Installing Hayward SP1091LX without cutting gasket

[Andrew_D]

Hello All,

Began this spring with researching skimmers for my above ground pool. Went with a Hayward SP1091LX. Lots of threads on here about installing without cutting the butterfly gasket VS cutting the gasket. I chose not to cut the gasket and it was very simple, so thought I would show the process.

The pool water level was about 1-2 inches below the skimmer hole.

First up was to locate the faceplate on the outside of the pool. Why the outside, you ask? Because it's still freezing at night here and the water temp is only 10ºC (approx 50ºF)! Then poke the holes with an awl and install screws.



And.... complete.
Here's a view leaning over the side.



I then cut the liner using the inside of the faceplate as the guide.



And removed the screws and faceplate.



Install the butterfly gasket without cutting it.



Reach inside and put the faceplate and screws back in.



Then attach the skimmer.



Garden hose (well water) is filling again, so will see if there are any leaks or not. If there are, I may have to wait until I can get inside the pool (brrrrrr) to tighten the screws some more. I am waiting for a shoulder replacement and leaning over a 4 1/2 ft high wall was not fun! If it still leaks, some silicone may be in order.

Hopefully this weekend I can get the plumbing done for the skimmer. Until there is enough water, it is still filtering through the sidewall as original design.

Andrew

 

[Texas Splash]

Thanks for sharing your experience, and welcome to TFP!

 

[bobmcinnis]

I have the same Hayward SP1091LX skimmer in my shopping cart right now for my 18' x 48" Intex pool. I see on Hayward's website there are lots of different models. Is that the right one for my size pool? Hayward has no explanation on how to choose the right one that I can see. Also, does it come with a vacuum hose a skimmer vac plate? Thanks!

 

[bobmcinnis]

And Andrew_D, please update us if the seal holds when you finish filling it.

 

[Andrew_D]

Pool is filled and holds. No leaks. Having said that, once the water warms up and I can actually go in, I am going to give the screws a snug-up. Should be able to get a good feel when I am not leaning over the edge!

This one came with the adapter to use a suction vac attachment. It fits over the basket inside the strainer. I have used the adapter to stop/slow water flow when I was changing some plumbing just the other day and it fits in there nicely.

I can't really speak to proper sizing for your pool, but mine is on a 16'x32'x52" rectangle, so it should be fine on yours. I did not go with the widemouth version as I really didn't see the point. All the widemouth does is act as a funnel. Skimmer is still the same. Not sure how a widemouth would fit on a round pool?? I'm sure someone has done it though!

Andrew

 

[bobmcinnis]

Thanks Andrew! Both the tutorial above and your update and additional advice is a huge help!

 

[Andrew_D]

No problem. I am fairly new to pools myself. Here to learn and help where I can. I wasn't sure about cutting the skimmer in, especially when the pool was almost full! But it worked out alright!

Andrew

 

[chi-chi]

I am going to attempt this and I probably should start a new thread but I looked and couldn't find a consensus but is this Hayward Skimmer install best done when the pool is full (2" below the skimmer) or can it be done completely empty as well? Not sure if stretching would occur if done while empty then filling up? But since the template being cut is the same full or not maybe it wouldn't matter?

 

[Andrew_D]

I think some water in is needed to ensure the liner is stretched. (But I'm no expert!)

My water level was just a couple inches below the cut line.

Andrew

 

[chi-chi]

I think some water in is needed to ensure the liner is stretched. (But I'm no expert!)

My water level was just a couple inches below the cut line.

Andrew

Okay thanks that makes sense. I will do the same and thanks for the great write up! I rather not cut the butterfly gasket also.

 

[TerryB1]

Thanks Andrew, and everyone else who has done this before! I'm doing the same on a 15'x48" Intex that we're fully enjoying at the moment. I upgraded to a used Whisperflow 3/4 hp 2" Pump and a Sta Rite 70TX Filter (fancy stainless). Fun stuff!

Next up is the Skimmer, and got to 1.5" intake holes.