Hayward skimmer install on Intex

[Lilredrubi]

I have a intex 18x9 and I was using a intex skimmer over the top rail. That one is constantly failing so I purchased a Hayward skimmer for an above ground and wanted to try and install it today. I read through this thread Intex Skimmer Install - Further Reading
His pool is the round pool and the walls are more upright, my sides bulge out. Will this work for my pool. Any advice or suggestions would greatly be appreciated
Thanks
Lee Ann

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Give this great write up and look- I found it so well explained with photos I bookmarked it in case anyone asked...

Intex Skimmer Install - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Maddie

 

[Lilredrubi]

Give this great write up and look- I found it so well explained with photos I bookmarked it in case anyone asked...

Intex Skimmer Install - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Maddie

Thanks Maddie, that's the thread I read through several times. I guess I'm super nervous about cutting the liner esp since I will be doing this on my own. I'm also super worried about the liner bulging out and causing a leak. UGH don't know what to do

 

[CT-Steven]

While I opted not to do this for my pool, that write up is spot on. The way it is done the walls will not bulge out nor should they move during the process. When modifying an Intex style pool the real issue is slow and steady. Take your time. Measure 6 times cut once.

 

[bkp22]

Just a though--a betta skimmer is not that expensive. you can get them around 50% off "used" on their official amazon store. Benefits are you can keep the water level higher and you don't have to cut the liner. This is what I did and I'm extremely satisfied.

 

[kellyfair]

When I had my Intex, I did cut in a skimmer and also larger inlet and return. It seems scary, but it is actually pretty easy! I installed the skimmer faceplate and used it as the template for my cut lines, then removed it, made the cuts, and properly installed.

I do have a Betta now (and a permanent AGP) and I can tell you that I hardly ever have to empty my skimmer basket. The Betta keeps it pretty darn clean. So it’s up to you - both methods are good!

 

[Lilredrubi]

When I had my Intex, I did cut in a skimmer and also larger inlet and return. It seems scary, but it is actually pretty easy! I installed the skimmer faceplate and used it as the template for my cut lines, then removed it, made the cuts, and properly installed.

I do have a Betta now (and a permanent AGP) and I can tell you that I hardly ever have to empty my skimmer basket. The Betta keeps it pretty darn clean. So it’s up to you - both methods are good!

Thanks Kelly, I think I will try again this afternoon, I'm pretty handy but suffer from tremendous chronic pain and I easily second guess myself. Oh well if I end up screwing it up then I guess I'll be one more step closer to ordering an Aurora LOL

 

[kellyfair]

Thanks Kelly, I think I will try again this afternoon, I'm pretty handy but suffer from tremendous chronic pain and I easily second guess myself. Oh well if I end up screwing it up then I guess I'll be one more step closer to ordering an Aurora LOL

You’ve got this!

 

[Lilredrubi]

Does this guy placement look bad ok? I’m trying to avoid the seams but I keep my water right at the grey, the top screws will go into welded part. Crossing my fingers that this will work

 

[kellyfair]

Personally, I would not cut the welded area. I would put the top inside of the frame right below the weld.

 

[isee]

Personally, I would not cut the welded area. I would put the top inside of the frame right below the weld.

I have been internally debating this for weeks but there is also plenty of evidence on this forum with cuts (including a person from Sweden I think?) where they haven't had any issues cutting high. I went through so many posts here to see what people could get away with and I plan on installing my skimmer with the top cut under the top thread on my XTR. My rationale being that I don't want to lose too much water height in the pool and since I'm in a less than ideal climate for a pool I will probably have to replace it in 4-5 years anyways.

 

[kellyfair]

Totally up to you! Just relating what I would do (and in fact, what I did!)

 

[Lilredrubi]

I have been internally debating this for weeks but there is also plenty of evidence on this forum with cuts (including a person from Sweden I think?) where they haven't had any issues cutting high. I went through so many posts here to see what people could get away with and I plan on installing my skimmer with the top cut under the top thread on my XTR. My rationale being that I dont't want to lose too much water height in the pool and since I'm in a less than ideal climate for a pool I will probably have to replace it in 4-5 years anyways.

So glad to hear I’m not the only one that has been overthinking this lol! I think I’m gonna try and do it this weekend. I watch a YouTube video where someone in Louisiana put it up high and had no issues and if I’m wrong oh well I was planning to buy an Aurora AGP when this one fails anyway. Of course I keep saying I’m going to do it and get everything set up to do it and then I chicken out. How do you plan on plumbing it up?

 

[Lilredrubi]

Totally up to you! Just relating what I would do (and in fact, what I did!)

And I appreciate all the feedback and support!

 

[isee]

So glad to hear I’m not the only one that has been overthinking this lol!

I consider it cautious planning

How do you plan on plumbing it up?

Current thought is Flex PVC to schedule 40 PVC with a 2x8 for additional support. I bought the wide mouth Hayward and that sucker is heavy.

 

[kellyfair]

Looking forward to seeing the results!