New devices regularly appear on the cleaning equipment market, which can be either very useful or completely useless devices. Useful and necessary include a skimmer, which is used by pool owners for multiple water purification.
When setting up your pool without any cover, which most often happens, all sorts of dirt gets into the water.
Therefore, in order to purify the water in swimming pools, additional devices are needed to solve these problems. It is the skimmer that can remove all blockages that may arise, making the water clean and suitable for its intended use.
Skimmer, purpose, features, principle of operation
Both microscopic and visible to the naked eye particles constantly settle on the surface of the pool, and also often in the water column - from dust, algae and microorganisms to leaves and objects of artificial origin. A skimmer is a special filter device that allows you to effectively get rid of such contaminants on the surface.
Externally, the device is a small container connected to a pipe. Inside there is an anti-clogging mesh system and a hole for water intake. Moreover, it itself is often not part of the filter mechanism, but only prevents large particles from entering the pipeline.
The operating principle of the skimmer comes down to the following algorithm:
- Through special holes in the housing, water flows into the device.
- Thanks to a special separator, only the contaminated top layer gets inside.
- Large objects settle on a special mesh at the beginning of the journey.
- Small and suspended particles are retained by the filter element.
- Next, the water flow passes through the disinfection device.
- Then, if necessary, it is passed through a thermoblock and returned back to the tank, cleaned and heated.
The place of the skimmer in the pool equipment scheme Source saen.com.ua
Modern skimmers perform far more than just the role of a filtering and disinfecting module. They also have a number of additional features:
- Connecting a water vacuum cleaner.
- Maintaining a comfortable water temperature.
- Setting and controlling the depth level.
- Introduction of chemical reagents.
To solve practical questions about why a skimmer is needed for a pool, what it is and how it will function in specific conditions, knowledge of its structure and the principle of interaction of its components allows. In the standard case, the device circuit consists of the following interconnected elements:
- Intake nozzle.
- Mesh/basket to retain large particles.
- Pumping station.
- Settings and control module.
- Tank drain located at the bottom.
Advice! When choosing a skimmer, it is important to consider the design power, which depends on the volume and dimensions of the tank. The technical characteristics and dimensions of the device itself will depend on it.
Pool with skimmer Source egazon.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in engineering systems (heating, water supply, sewerage and others) and related work
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.
Varieties
To finally understand and understand what a pool skimmer is, what structure it has and how it works, you will first need to study its existing modifications and the differences between them. There are 3 main types of devices available:
- Built-in.
- Floating.
- Mounted.
Let us examine in detail the features of their design, installation and operating principle.
Built-in
This stationary version of the skimmer is mounted directly into the pool body, usually into the side wall of the bowl. Installation is carried out only at the stage of construction of the tank itself in several options:
- In a concrete monolith.
- Under the film.
- Under the tiles.
Built-in skimmer in a frame pool Source zemeljka.ru
The length of the water intake element must correspond to the thickness of the walls of the pool. However, sometimes it is difficult to find a suitable model - special attachments come in handy. Installation of the device is quite simple and is carried out according to the instructions from the manufacturer, but the following requirements must be met:
- Fastening elements, brackets and other components associated with installation should be used only those that come with the equipment.
- The opening for installing the device in the wall must first be leveled, adjusted to size and cleaned of dirt and dust.
- Installation of the device is permissible only in a horizontal plane according to the building level.
- The height of the structure covering the device can be extended by a maximum of two rings.
Recommendation! Installation of a built-in skimmer for an outdoor pool should be carried out taking into account the wind rose. This way it will be possible to eliminate stagnation of individual zones, increase filtration efficiency and save on the number of devices.
Outdoor pool with skimmer next to the house Source j-pools.ru
Popular manufacturers and cost
The cost of a skimmer depends on several factors - configuration, power, material and manufacturer. In the domestic market, the most popular are pool skimmers produced by three companies:
MTS (Germany). The main activity is the manufacture of equipment and related components for swimming pools. A significant achievement of the manufacturer is the creation of a new technology for fixing equipment using fasteners that are not exposed to aggressive environments. This not only greatly simplifies the dismantling of the product, but also ensures tight connections between the elements. You can purchase skimmers under the MTS brand from RUB 3,400. and higher.
- MTH (Germany) . The company manufactures frame pools and other related equipment. One of the first to produce heating devices and filter cartridges. The products offered are of very high quality and affordable, easy to use and do not require special care. You can buy a skimmer for a pool from MTH from 7,500 to 13,500 rubles.
- Intex (USA) . A well-known American company whose production is concentrated in China and the Netherlands. Due to the fact that it takes special care to check each stage of production and maintain high consumer qualities, its products are very popular in many countries around the world. For maximum efficiency and trouble-free operation, it is recommended to use products from the same manufacturer. You can buy skimmers from Intex from 750 to 1000 rubles.
During the construction of a swimming pool, a lot of different issues arise, including those related to the maintenance of such structures.
The condition of the water, and therefore the service life of the pool, depends on the skimmer, so its choice must be taken responsibly.
You should not take unnecessary risks and install the skimmer yourself if you are not sure that you can carry out the installation correctly - it is better to invite a specialist.
Maintenance Tips
In order to ensure the constant purity of the water in the pool, it is not enough to know what a skimmer is, what types there are and how they are installed. It also requires an idea of how to properly maintain it. The main operating procedures are as follows:
- Regular cleaning of the coarse filtration mesh/basket in accordance with the instructions from the model manufacturer.
- Periodic removal of plaque on the internal and external sides of the housing.
- The frequency of preventive measures is determined by the intensity of operation of the tank and the presence of external polluting factors - at least once every 2-3 weeks.
The maximum degree of water purity is observed in pools equipped not only with a skimmer, but also with a filtering bottom drain. Since the intake comes from the surface and from the lower part of the water column, where heavier particles of debris settle.
Intex pool skimmers: American quality at an affordable price
The devices manufactured by this American company are distinguished by high quality components. This is reflected in their service life. It is noteworthy that the cost of these devices is not very high, so anyone can buy such a device if they wish.
The appearance of the filters from this manufacturer resembles a funnel. Similar devices are used to collect debris in the pool. The device operates autonomously, which is very convenient. Skimmers for Intex pools are installed on special pumps that are used for filtration work. It is important to remember that such a pump must have good performance - at least 3028 l/h.
Models of this brand have another positive quality - ease of fixation on the sides of an artificial reservoir. Most of these devices have a lightweight body made from plastic. The advantage of using polymer material is its resistance to aggressive chemicals. A skimmer pool is an excellent solution that will save owners from the need for labor-intensive cleaning work.
Filters from the American brand Intex are characterized by good quality and durability.
The cost of devices manufactured by this American company averages 850-900 rubles. The cheapest models can be purchased for 750 rubles. It is also worth noting that this company produces other products for swimming pools. An example is circulation pumps.
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.
Ratings 0
Skimmer for ponds and pools: always clean water for little money
Swimming pools are artificial reservoirs of water that lack a natural purification system. Stagnation of liquid leads to the accumulation of various harmful impurities, such as bacteria, dust, hair, etc. To remove these contaminants, a special filtration device is used - skimmer . To select suitable equipment, it is necessary to consider the types of such cleaning devices and their features.
Artificial reservoirs and swimming pools require systematic cleaning.
Manufacturing materials
Manufacturers offer several variations of skimmer models for pool construction:
- made of plastic;
- made of metal.
Skimmers with plastic fasteners offer excellent corrosion resistance. However, the plastic may be damaged if the pool is not built carefully.
There is a corrosion problem with metal material, especially if the skimmer frame mountings are made of mild steel. For pools with hard water, it is better to choose cleaning skimmers made of plastic materials .
How to make it yourself
It is very difficult to create a mounted skimmer with your own hands. There are many things to consider. The skimmer can be made of plastic or stainless steel. The bowl can be made from the following materials: plastic, polypropylene, metal, etc. The skimmer must also contain a rubber seal. It is this that ensures a high level of waterproofing of the bucket (bowl) itself. If you decide to make an element from stainless steel, then remember that such elements are more suitable for concrete and plastic pools or composite ones.
Plastic skimmers are more practical and are suitable for almost all models of pools.
Stainless steel skimmers are more expensive, but they look much better and last longer. If you don’t have your own pool yet, then read which frame pool is better: bestway or intex.
on video: do-it-yourself mounted skimmer for a pool
You need to make a special bowl that will resemble a bucket, make a rectangular hole in it and install a floating valve. The rectangular hole should be a size that will support the dimensions of your pool. It is necessary to place a coarse filter in the tank of the device (it can be purchased separately). It is also necessary to install an adapter for connecting manual bottom cleaning systems (this can also be purchased separately). All of the above parts must be present in the skimmer and ensure normal operation of the device. How to make a bottom vacuum cleaner for a pool with your own hands, read in this material.
So, let's summarize. A mounted skimmer is a type of cleaning device for swimming pools. The absence of a skimmer in the pool risks contamination and stagnant puddles. Mounted skimmers are very convenient, practical, and very easy to install. The most popular and reliable models are Intex, MTH sk2 and MTS. Making a mounted skimmer with your own hands is very difficult and can be done by specialists who understand this. But assembling a mounted skimmer is not difficult, relying on the operating instructions. You might be interested in a homemade pond skimmer.
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Which is better, homemade or purchased?
The skimmer is simple. It represents an extended tube from the pump, fixed at the surface of the water. Its purpose is to collect garbage. After all, the surface of the water is the dirtiest layer of the mass.
It’s easy to make such a device yourself. A high-quality homemade device can work no worse than an industrial one. Their performance indicators are comparable. However, it is economical in cost. If you have time and desire, it is better to do it yourself.
Often time is short. Then it is better to purchase an industrial device. The price depends on:
- the material from which the device is made;
- manufacturer;
- configurations;
- characteristics.
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.
9.5-Stage five – installation of mortgages.
9.5. Stage five – installation of mortgages.
And if everything is in order with the pipes and cables, then the next step after plastering is the installation of embedded elements and their filling.
The installation of mortgages must strictly comply with the project or drawing.
Installation of mortgages in concrete pools under tiles.
When installing embeds (spotlight, skimmer, nozzle, bottom drain, etc.) in a concrete pool, first prepare the niches of the embeds as follows:
- if the surface is smooth, then it is necessary to make notches with a hammer drill.
Rice. 9.41. Applying notches in smooth niches.
- reinforcement of holes - if the hole exceeds an area of more than 350x350, it is necessary to randomly drill the reinforcement (4-8 pieces per opening) - reinforcement ¢8А400С.
Rice. 9.42. Chaotically drilled fittings.
- remove dust and debris and niches, slightly moisten the surface of the hole (it is better if it is cement laitance).
— transfer the placement marks of the embed relative to the bowl onto 10mm thick plywood. If the embedded hole exceeds the area of 300x300mm (vertical wall), then it is necessary to reinforce the plywood with a board or timber.
- attach the embed to the plywood according to the markings and the method of installing the front part (if the embed is attached inside the embed, then it is necessary to make a hole in the plywood with a 6mm recess; if the front part of the embed covers it, then there is no need to make a hole in the plywood).
Rice. 9.43. On the left is the fastening of the mortgage with the front part covering it (the mortgage is attached closely without recess). On the right is the fastening of the embed with the front part screwed into it (the embed is attached to the plywood closely with a 6mm notch).
- treat the outer part of the embed with a thin layer of plasticizer (Mapei) Planicrete (or (Litokol) Idrokol X20 (for characteristics, see Appendix 20)).
— attach the plywood with the embed to the wall using 6/60mm dowels.
The following figure 9.44 shows an example of skimmer installation. The first step is to make markings on board.
Rice. 9.44 Marking the wall for installing the skimmer.
And then attach the skimmer to the plywood and make horizontal/vertical markings on the plywood. Next, the skimmer with plywood is attached to the board using dowels.
Rice. 9.45.Attaching the skimmer to the board.
- cover the outer part with plywood.
- pour the concrete mixture through the mounting hole in the upper part of the plywood, followed by shrinking it by lightly tapping the plywood with a hammer.
Fig.9.46. Mounting hole for pouring concrete and pouring the embed.
Materials used – Planicrete or Idrokol X20 (0.5 parts);
– cement grade M500 (1 part);
– crushed stone of fraction 5-20mm fine granite (3 parts);
– river sand (3 parts).
If the pool bowl is cast well and concrete of the appropriate grade is used, then the latex additive may not be used, because the hole to be filled will be under the waterproofing, it is enough to correctly connect the surface being poured (to ensure appropriate adhesion of the two surfaces (existing and being poured)), grind the already filled hole and waterproof the sealant around the embedded hole.
- remove the plywood after 24 hours and make a 10x10 sample around the embed using fresh concrete.
Rice. 9.47. Making a sample in the plaster around a 10x10mm embed.
Fill the hole with one-component hydro-expanding sealant Mapeproof Swell (for characteristics see Appendix 10).
- cover the mortgages with tape or thick film so that during construction work the solution does not get inside, especially on the threads. Do not stuff foam, rags, etc. inside the pipes. or wrap it in paper.
— level the plaster around the mortgage (using the grinding method).
When installing embedded spotlights in a hole, perform the following steps:
— release enough cable from the mounting so that it is enough to remove the spotlight on board to replace the lamp in it;
— all seals of the mortgage are tightened using a wrench;
— if the spotlight is located in a blank wall and an external cable is connected to it, then it is necessary to solder the supply cable and the spotlight cable without using acid fluxes, insulate the soldering points with electrical tape and waterproof it with a heat-shrinkable tube;
- The weld joint can be located either in concrete or outside the pool.
In addition, to install the spotlight cable, you can use a standard solution - a distribution box.
Fig.9.48. Spotlight installation.
When installing side nozzles, a special insert is installed in the hole left for the inserts. Depending on the nozzle and the thread diameter it has, the appropriate insert is selected and installed. The insert is a pipe with an internal thread the size of the nozzle thread and a length of about 250-300mm. The material used to make the embed can be plastic or metal.
Figure 9.49. Penetrations for nozzles in concrete.
The nozzle mounting is attached, like the mountings of spotlights, bottom drains, skimmers, to plywood and drilled to the side of the pool. All injector inserts are aligned using a level in one line.
If the nozzle is located in a blank wall and it is not possible to install a standard mounting, then a plastic coupling with an internal thread with a diameter similar to that of the nozzle is used as a mounting.
Fig.9.50. Coupling with internal thread.
Sometimes, if the nozzle has a diameter of 2", and the pipe connected to it is 1.5", then a 63-50 reduction is additionally glued into the coupling.
Fig.9.51. The reduction is short.
Next, the assembled structure (coupling, reduction, if necessary) is fixed to the plywood. The most optimal and reliable fastening option in this case is to drill a hole in the plywood using a crown along the inner diameter of the coupling. Press our coupling onto the plywood using a male coupling.
Fig.9.52. Using a coupling instead of a penetration.
Next, the assembled structure is glued into a corner located in the nozzle niche using a pre-measured piece of flex. The plywood is fixed with dowels to the side of the pool and the embedded part is concreted.
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How skimmer pools differ from overflow pools
Many people do not have a sufficient understanding of what pool options exist today. Reservoirs of this type are divided into two types according to their design:
- overflow;
- skimmer
Infinity pools have a spectacular appearance. In such artificial reservoirs, the top water line is located at the same level as the sides. Arranging such a reservoir is quite a difficult task from an engineering point of view. This is reflected in the final cost of the pool. The skimmer type of pools has a more attractive price, which is reflected in its popularity.
Overflow type tanks function as follows: water overflowing over the side subsequently falls into a special chute. After this, it flows into the tank, where it is cleaned of impurities formed during the operation of the pool. At the end of filtration, it returns through the bottom nozzles into the reservoir bowl.
What is a skimmer? Pools equipped with such filtration units have smaller dimensions and a simplified design. The skimmer includes an emergency overflow system. Due to this, the water level in the tank is regulated. As a rule, the top water line is located 15-25 cm below the sides.
Note! One skimmer-type filtration system is capable of filtering 25-35 m² of area occupied by water. Thus, the number of installations is selected depending on the dimensions of the artificial reservoir. Water in overflow pools is poured over the sides and moved into special gutters
Water in overflow pools is poured over the sides and moved into special gutters
In this case, filtration is carried out using a mesh basket, which is an integral part of the system. Let's take a closer look at the filtration process itself. First, the upper layer of liquid enters the treatment equipment. Next, the water is filtered and disinfected. After this, the liquid that has undergone the cleaning procedure is returned to the reservoir.
The main advantage of pools equipped with skimmers is that all the necessary elements of the filtration system in this case are located in the bowl. In turn, when arranging an overflow pool, it is necessary to build an additional room in which the treatment plant will be located. The installation of an overflow pool affects the final cost of construction. It is also worth noting that such artificial reservoirs require more careful maintenance.
Maintenance of a pool that has a skimmer filtration system does not require significant costs and frequent calls to qualified professionals. It must be remembered that such tanks require periodic backwashing of the cleaning elements. It is also the user's responsibility to maintain the main line, which may become clogged over time.
