Hydro-Tools Skimmer Trouble

[LS1M]

I installed a Hydro-Tools skimmer this year:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032J ... 00_details

the "stainless steel" screws are all rusty:

You can't see very well from the picture, but the rust is on all the screws, whether they're submerged or not. On the liner, there's a stream of rust where the water has run out (after a rain, the skimmer is now the lowest opening so that's where the water coms out). Has anyone had this problem before, or advice on what I can do about it?

Thanks
-Mark

 

[Bama Rambler]

The best thing to do is replace them with 316 stainless steel. They're hard to find but well worth it. Then use a Magic Eraser to clean the stains off.

 

[docchop1]

I just bought one of those. Guess I'll go find some screws before I install it. Thanks for the heads up Mark and sorry to hear you have to monkey around with yours.

 

[racerboy6996]

I am in the same boat as docchop1.. just bought this exact skimmer.. time to go screw shopping

 

[Bama Rambler]

Those screws are probably 302 or even 301 stainless so 304 would be better if you can't find 316. Marine supply stores will most likely have them.

 

[racerboy6996]

i just ordered my 316 screws from Fastenal
LS1M, thank you for posting this

 

[LS1M]

racerboy6996, can you post a link to what you bought?

 

[racerboy6996]

not sure if they were the correct ones but here is what I ordered -
sku# 0178538 #10-12 x 5/8" Phillips Pan Head Sheet Metal Screw Type A, 316 Stainless Steel
Sku# 0178425 #10-12 x 1" Phillips Flat Head Sheet Metal Screw Type A, 316 Stainless Steel

 

[gasczar]

I am in the same boat as the other posters in that I just purchased this skimmer but have yet to install it.
I followed racerboy 6996's link to the "fastenal" site and wondered whether you had received your order yet and whether they are looking to be suitable alternatives?

Thanks.

 

[LS1M]

The screws that I took out have a type "b" tip, not type "A":

I couldn't find a 316 stainless type B flat-head 1" screw at Fastenal. All they had was type 18-8, which I think is 304, and probably what I already have.

It might not make a difference for you, but mine already has b-style grooves cut. The a-type has a different thread pitch, so it doesn't really work the same, so I can't use them. The screws make their own threads.

 

[racerboy6996]

gasczar -
I received the screws 2 days after ordering. I just tried them in the skimmer & they appear to fit perfect.
It may be because I never installed the screws that were shipped with the skimmer.

Unfortunately now I am doubting using the skimmer with my particular setup.
I am installing the rectangular intex pool & the side walls stay bowed in until the water is almost up to the seem line.
I know with these skimmers they have to be installed right below the seem on our pools.

I think this will make the water level low enough that the sidewalls bow in.

 

[gasczar]

Thanks for the replies.

I found these-
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/us ... +316+S%2FS

which look like they might work. Only problem is I have to buy a box of 100. i wondered if anyone else might want half a box? (Assuming you think they look like the right thing)

 

[LS1M]

That's a machine screw. The ones that come with the skimmer are sheet-metal. I couldn't find a type-B-tip sheet-metal screw in 316 at that site either
I've got rust spots all over my liner. I took out the offending, rusty scew, but I'm wondering if it's the (relatively minor) rust on my skimmer screws, or could rust spots come from the copper electrodes on my Intex SWG?