Dragonfly alternative?

[el duderino]

I have a fairly unique situation, in that I need a suction side skimming device for my basin (oversized...see my pool build http://theaustindude.blogspot.com for pics).

The poolskim seems like a good affordable option, but return side. I have no returns in my basin, as the negative edge wall is how water gets in. The plus side is that my main pool is always crystal clear, since I essentially have a HUGE skimmer in the NE wall. However, all the debris ends up in the basin, which doubles as a kiddy pool.

The dragonfly (http://www.dragonfly.com.au) seems like it could work perfectly. I have a vaccuum valve in the basin.

However, it is priced at $399US!!!! and that seems pretty outrageous. Is there anything else out there that I am missing?

Thanks!

 

[Kias]

I think the $399 is for the way it looks. I tried to find something for ya, all I could come up with was the intex skimmer and perhaps this no-niche skimmer made for ponds at 60 bucks... http://store.123ponds.com/ap750w.html There's also a black version for a little more $$. Seems to be more return skimmers than suction skimmers. There's some skimmers, again it seems made for ponds, that you plug in to the wall and toss into the pool, but the cost is up there with, and sometimes surpasses, the dragonfly.

Guess an alternative could be to get a remote controlled boat skimmer and let the kids have fun!

btw, I love your pool!

 

[el duderino]

I think the $399 is for the way it looks. I tried to find something for ya, all I could come up with was the intex skimmer and perhaps this no-niche skimmer made for ponds at 60 bucks... http://store.123ponds.com/ap750w.html There's also a black version for a little more $$. Seems to be more return skimmers than suction skimmers. There's some skimmers, again it seems made for ponds, that you plug in to the wall and toss into the pool, but the cost is up there with, and sometimes surpasses, the dragonfly.

Guess an alternative could be to get a remote controlled boat skimmer and let the kids have fun!

btw, I love your pool!

Rob,

Thanks for the effort. That no-niche skimmer might actually work. I might try to get my hands on one.

Now that fall is really starting to bring the leaves down in Austin, the $399 for the dragonfly or the solar version is starting to look a lot more attractive!

 

[Davegvg]

Dude- late chime here but relevant. I just hooked one up a couple of days ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv6EqDXOIw8

Im pretty happy with the dragonfly- its the best skimmer I've ever used, much better than a poolskim (which are great) or the built in wall unit. and light years from a pool devil (which does the 25 dollars of work you pay for it. )

Unless you are willing to commit to a 24x7 pump schedule I dont think you can completely eliminate a bottom cleaner, but the unit does work VERY well.

I would like to use a bottom cleaner with it but cant buy the splitter assembly here.

The gator unit looks interesting.

Dave Sampson