you got to find it.