Yes - everybody says not to, but everybody does it. Just add it slowly so that it actually goes through the basket and doesn't just glom together.
"Everybody" doing it is no excuse for bad practice - it only shows the "everybody" you know does not respect their costly property, nor really understands it. The equipment manufacturers tell you not to add chemicals via the skimmer (apart from some flocculants) because it creates unfairly strong hence potentially damaging concentrations, albeit for short times but oft-repeated, in the plant. Follow the instructions supplied with the chemicals and the plant - they are written by people who know rather more about the subject than your "everybody".
No you just have to get the water level below the skimmer after that you should have no trouble making repairs.
Backwash first then shock. If you shock and then backwash you will be throwing away the shock you just put.
Most chemicals for swimming pools are applied directly to the water, not through the skimmer. The only exception to this rule is stabilizer (cya) which is poured directly through the skimmer and is a slow dissolving product. Pouring granular chlorine directly into the skimmer can cause an explosion within the plumbing and equipment due to the gas it creates as it dissolves.
No your pool is considered a closed system all the water that you add goes only to the filtering system and back. If you put in too much water you will overflow the edges and make your skimmer less efficient. unless you have a floating pool skimmer then the pool will be able to change level without affecting the efficiency of the skimmer.
try it out and tell me
Yes you can. Drop the waterline in the pool below skimmer level, dig a whole around your skimmer to gain access. Unscrew the skimmer faceplate and remove it as well the old gasket. You also have to remove the second gasket between liner and wall. Detach the pipe(s) from the skimmer. Now install the new skimmer by attaching the pipe(s) to the skimmer put new gaskets in place screw the faceplate back on and you're done. Don't forget to fill your hole again and put water back in the pool to the appropriate level. ;-) Jens Poseidon Pool Services, Dunrobin, ON
Add thru the skimmer box
It's best to pour the bag of shock into an empty gallon jug, say from algecide or water and then fill it with water till it dissolves then pour in thru skimmer. If the powder just sits on the pool liner bottom, it will eat at the vinyl.
The skimmer may not be working on your pool due to clogging, a malfunctioning pump, or a leak in the skimmer system. It is important to check for these issues and address them promptly to ensure proper functioning of the skimmer.
Your pool skimmer may not be working properly due to clogs in the skimmer basket, a malfunctioning pump, or a leak in the skimmer system. Regular maintenance and troubleshooting can help identify and fix the issue.
1/2 a bag OS shock
Google Aladdin pool equipment ( Lilly Pad skimmer)