Mega Sized Skimmer

[RWTL]

Our fiberglass pool has a very large skimmer that seems to be built into the overall pool design. It's approx 13" in diameter. Since we bought the house, we have had a vacuum plugged in to it, but would like to use it as an actual skimmer. Anyone have any experience with this or thoughts?

I thought maybe I could use a skim-around, but they don't make a plastic ring large enough to seal the surrounding area.

I've had a number of pool guys look at it, and no one has any thoughts.

 

[ajw22]

Does the skimmer have a weir door?

Without a weir door the skimmer will not skim.

Skimmers - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[RWTL]

Does the skimmer have a weir door?

Without a weir door the skimmer will not skim.

Skimmers - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Nope. It's a hot mess. Maybe there was a all-in-one unit that came with the pool?

 

[ajw22]

Do you know who the manufacturer of the pool is that you can contact?

 

[RWTL]

Do you know who the manufacturer of the pool is that you can contact?

Unfortunately I don't. There's no record of the install from what I was given. I could call the city and find out if they have a permit when it was installed.

 

[1poolman1]

Our fiberglass pool has a very large skimmer that seems to be built into the overall pool design. It's approx 13" in diameter. Since we bought the house, we have had a vacuum plugged in to it, but would like to use it as an actual skimmer. Anyone have any experience with this or thoughts?

I thought maybe I could use a skim-around, but they don't make a plastic ring large enough to seal the surrounding area.

I've had a number of pool guys look at it, and no one has any thoughts.View attachment 524406

Looks like a Paddock Skim Filter body. They had a DE grid assembly that sat in there and water was pulled through. Try these parts. Not inexpensive.

Aladdin Basket for Paddock Skim Filter Basket 12 3/8" | B-130

Pool Supply Unlimited has some of the best prices when shopping for Aladdin Basket for Paddock Skim Filter Basket 12 3/8" | B-130

www.poolsupplyunlimited.com

Aladdin 12" Skimmer Weir | 929

Pool Supply Unlimited has some of the best prices when shopping for Aladdin 12" Skimmer Weir | 929

www.poolsupplyunlimited.com

 

[PoolStored]

Without a weir door the skimmer will not skim.

In addition, your water is high. It should be 50% up the skimmer opening to work correctly...

 

[RWTL]

In addition, your water is high. It should be 50% up the skimmer opening to work correctly...

Thanks. That's where I keep it usually. This was the day after a downpour.

 

[RWTL]

Looks like a Paddock Skim Filter body. They had a DE grid assembly that sat in there and water was pulled through. Try these parts. Not inexpensive.

Aladdin Basket for Paddock Skim Filter Basket 12 3/8" | B-130

Pool Supply Unlimited has some of the best prices when shopping for Aladdin Basket for Paddock Skim Filter Basket 12 3/8" | B-130

www.poolsupplyunlimited.com

Aladdin 12" Skimmer Weir | 929

Pool Supply Unlimited has some of the best prices when shopping for Aladdin 12" Skimmer Weir | 929

www.poolsupplyunlimited.com

This is really helpful information. How does the aladdin 12" skimmer work. I'm assuming the basket goes in first, then does the 12" skimmer float on top and use suction to create a skim effect?

 

[1poolman1]

Weir hinges at bottom, spring loaded, swings inward as water in skimmer lowers causing a current to flow over the door. It sits in the front opening. Need to get the actual measurement of that opening, just guessed at 12" as they make different sizes. They can be cut down with a hacksaw if needed. Baskets that large are expensive, again a guess and, especially in a fiberglass pool, need good water chemistry. Low pH and alkalinity will damage them despite the powder coating. Also, don't don't hit it with or on anything to clean it. That can crack the coating an it will rust quickly.

 

[1poolman1]

This is really helpful information. How does the aladdin 12" skimmer work. I'm assuming the basket goes in first, then does the 12" skimmer float on top and use suction to create a skim effect?

What Is a Pool Skimmer and What Does It Do?

There are many parts of a swimming pool to understand when you first get one in order that you can learn to keep it clean and in good working order. A pool skimmer is one

easypoolcleaning.com