To ensure that the water in the pool is always maintained in good condition and never becomes dirty, you need to regularly turn on the circular system. Passing through it, the water is cleared of debris and microbes, heated and returned to the bowl. And the first component of this system is the skimmer. Let's look at what it is and how to install a skimmer in a pool.
Kinds
Built-in
Installation of these devices is carried out during the construction of the bowl. They are built into the wall of the structure. The kit includes a damper that prevents water from entering from below. When installing such devices in outdoor pools, it is necessary to take into account the dominant winds.
Mounted
The equipment is manufactured using plastic. It is attached to the board. The device is intended for small-sized pools, for example, inflatable or frame. The main advantage of a skimmer is to ensure normal water exchange and clean the water surface from floating debris.
Rules for installing a filtration device
There are several rules for installing the device yourself. You need to determine the type of device you need. His choice lies in the materials and design of the pool.
Take into account the nuances in installing various types:
- Mounted ones are placed on the leeward side.
- If the pool is installed indoors, then the installation of more devices is required.
- In this case, they must be placed at the same distance from each other.
Models mounted on board are more difficult to install. It is recommended to involve professionals in the work.
It is fundamentally important to clean the device. The floating skimmer kit includes a float. The part ensures that debris is sucked inside. Adapters are also included. They are used to connect corrugated hoses to the device.
Characteristics
The skimmer has a compartment with a neck for collecting liquid. The liquid enters through a window with a floating damper. The design includes a coarse pre-filter that can trap large debris. The top hole allows the skimmer structure to be cleaned. The design of the filtration station includes a barrel (filter), a circulation pump, piping and an installation platform.
The purpose of the device is to collect large debris from the water surface: twigs, hair, insects. The user has the opportunity to add chemistry to the device. With its help, 70% of the pool volume is processed.
Device Features
Such equipment acts as the main element of the tank filtration system. For its production, manufacturers use plastic and stainless steel. Near the bottom of the device there is a threaded connection that connects the filter to the water intake line. The side of the filter has a hole. It is used to collect liquid for subsequent filtration. In addition to cleaning tanks, skimmer systems are capable of heating water.
Expert opinion
Kuznetsov Vasily Stepanovich
Such filters are compact in size. The manufacturer includes hand-held vacuum cleaners and pumping equipment in the device package. Modern skimmers are able to perform all the required activities related to cleaning the liquid in the pool.
Advantages and disadvantages
Experts call the fundamental advantages of mounted models. They consist in versatility and ease of installation work. You can purchase them at an affordable price. All models of skimmers are capable of performing multi-stage cleaning from various types of contaminants. Cleaning is required even if the pool is indoors.
This is explained by the fact that when swimming, it is possible that hair will get in and skin particles will peel off. Due to their accumulation, swimming becomes unsafe, so it is advisable to install such a device. It will eliminate the need to change water every week, which is costly. Maintenance of the device will require minimal expenses.
Installing this device also helps to neutralize bacteria that cause unpleasant odors. The unit also maintains optimal temperature at any time of the day. It creates additional aeration. Such equipment maintains the ideal condition of the pool. This is achieved by filtration, which allows the liquid to circulate.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages of a skimmer filtration system are:
simplicity of design and easy installation technology;- the ability to connect a hydrovacuum cleaner to remove dirt at the bottom of the pool;
- water depth control;
- ease of operation and maintenance;
- effective water purification at an affordable price;
- eliminating possible stagnation of water in the tank.
The disadvantages of using include:
- loss of original external presentability, this mainly concerns plastic products;
- if the device is distorted after incorrect installation, the operating efficiency decreases;
- periodic appearance of a limescale strip on the watershed line, which will have to be removed frequently.
How to choose?
It is necessary to decide on the choice of device, taking into account the volume, area and type of tank. If it is compact in size, then a mounted device would be the best option. This option is optimal for a frame pool. It is important to look at the thickness of the walls of the bowl.
The devices on sale are available with a short, standard and extended neck. It is also necessary to decide on the required number of skimmers. In this regard, we must be guided by the indicator of 1 device per 178 sq. m area. It is worth paying attention to the scope of application. In this regard, there are liner, concrete, and fiberglass pools.
Models that are designed for concrete are laid during the construction of the tank. If preference is given to fiberglass-based skimmers, you need to select models that are mounted on board. A built-in skimmer should be purchased for stationary pools. It is preferable if additional space is available.
Experts advise giving preference to water intakes made from ABS plastic. This material copes well with the negative effects of humidity and chemical cleaners. Products made from plastic last ten years. Consultants of specialized stores note that they do not have a presentable appearance.
If the task is to choose equipment that will last longer and be more attractive, then you should choose a device made from stainless steel. It is more expensive, but it pays off with a long period of use of the device.
Selection rules
To ensure maximum benefit from the purifier, you must first determine:
- dimensions of the pool, its depth;
- the thickness of the walls of the artificial tank;
- performance characteristics of the housing materials: they must be corrosion resistant and withstand destructive effects for a long time;
- fasteners that are reliable and durable, as well as suitable for a specific type of bowl;
- frequency of water changes per month.
Lighter, frame pools should choose a mounted option of a compact size. It can be installed and maintained independently.
Popular models
KRIPSOL STANDARD SKS.C FOR CONCRETE
This filter unit collects all debris on the water surface of the pool. It can be installed in concrete pools. This skimmer is made on the basis of ABS plastic, which is characterized by resistance to various chemical reagents. The top lid has a square frame, which allows you to conveniently place tiles in the tank. With this model, the water in it will be clean.
Mounted MTH SK2
This skimmer is designed for installation in a built pool. If required, a vacuum cleaner can be connected to it. The performance of the model is comparable to a stationary device. The user can adjust the pressure line at his discretion. Installation can be performed even by a user without special knowledge.
Mounted MTS (10031)
Equipment produced by a German manufacturer is intended for private swimming pools. The installation is carried out on a filled tank bowl. It was made using ABS plastic, which determines the long service life of the product. The package includes a basket that serves as a pre-filter.
You can put chemicals in it for disinfection. If you choose this skimmer, installation can be done quickly. This does not require construction work related to laying pipes. It will be enough to attach the device to the side of the bowl.
Hayward Premium 3111 UNDER LINER
This installation is designed for Hayward pools. It was made using ABS plastic. The material is characterized by its resistance to weathering and chemicals. There is a lid at the top that allows the user to easily clean the pre-filter mesh basket. The device can be installed in composite, polypropylene and concrete pools.
For concrete pools Bridge New Style
The model is in demand by buyers due to its highest quality indicators. The device can give the pool an aesthetic appearance. Using a narrow neck, you can increase the water level in the bowl. The equipment was produced on the basis of ABS plastic. It is quite resistant to chemicals. The package includes a large size basket. It allows you to retain large debris.
Wide for 63.5mm extension film
The device can be installed in a tiled, film, or mosaic pool. Its installation is carried out in the wall of the pool. Using a filter basket, it prevents large contaminants from entering the system.
INTEX DELUXE 28000
Experts say that such a unit can quickly remove leaves and other debris from the surface of a small pool. The manufacturer indicated in the user manual that it is permissible to use a pump with a capacity of 3028 l/h. The coating of the equipment is characterized by increased resistance to chemicals used in the pool. If required, the user can easily dismantle the basket. The skimmer has filtration, which provides additional cleaning.
Where to hang the skimmer on the pool
Do-it-yourself technical devices are mounted at the top of the pool wall. The intake window is located at the height of the planned water level. For skimmer baths, the mirror is usually located 15 cm below the level of the sides. Depending on the size of the intake window, the level can fluctuate up to 5 cm. The skimmer cover is placed above the water, which simplifies its maintenance and cleaning of the basket.
Sometimes during active swimming, water splashes over the sides and floods the lids. The problem is solved by reducing the level in the pool. To do this, install a special extension cord with your own hands - a crown.
How to care, what is important to know?
To ensure smooth operation of the skimmer, manufacturers recommend installing it following the rules in the instructions. In this way, the cost of repair work can be reduced. For fastening, it is necessary to use those elements that are provided in the kit, since they are made for a specific product.
Compliance with this rule significantly extends the life of the unit. The use of parts from the manufacturer will allow you to carry out repair work if necessary. The edges of the opening into which the equipment is placed are cleaned of accumulated burrs and covered with an anti-corrosion coating.
Skimmers require maintenance and it is very important to install them correctly!
The skimmer is installed strictly horizontally, distortions are not allowed. If it is necessary to increase the height of the cover, then only two covers are allowed. It is recommended to glue them after installing the skirt only with the use of special adhesives, such as Tangit (Germany), SABA (Holland). The water level must not be allowed to fall below the minimum level, as this will lead to premature failure of the circulation pump.
To ensure that the equipment works smoothly, it is better to seek help from a specialist to install it. He will do everything with knowledge of technology, so the device will last a long period. The complex, which consists of well-chosen equipment, is capable of ensuring water recycling in the structure at the proper level. Due to this, water procedures will not cause inconvenience to the user.
Expert opinion
Kuznetsov Vasily Stepanovich
Experts note that it is necessary to pay attention to the water intake and carry out its timely maintenance. Due to this, significant loads on the circular system can be eliminated. The user must open the lid at the top to access the basket. It needs to be washed, which will eliminate the accumulated debris. It is also necessary to clean the internal walls from plaque. These measures contribute to long-term operation of the device.
Advice from experienced owners
Equipment in outdoor pools should be installed on the side from which the wind blows most. If you follow this rule, the flow of water will allow liquid to quickly enter the device. The structure should be installed evenly around the perimeter. You need to decide in advance on the number of devices. Experienced users note that the number of skimmers should be identical to the number of supply nozzles.
They must be placed on the opposite side of the filter elements. Due to this, the pool equipment complex is capable of mixing all layers. Thus, the appearance of stagnant zones on the surface is excluded. Cleaning the water intake can be combined with periodic disinfection. For this purpose, chemical reagents are placed in the container.
In the case where the skimmer needs to be installed in a tank installed indoors, several devices are provided. They should be placed at equal distances around the perimeter of the pool. This will ensure that the entire surface is cleaned.
What kind of skimmer is installed in your pool?
Built-inMounted
Principle of operation
The working process of the skimmer device consists of several stages:
- The top layer of water and debris from the pool enters the device body through the side intake recess.
- The installed damper distributes water into clogged and clean streams. In this case, dirty water falls into a mesh basket, in which larger particles of debris are retained, and the clean layer immediately goes to filtration.
- After cleaning and disinfection procedures, the water is sent for heating, and then flows back into the pool through a circulation hose.
It is necessary to monitor the water level. It should not be lower than the middle of the device's intake opening.
Customer Reviews
Having analyzed the reviews of people using Intex products, we can note a predominantly positive trend.
Many note the following advantages of equipment from this brand for country pools:
acceptable price;- when connected to a powerful filter, they effectively remove dirt from the water surface in just a few minutes;
- The plastic from which the body and bracket are made is of high quality;
- the device is easily and securely attached to the sides of the bowl and can also be quickly dismantled;
- The kit includes two types of fastenings (for inflatable and frame pools).
Most consumers using equipment from Intex noted that caring for the pool has become much easier. If previously it was necessary to catch the attacking debris with a net every morning manually, now the device does all the work. Just turn it on at night and in the morning the water will be crystal clear. The only thing required is to clean the filter.
It was noticed that since using the skimmer, the main filter became less dirty. This is because the water is pre-treated and all large particles remain in the skimmer flask. As a result, the load on the filter is reduced, which extends its service life.
Links to real reviews can be found here, here and here.
Tips for use
For equipment to operate effectively, it must be properly operated and maintained. Inside the skimmer body, on a special mesh designed for rough cleaning, debris will accumulate during operation of the filtration system. To maintain the performance of the structure at a high level, it is necessary to regularly clean it. The principle of the operation depends on the characteristics of the model. Detailed instructions are presented in the manufacturer's instructions.
It's not just the mesh that needs to be cleaned. Attention should also be paid to internal and external surfaces on which plaque will appear during work. In this case, you should not use rough brushes or brushes, or abrasive household chemicals.
The frequency of cleaning structural elements depends on the intensity and operating conditions of the pool. As a standard, it is recommended to do this 2-3 times a month, but if there are trees nearby, a large number of people use the pool, or there has been windy weather recently, then the frequency of cleaning can be increased.
Pump power calculation
The efficiency of the cleaning system is ensured by the pump: it drives water in a circle. Their parameters are selected based on the volume of the pool, the number of swimmers and the time during which it will be connected to the network.
If the water will be filtered during daylight hours, then select the pump power based on the data in this table
In a small artificial reservoir for home use, liquid should be pumped through filters 3-5 times per day. Based on these parameters, you determine the required pump performance. Just keep in mind that the equipment will not work for 24 hours (this is not a public swimming pool), but not more than 5-12 hours. So its power should be enough for the water to be purified as many times as possible during this time.
Intex Filter Pump for filtering pool water. Supply voltage 220-240 volts. Productivity - 5678 liters per hour
For example, a pool has 10 m3 of water. The equipment will operate for 4 hours. 10m3 will be pumped four times during operation. It turns out that 40 cubic meters must be “pumped” in 4 hours. 40 m3 / 4 hours = 10 m3/hour. It turns out that to solve the problem, you need a pump and filter that can process at least 10 cubic meters per hour. This is the required pump performance for a given pool with this operating mode.
Briefly about the main thing
In deciding why a skimmer is needed in a pool, what kind of device it is and how it works, you need to know its main purpose and functionality. First of all, the device performs the following series of tasks:
- Collects floating particles from the surface.
- Removes dust and small suspended particles.
- Disinfects and destroys microorganisms.
- Provides heating and water exchange.
According to its design, installation method and operating principle, the device can be built-in, mounted or floating. The first is used for a stationary pool, the second is universal, the last is mainly used for collecting tanks. During operation, each type requires regular cleaning of the filter elements.
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