Skimmer seems to be half-installed?

[essbase]

Looks like the skimmer on my new pool is not "entombed" in concrete. From reading numerous posts and watching videos on skimmer replacements, it appears it should be fully encased in concrete. Seems the Gunite crew only partially cover it and its hollow further up along side the skimmer. There are a couple of pieces of rebar hanging out. I have attached a couple pictures and a video that shows the underside. Haven't brought this up with the builder yet. I wanted to get an opinion from the formun. Thanks for your thoughts and knowledge! Click here for Video of the Underside

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Here’s what it should look like in order to keep the skimmer properly supported/incapsulated in Shotcrete. Most common water leaks in pools are at the skimmer due to movement.

 

[essbase]

Here’s what it should look like in order to keep the skimmer properly supported/incapsulated in Shotcrete. Most common water leaks in pools are at the skimmer due to movement.

Aqua-Holics,
Thanks for the example and the warning on leaks. Do you think this can be corrected with additional concrete?

 

[wireform]

Yes you are right that's wrong. It would need to be chipped out from the back to expose it completely and then build it up with proper forms.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Yes it can be corrected, your concerns are the skimmer settling due to improper backfill to support the skimmer weight. Most all skimmers are completely suspended in air until Shotcrete and then the cavity is completely filled as one against unspoiled earth. It’s the void at the bottom of the skimmer that needs proper backfill.

 

[essbase]

Thanks for the comments! Is this likely the Gunite Companies mistake? Seems like they didnt properly prepare around it and for that reason didn't entomb it completely....

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Here’s how it should have been formed around to be encapsulate, yes by the Shotcrete crew.

 

[essbase]

Here’s how it should have been formed around to be encapsulate, yes by the Shotcrete crew.

Thanks for the insight Aqua-Holics... So it seems I should expect the Builder to hold the Gunite Company accountable to chip out and entomb the skimmer correctly?

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Yes the Gunite crew are responsible for the forms, I wouldn’t have anything “chipped out” but only have loose material removed by hand so not to move the skimmer in any way. It can be hand packed with cement material to make it support the skimmer.

 

[essbase]

Yes the Gunite crew are responsible for the forms, I wouldn’t have anything “chipped out” but only have loose material removed by hand so not to move the skimmer in any way. It can be hand packed with cement material to make it support the skimmer.

What should they hand pack with? Is this regular mix, hydraulic, or something else. Thanks again for sharing your expertise. It’s tough to know the right questions to ask and what to watch out for.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Looking at the photos provided it looks like the skimmer is the only thing needing support because the wall of the pool below the skimmer is solid. That being said, all you need is a mortar mix that can support the weight of the skimmer and the Gunite that’s all ready bonded to the skimmer. This mixture will have no impact on the strength of the shell it’s only to keep the skimmer from any movement/settlement in the future.

 

[essbase]

Looking at the photos provided it looks like the skimmer is the only thing needing support because the wall of the pool below the skimmer is solid. That being said, all you need is a mortar mix that can support the weight of the skimmer and the Gunite that’s all ready bonded to the skimmer. This mixture will have no impact on the strength of the shell it’s only to keep the skimmer from any movement/settlement in the future.

Thanks... Did you see the video of the underside? Will they be able to get it up in there? Here are a few screenshots. The Youtube frame seems not to work in the post... Thanks Again!

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

If given this task to accomplish I would mix my cement on the dry side so it would hold its shape and position, then I would start at the bottom of the form work that I would have all ready in place (like in the picture I provided earlier made out of drywall) and work in stair steps with the final layer being the void that surrounds the skimmer. This could take hours depending on how well the bottom layers can support the cement above it. Do not allow any filler like broken bricks or concrete to be used due to it will settle inside the concrete mix and may leave voids. Hope this helps explain one way to correct this situation,Ray

 

[essbase]

If given this task to accomplish I would mix my cement on the dry side so it would hold its shape and position, then I would start at the bottom of the form work that I would have all ready in place (like in the picture I provided earlier made out of drywall) and work in stair steps with the final layer being the void that surrounds the skimmer. This could take hours depending on how well the bottom layers can support the cement above it. Do not allow any filler like broken bricks or concrete to be used due to it will settle inside the concrete mix and may leave voids. Hope this helps explain one way to correct this situation,Ray

Thanks so much for your help Ray!