Old school in-ground filter needs repair - what's my best option?

[jsenske]

Hello All - I'm new to TFP which was recommended to me to find help with my problem. I have an older pool (not sure how old, the home was built in 1968, but not sure when the pool was installed) with an in-ground filter that is rectangular in shape and had a lid and what appeared to be a homemade flat piece of fiberglass with holes to act in the same manner as a filter basket to stop leaves from getting into the pool pump intake (see pics with broken pieces). Well, we've been living here for years and I finally managed to put my foot through the lid and the fiberglass "basket" and need to replace them somehow. Hoping to get tips on what my best options are of which I think there are three:

1. Replace the lid and the fiberglass piece with some aftermarket product that is similar (I'm thinking this doesn't exist, but hoping I am proven wrong)
2. Make something myself that would fit the bill (any suggestions on the best way to accomplish this is what I am hoping for)
3. Replace the filter altogether with something more modern. (Not my first option, but on the table if I get feedback with reasons why this would make the most sense)

Any and all help is very much appreciated!!!

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

@1poolman1 @Poolbreh @SacPoolPros @AQUA~HOLICS you ever see a setup like this?

 

[mknauss]

Is this in place of the conventional skimmer?

 

[Poolbreh]

it looks like it’s a diy skimmer. I’m guessing at some point the skimmer was leaking and they removed it and built their own. One of the pipes is probably to equipment and the other to md.

 

[jsenske]

Is this in place of the conventional skimmer?

Yes, this is the only skimmer in the pool.

 

[jsenske]

it looks like it’s a diy skimmer. I’m guessing at some point the skimmer was leaking and they removed it and built their own. One of the pipes is probably to equipment and the other to md.

I don't doubt it - haven't seen one like this myself anywhere. I assume if this is the case, I'll have to remake the broken lid and fiberglass "strainer" myself. Now just have to figure out how to do that and what to do it with.

 

[mknauss]

Get some good dimensions. There are rectangular shaped skimmer assembly/baskets available. Though this one appears fairly large.

 

[Newdude]

Now just have to figure out how to do that and what to do it with

Find a local 3D printers club and offer to buy the supplies.

 

[1poolman1]

Welcome to TFP.

@1poolman1 @Poolbreh @SacPoolPros @AQUA~HOLICS you ever see a setup like this?

Haven't seen more than two or three. Old hand-formed skimmer, probably sized to have an irrigation box as the cover. Was easier to install than the gutter system that most pools of that era and earlier had. Competition pools still have gutter systems so there is no current to affect swimmers. Not likely going to find anything "off-the-shelf." Many years ago I had a "screen" like the one in the picture made by a company called TAP Plastics here in CA. They will ship the sheet plastic if wanted.

The lid has to be strong enough to walk on for safety. A metal fabricator should be able to cut a thick sheet of aluminum to fit.

 

[jsenske]

Haven't seen more than two or three. Old hand-formed skimmer, probably sized to have an irrigation box as the cover. Was easier to install than the gutter system that most pools of that era and earlier had. Competition pools still have gutter systems so there is no current to affect swimmers. Not likely going to find anything "off-the-shelf." Many years ago I had a "screen" like the one in the picture made by a company called TAP Plastics here in CA. They will ship the sheet plastic if wanted.

The lid has to be strong enough to walk on for safety. A metal fabricator should be able to cut a thick sheet of aluminum to fit.

Thanks for the feedback all, really appreciate it. I'll let you all know what I put together.