Installing a skimmer in my Intex 15'x42"

[bogeyman02]

Hi all. First time poster, long time reader. I have an Intex 15'x42" metal frame pool, this is the 3rd year of operation. Took down during the winter after the first year, left up year round after last season.

I'm getting ready to switch my pump filter situation from stock over to a 1hp pump and sand filter setup from my grandfather's old pool. In the process, I am going to be cutting out the **** rubber tube returns from the Intex, and installing Hayward standard 1.5" replacement returns. But my main concern is the skimmer.

I'm currently using the over the side skimmer from Intex. I bought and am going to install the Hayward Dynaskim through the wall. I have read every forum about this install, and am still so nervous.

My main question is this. Should I cut the liner, and then install the butterfly gasket as intended? How has this method held up for the people have done it?

Thanks ahead of time for everyone's input!

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[morzh]

I have just installed a skimmer in a Doughboy pool.
No I did not have to cut, just to trim the existing window as butterfly gaskets won't sit right if it is not right.
So, yes, usually they recommend using a wood board and cut against it with Exacto. Make a pattern, cut against the board. Yes, use butterfly gasket.
Poke holes with a nail.
It will be just fine.

 

[bogeyman02]

I don't currently have a through the wall skimmer, so this cut will be completely brand new. That's why I'm nervous.

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[morzh]

Well....if you RTFM, everything should be fine. Measure twice, cut once. You know.

It is pretty much yhis: you know where your medium water line is, make it the middle of the bezel, but then see if the bezel is too high, or too low, and when sure, see if the bucket with the cover fits well at the same level and does not hit the top rail. Common sense things.

 

[PridgNYC]

Here's how I did it: I did this while filling the pool when it was about half full. Install skimmer without gasket--I installed with the skimmer inside the pool for this step so I wouldn't have to stand in the cold water--cut liner inside of opening. Remove skimmer and install the butterfly gasket and reinstall skimmer. Done...

 

[morzh]

Whatever eorks, it is simple. In my case two cutouts, skimmer mouth and vac port, puncture holes with a nail or an owl using bezel as the pattern, voila.

 

[jeffchap]

Here's how I did it: I did this while filling the pool when it was about half full. Install skimmer without gasket--I installed with the skimmer inside the pool for this step so I wouldn't have to stand in the cold water--cut liner inside of opening. Remove skimmer and install the butterfly gasket and reinstall skimmer. Done...

Exactly how I did it, except I only drained slightly below the bottom of the hole. Easy peasy! Just take a shot of whisky and start cutting!

I did it this way specifically because I did not want to split the butterfly gasket in half. No leaks, but you've got to tighten those screws down really tight. I ended up using a screwdriver bit in a ratchet wrench.

 

[jmcdtucson]

Yes, you really have to tighten the screws down. Otherwise it's easy. I measured about 8 times before cutting it

 

[morzh]

The magic number is 7.

 

[bogeyman02]

Re: Installing a skimmer in my Intex 15'x42"

Any suggestions on plumbing? I was going to do all 1.5" rigid pvc, but now am thinking about using some flexible pvc coming off of the pool...

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[morzh]

There are pros and cons with both, with small AGPs I find it easier to deal with hoses, but obviously there are others who prefer rigid piping.

 

[domct203]

I ran a combination of PVC and hose, you can see the skimmer install through the link in my signature.

When my entire family is enjoying the pool the walls will move a slight bit and I was concerned that rigid pipe all the way to the pump may crack or break something over time.

Dom

 

[bogeyman02]

Well, I finished finally. Skimmer ended up being a little crooked when finished, but it works great! Decided to run 1.5" PVC from the pool, and then used hoses to do all of the pump and filter connections. I need to add another return jet, as I have massive pressure coming from the pump now.

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[pabeader]

That looks great! Here's what I see. The skimmer is perfect. It's the pool that's crooked.

 

[bogeyman02]

Yeah, the pool is a little off level. By no more than an inch!

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[WBChunks]

Hi bogeyman02,

The PVC pipe clipped to the top bar of your pool in your second picture, whats it for?

Thanks in advance

 

[bogeyman02]

That's my fountain.

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[WBChunks]

Cool, any chance of a pic from the front so I can see what its like running?

I'm new to this and whilst was looking to keep mine up over the winter, I'm going to drain and take down with the intention of doing alot of things differently in the spring! This place is a goldmine for information.

 

[bogeyman02]

Yeah, next time I have it uncovered I'll turn it on.

A note though, once you cut the Intex liners and install the skimmer or standard pool fittings, you CANNOT take it down again. The liner will stretch and tear.

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