Lame tile guy did this

[Spookie]

I designed my own pool and am usually pretty observant. Wasn't until I was in the spa for the first time a few days ago that I noticed one of my 2 skimmers has a larger opening than the other. Guessing it’s not the biggest deal, but would like to hear what others think. Builder plans to add make the skimmer with the larger opening match the one with the smaller opening. I’m thinking I’ll let it be since the one with the larger opening seems like that was the one done correctly?

Tile also screwed up on the spa spillways. They are not level and water does not flow out of them both at the same rate. That, they are coming to fix.

 

[proavia]

I'd want them making the the second picture match the first picture. In the second picture, if your water level is a bit high, the skimmer won't function properly because the water level may be above the top of the opening.

As for the spa spillways, you can suggest the guy uses a laser level when he re-works them.

 

[ajw22]

The smaller skimmer is useless. The bottom of the intake for both skimmers need to be at the same level. Have them open up the small skimmer. The large opening is correct. You can have that much variance in the water level and you want the skimmer to function.

 

[sktn77a]

Actually, it looks like the tile guy just tiled over the builders mistake. I guess he could have pointed this out to you but he's on a schedule too.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Spook,

The problem is not the tile guy, it is whoever installed the skimmer two or three inches too low.. This is a much bigger issue that a couple of tiles..

Jim R.

 

[Mika]

Sorry to hear about your issues. Hoping they can fix it! Your pool is so beautiful!

 

[ComputerGuyInNOLA]

The first picture has no tile beneath the coping. The second picture has a full set of tiles beneath the coping. This does not look right. Post an image of the entire pool.

 

[Spookie]

Thanks for the replies.

So when I spoke with the builder regarding the skimmers, he immediately called the tile guy and then called me back. Tile guy said because the flagstone piece he used above the skimmer (the one with the smaller opening) did not cover the entire length of the opening (open part of the bond beam) he first placed a piece of slate tile across the top of the skimmer, and then the flagstone on top.

I also found this photo showing the skimmers are level with one another but for some reason it will not attach...says it’s too big for the server? Also, I verified both skimmers skim at the same rate. The issue of the different size openings is not effecting the flow to the skimmers.

My builder is amazing. They will do whatever I ask to fix it. Just wondering if it’s necessary to correct the issue if my skimmers are working properly?

It did let me attach a photo I took today, but it’s basically showing he same as my previous photo. But yes, I’m 100 percent sure the skimmers are level with each other.

Thanks again,
Mike

 

[proavia]

While both skimmers are working correctly at your present water level - if the water level is higher than the restricted skimmer, you will not get correct skimming action from that skimmer. Personally, I'd have him fix it correctly - from a functional and aesthetic perspective.

When viewing while in the pool, both skimmer openings should match.

 

[sktn77a]

If the builder installed the skimmers at the same level, then it should just be a matter of taking off the top flagstone, removing the extra slate piece the tile guy used and then replacing the top flagstone with one that is the correct size (or the top flagstone plus the ones on either side). This needs to be fixed. Don't let them con you into "it'll be fine".

 

[mojo1980]

Your pebble tile and coping look great together! Hats off to that!

 

[PoolGate]

That is very poor planning with the coping stones. My builder had them all laid out and fitting properly before mortaring an of them. I vote have him fix that it's not right.

 

[Spookie]

My builder said they will fix it when they come to fix the spillway. I’m frustrated because I usually catch that stuff. Thanks all for the advice.
Mike

 

[smracing]

You are not supposed to rely on the flagstone to span the skimmer. There should be structure under the flagstone. I placed 1/4" stainless steel plate on the bond beam prior to flagstone.

 

[Spookie]

They will be coming to fix it. I’ll look into that and even have the stainless steel plate for them if needed. The foreman is pretty irritated that the mason did that. They are going to send a different mason to fix both issues per my request. Thanks for the info.
Mike

 

[bmoreswim]

They will be coming to fix it. I’ll look into that and even have the stainless steel plate for them if needed. The foreman is pretty irritated that the mason did that. They are going to send a different mason to fix both issues per my request. Thanks for the info.
Mike

Glad to hear this. What they did was ridiculous. Your operating range of water levels with that setup would have been very small to have effective skimming from both. You will be MUCH happier long-term with them both properly at the same height.