Sorry to take so long to answer but haven't been on the board in a day or two. I have a Mariland Skimmer and have had it apart a few times. I called the 800# the first time because I was afraid I would break it. Here goes:
Obviously drain water and turn upside down
You have to Twist, Turn, Pull, up and back on the pump. The skimmer is built like a battle ship and will not break. Keep wiggling the pump up and back also I use a screwdriver on the lip of the platform of the pump to pry up as I rocked it and twisted it back and forth. The tubing that is the output of the pump fits to the skimmer very tightly. As bad as getting tubing off ot a barbed connection.
I've repaired a an impeller for a marineland skimmer with water proof putty type epoxy. Only problem it does not have the 3/4 free twisting motion that all mag impellers need when starting up. The free wheeling motion of impellers is for startup when in water because the pumps do not have enough tourch to start when back presser from water is there. Also it allows the impeller to turn either way. To overcome this in the skimmer, if you epoxy, lift skimmer out of sump to drain water, plug in skimmer - pump will start. Then place back in sump Pump will remain running and skimmer will function normally. I leave my skimmer running when I remove and clean collection cup.
Hope this helps.
