New Skimmer Advice - What to get???

JPRS51 · Mar 26, 2019

So, about to start re-plumbing my pool. I was looking at Hayward and Pentair skimmers. Is there a difference or do you just match to the other equipment you are getting?

Any thoughts or opinions on the Hayward SkimMaster versus the Pentair Admiral S20?
Any other skimmer I should be looking at?

For reference, it is a 30k gallon pool with 1 skimmer.

jimmythegreek · Mar 26, 2019

Get a large skimmer like the big mouth style if you are going to stay with just one skimmer. That's a large pool 2 would be better. Regardless brand doesn't matter. Is this a steel wall liner pool?

JPRS51 · Mar 27, 2019

It is a in ground plaster which we are having refinished with pebble. Now is the time that I can make changes.

Is there a brand that offers a specific "big mouth" style/model?

PoolGate · Mar 27, 2019

Can you change to a difference skimmer? Mine is cast into my bond beam and would require significant work to replace. Mine is CMP btw which is the model I see on most pools.

JPRS51 · Mar 27, 2019

PoolGate said:
Can you change to a difference skimmer? Mine is cast into my bond beam and would require significant work to replace. Mine is CMP btw which is the model I see on most pools.

I am doing a full remodel. Breaking out the coping. Our skimmer is cracked so have to replace it. Plus it was never installed right originally and was not level.

Had not heard of CMP. Just looked them up. Seems all the skimmers "look" the same.

I guess I will just match my skimmer to the rest of my pool components. Not sure there is a big difference in the various brands.

PoolGate · Mar 27, 2019

JPRS51 said:
I am doing a full remodel. Breaking out the coping. Our skimmer is cracked so have to replace it. Plus it was never installed right originally and was not level.

Had not heard of CMP. Just looked them up. Seems all the skimmers "look" the same.

I guess I will just match my skimmer to the rest of my pool components. Not sure there is a big difference in the various brands.

Do yourself a favor when you get the new skimmer, also get a couple extra weir flaps and baskets.

jimmythegreek · Mar 27, 2019

CMP is a knockoff of hayward and are everywhere including my pool. they offer a big mouth version. If you can swing it add another skimmer if you had any issues with keeping the surface clean. usually with 1 skimmer the return jets need to be just right to get good flow around pool and keep floaters moving to the skimmer

JPRS51 · Mar 27, 2019

jimmythegreek said:
CMP is a knockoff of hayward and are everywhere including my pool. they offer a big mouth version. If you can swing it add another skimmer if you had any issues with keeping the surface clean. usually with 1 skimmer the return jets need to be just right to get good flow around pool and keep floaters moving to the skimmer

How do you like your Hayward equipment? I have one of their variable speed pumps right now. Hayward seems to be pretty popular around me. Was debating them versus Pentair. Any reason in particular you went with Hayward?

jimmythegreek · Mar 27, 2019

it was slightly cheaper to go with hayward because thats what my supplier offered discounted when I bought my pool package. pentair was available but I would have spent more money to get the size and same features I have now. Im not even done with my decking yet just my pool is in and all its equipment etc. Im a year into it and my VS pump has been great, my SWG works perfect and I have automation too that I barely use as of now, will get more on the panel as landscape lights etc. start going in down the road