Hello,
I have a Doughboy pool with the proprietary Doughboy skimmer. I like the skimmer because it is very big and has a very big basket. I replaced all the hoses last year with 1 1/2 in. PVC pipe. I plan to increase the size of pipe to 2 in. this year. The problem with the Doughboy skimmer is that they come only with a tailpiece which is a hose barb and no way to connect pipe via pipe threads. Currently I make the connection using an adapter and a fernco fitting which is not made for a year's worth of sunlight or the chemicals. They tend to get brittle. I am considering making a modification to the bottom of the skimmer by drilling the tailpiece out and installing a 2 in. threaded bulkhead fitting. That way I will have a complete connection not reduced at the tailpiece. My concern is about possibly weakening the skimmer by doing this. I'm wondering if anyone has actually done it or has any thoughts on doing it. I have searched the internet for months and not found this anywhere. I attached a picture of a Doughboy skimmer tailpiece and a bulkhead fitting I am considering using. I am aware of a glue on fitting made by Doughboy but have not found a pool store that has them. I also spoke to a Doughboy rep who said they are not currently making them.
I have a Doughboy pool with the proprietary Doughboy skimmer. I like the skimmer because it is very big and has a very big basket. I replaced all the hoses last year with 1 1/2 in. PVC pipe. I plan to increase the size of pipe to 2 in. this year. The problem with the Doughboy skimmer is that they come only with a tailpiece which is a hose barb and no way to connect pipe via pipe threads. Currently I make the connection using an adapter and a fernco fitting which is not made for a year's worth of sunlight or the chemicals. They tend to get brittle. I am considering making a modification to the bottom of the skimmer by drilling the tailpiece out and installing a 2 in. threaded bulkhead fitting. That way I will have a complete connection not reduced at the tailpiece. My concern is about possibly weakening the skimmer by doing this. I'm wondering if anyone has actually done it or has any thoughts on doing it. I have searched the internet for months and not found this anywhere. I attached a picture of a Doughboy skimmer tailpiece and a bulkhead fitting I am considering using. I am aware of a glue on fitting made by Doughboy but have not found a pool store that has them. I also spoke to a Doughboy rep who said they are not currently making them.
