I have a 15 foot Intex pool. I installed a Hayward SP1091LX Dyna-Skim Above-Ground Pool Skimmer today. It was very simply and my concern and anxiety was unfounded. Pool is on 24 inch anti-fatigue mats joined together. Poles sit on dollar store cutting plates to prevent them from cutting through the mats. I have an Intex SWG/Filter combo unit. Given the filter and pump functionality, I couldn't plumb it into the same circuit, so I elected to leave that circuit alone for now. I am adding the above skimmer which will connect to a Hayward pump and cartridge filter through its own circuit.
Starting configuration. Intex SWg/filter/Pump with factory pool connections.
I drained the pool to below the level of the skimmer. You have to do this if you want to install the Hayward butterfly gasket as intended.
Take the internal plastic face plate. Hold it just below the liner rim and using a box cutter cut out the inside. The pool liner material is quite thick and sturdy. It does not rip. It is easy to cut along the inside edge of face plate. Insert butterfly gasket with one side inside and one side outside.
Hold faceplate inside pool and poke holes for screws. Insert all screws. It is tough to get them through even after poking the holes. Then screw into the skimmer itself. Use a #3 star screw driver. #2 does not work.
Then attach the new inflow valve which is easy. Remember when selecting location and height that water level will be a little lower to allow for the in wall skimmer. I inserted mine a little too high such that it was just under water when pool was filled. Push pipe against liner from inside. Cut an X with box cutter. Push pipe through and trim excess liner. Tighten her up. I was pleasantly surprised that the inflow valve has an external male screw that accepted the standard Intex hose connectors.
Then fill pool up and turn pump on. I had a small leak at bottom of skimmer. I simply used the #3 screw driver inside pool under water to tighten all screws. All was then dry and perfect..
This was a 35 minute job. My stress about cutting the liner was totally unfounded. It works beatufully and the skimmer is well supported on its own. I will post pics if able.