finding replacement skimmer [solved]

[pmh3986]

[solved: see last edit]

I need to replace the skimmer on my old hybrid pool (fiberglass walls).

The original has a marking 8655-32, and googling that seems to bring up Sta-Rite U-3. The U-3 specs show an opening that's a bit smaller than what I have (7-5/8" x 5-5/8" whereas the opening in the wall of my pool is 8-11/16" x 5-15/16".

If I can find something with a slightly larger opening than what I have, I can cut a new opening and drill new holes.

Does anybody here have any reference links to a list of skimmer faceplates with dimensions called out from the popular brands? or other insights to help me find a suitable replacement?

edit: I did find one that fits this criteria, but it's made of ABS and is a brand I've never heard of (which isn't saying much):

Waterco Skimmer, Baker Hydro - Vinyl Deluxe - 50W1006 - INYOPools.com

50W1006 - SKIMMER, BAKER HYDRO - VINYL DELUXE (50B1006)

www.inyopools.com

edit 2: Jacuzzi PMT has an almost identical opening, but different hole placement. I can't seem to find that for sale anywhere.

edit 3: I had been assuming that the listed inside dimensions of the faceplate would match exactly the hole size cut into the wall, but when I looked deeper into some of the installation manuals, realized many face plates overlap the throat a bit, and this opened up some more options for my particular situation. I ended up getting a Waterway Renegade


Thanks!

 

[1poolman1]

I need to replace the skimmer on my old hybrid pool (fiberglass walls).

The original has a marking 8655-32, and googling that seems to bring up Sta-Rite U-3. The U-3 specs show an opening that's a bit smaller than what I have (7-5/8" x 5-5/8" whereas the opening in the wall of my pool is 8-11/16" x 5-15/16".

If I can find something with a slightly larger opening than what I have, I can cut a new opening and drill new holes.

Does anybody here have any reference links to a list of skimmer faceplates with dimensions called out from the popular brands? or other insights to help me find a suitable replacement?

edit: I did find one that fits this criteria, but it's made of ABS and is a brand I've never heard of (which isn't saying much):

Waterco Skimmer, Baker Hydro - Vinyl Deluxe - 50W1006 - INYOPools.com

50W1006 - SKIMMER, BAKER HYDRO - VINYL DELUXE (50B1006)

www.inyopools.com

edit 2: Jacuzzi PMT has an almost identical opening, but different hole placement. I can't seem to find that for sale anywhere.
Thanks!

Waterco/Baker Hydro has been around a very long time. Most modern skimmers are made from ABS, that U-3 is.

 

[pmh3986]

Waterco/Baker Hydro has been around a very long time. Most modern skimmers are made from ABS, that U-3 is.

Thanks. Glad to hear they have been around, I just wasn't finding much in the way of "reviews" about them, and the photo in the amazon link had a big sticker "made in malaysia" so I wasn't sure if that was a red flag for some piece of junk that would crumble in the ground.

For ABS to PVC connection, I'd probably have to use a threaded connection?

 

[1poolman1]

Most pool equipment is made in other countries.
If the connection is threaded, yes.
If not:

 

[pmh3986]

Thanks!