A few skimmer questions

[slappymancuso]

Our skimmer appears to have a liner in it. Is that a thing? When I look at others online, I don't notice anything like this - but it's difficult to tell from pictures. It's not covering the whole interior; but rather begins approximately 4" past the faceplate and goes all the way to the basket. I noticed early on that it appears to be breaking down. There are bubbles in it, and I've pulled a few pieces out of the skimmer basket as well as the pump strainer on startup this year. What's left peels away easily.

My instinct is to tear the rest of it away to keep it from clogging plumbing. I notice there is plastic beneath that seems to be the same as the rest of the skimmer body, so I'm not sure of any function it could be serving - but also don't want to inadvertently blow my pool up.


Please excuse the dirt and grime in the photos - I'm cleaning it as well as I can from outside the pool and working towards being able to get in there to brush this thing out properly.

Second, my skimmer does not have a weir door. I don't see any notches for one, but it looks as though some are made universal. Besides measuring for the proper width, are there any other considerations I should make before trying to buy one and install it?

Thanks in advance for any insights!

 

[PoolStored]

My instinct is to tear the rest of it away to keep it from clogging plumbing. I notice there is plastic beneath that seems to be the same as the rest of the skimmer body, so I'm not sure of any function it could be serving - but also don't want to inadvertently blow my pool up.

I think someone used sealant and spread it over the surface thinking it would solve a leak problem. Remove and inspect. If there are any areas that look like a crack, use pool putty (epoxy) to repair. Use a little wed/dry sandpaper before the pool putty.

Second, my skimmer does not have a weir door. I don't see any notches for one, but it looks as though some are made universal. Besides measuring for the proper width, are there any other considerations I should make before trying to buy one and install it?

Look on the skimmer lid for part numbers. We may be able to find the right weir.

For universal, nothing more than measuring.

 

[slappymancuso]

I think someone used sealant and spread it over the surface thinking it would solve a leak problem. Remove and inspect. If there are any areas that look like a crack, use pool putty (epoxy) to repair. Use a little wed/dry sandpaper before the pool putty.

Look on the skimmer lid for part numbers. We may be able to find the right weir.

For universal, nothing more than measuring.

PoolStored to the rescue once again! Thanks so much for the info.

We did have a leak issue initially upon buying this place, so you might be onto something. Losing ~1/2" per day if not a little more. That problem mysteriously went away last year after having a heat pump & new light installed right after opening. I did actually attempt to find some leaks around the skimmer last year when our faceplate cracked and was relieved not to find anything, so hopefully we are solid there. As you said, I will remove and inspect for any visible cracks -- then repair with the prescribed epoxy if found.

I found one part number on the lid: American Products 850005. I'm finding several basket (Well, cylindrical) style weirs when I search replacements for this, so maybe I should go that route?

 

[PoolStored]

So, that is the skimmer cover part number, that's why you are seeing covers when you search. This tells us the manufacturer.

Check this against your skimmer. The weir is a door.

Pentair American Products Admiral In-Ground Skimmer Parts

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[PoolStored]

You likely need part 11 and 17 on that diagram, if that is your skimmer. Confirm using dimension on that page.

 

[slappymancuso]

You likely need part 11 and 17 on that diagram, if that is your skimmer. Confirm using dimension on that page.

Thank you very much for your help. I was able to confirm dimensions on the faceplate. The new one is slightly smaller, but I can see where the old one sat - and it aligns precisely with the measurements given for the standard plate in the diagram you linked. I've gone ahead & ordered the door & pivot tab.

 

[PoolStored]

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[PoolStored]

Niiiiiice...Thanks!

 

[slappymancuso]

Niiiiiice...Thanks!

No, thank you!