skimmer standards

[kooma]

Wondering what the skimmer requirements are for pools?
For a 20x40 rectangular pool - is 1 skimmer sufficient?

Is there a standard to follow?


Thanks.

Scot

 

[Bama Rambler]

I don't know that there are any "standards" but in a pool that size I'd want at least two. Be sure at least one of them is on the down-wind side of the prevailing winds in your area.

 

[Qwaxalot]

I don't know that there are any "standards" but in a pool that size I'd want at least two. Be sure at least one of them is on the down-wind side of the prevailing winds in your area.

What he said ^^^

 

[Christian]

Bama speaks truth. One skimmer in a pool that size isn't going to cut it.

 

[kooma]

Thanks all perfect 2 it is.
So in a rectangle, where should the ideally be located?

 

[1stimothy]

Like Bama said

" Be sure at least one of them is on the down-wind side of the prevailing winds in your area.

 

[kooma]

Yes, that will be 1 of the short sides. Where does the other one ideally go? same side, one of the long sides, or direct across on the other short side?

 

[1stimothy]

Typically skimmers are used near corners (not to close) and on opposing sides and ends. Same with return jets. That way the water gets circulated optimally.

 

[swimcmp]

OP are you going to have an auto cover? If so one would be sufficient. Otherwise get 2.

 

[kooma]

Yes will have an auto cover...so don't know if 1 or 2 or if this is in the big scheme of things all that important? Actually what is the specific function difference between a skimmer and drain? I just assume it just pulls water from the top of the pool and drains pull from the bottom - correct?

 

[swimcmp]

With an auto cover you could get by with one as you won't be getting much debris in the pool if you use the cover as it is intended. Two would give you better circulation and dilution of water, as long as each skimmer and the main drain are plumbed independently of each other to your pump. Yes skimmers pull mainly top water and main drains pull mainly from the bottom. You can accomplish much the same thing that two skimmers provide by installing extra returns and varying the angles that the eye points to distribute and turn water.