For those of you who own an in-ground pool, you will find that it has a skimmer and it is normally attached on the wall of the pool. The skimmers are important components to your pool that helps to remove dirt and debris from your swimming pool. You might find that some of the swimming pools having multiple skimmers. However, generally you will only find one skimmer for a pool and it is effective enough to do the cleaning task for your pool and also at the same time circulate the water. The skimmer for in-ground pool is normally connected underground right next to the wall of your pool while the skimmer cap is exposed in order to enable easy accessibility. In-ground skimmers would normally have two pipes right at the bottom where one is use for low-water suction while the second one is for a second skimmer or just prepare it for future usage. The second pipe is also use for carrying water to the filter pump. You will usually find the location of the basket and lid are set a bit farther back while the lid will be right in the pool concrete. Check for a small space that you would be able to insert your finger or even use a flat head screwdriver in order to pull it up. You will have to put back these lids on flat and tightly or it might cause someone to trip or step right into the basket area and getting hurt. Having a skimmer on your pool is good because it will assist you in keeping the pool clean of dirt and debris. The basket of your in-ground pool skimmer should be cleaned regularly so that your pool will always be clean, safe for usage and also free of algae-building debris.
To know the size for in-ground pool skimmers, you need:
- To get to know all components of in-ground skimmers
- Look for suitable product in the market
- Flat head screwdriver
- Measuring tape
Install In-Ground Pool Skimmers
The Sizes for In-Ground Pool Skimmers
- First thing that you need to do is to get to know the components of your in-ground skimmers.
- You will find that the skimmer is usually composed of a weir, a cap, and also a collection basket.
- The weir functions as the entrance for water to go through the skimmer, which is also a flap known as a bumping pad.
- Inside the skimmer you will find a collection basket that functions as a collector of dirt and debris that come from the pool. You would be able to remove the collection basket in order to get it clean simply by opening the skimmer’s cap.
- You will find that the skimmer is usually composed of a weir, a cap, and also a collection basket.
The usage of bumping pad is to allow the water and debris to flow right into the skimmer in order to trap the debris thus preventing it from returning back into the pool.
- You will find that your in-ground skimmers designed with several dimensions or sizes.
- The common size of skimmers are between the range of 10 and 11 inches in terms of its width starting from the weir right to the end of the skimmer and it also come with at least 12 inches in length vertically.
- Normally, you will find that the skimmers come with two 1 1/2- or 2-inch female iron pipe fittings. Both of them are connected to the skimmer’s equalizer and also the drain pump.
- The common size of skimmers are between the range of 10 and 11 inches in terms of its width starting from the weir right to the end of the skimmer and it also come with at least 12 inches in length vertically.
The skimmer which is available in the market today is typically made of concrete or vinyl.
- Some of the in-ground pool skimmers that you can choose are as follows:
- If you want to use large capacity vinyl and fiberglass skimmers, you can use the Auto-Skim and Auto-Skim Wide Track series which offer multiple configurations for plumbing, throat length and cover style. Apart from that, it also designed with color options that would be able to compliment your pool interior and deck finish.
- The Auto-Skim Series also include a ¾-inch auxiliary knockout port. It functions as a pool overflow or works as water fill line.
- As for the Auto-Skim Wide Track Series, it comes with an expansive 15.5-inch skimmer face along with multiple throat lengths which provide you with flexible installation task and assist you in increasing the skimming action, plus also a 6-inch auxiliary knockout port.
- There are also the economy skimmers known as the Auto-Skim PT Series featuring a 1.5-inch FIP single port plumbing configuration but having a narrow throat, along with shorter overall height dimension. Its usage is only for ‘skimming only’ and suitable for smaller pool, spa or pond installations.
- If you want to use large capacity vinyl and fiberglass skimmers, you can use the Auto-Skim and Auto-Skim Wide Track series which offer multiple configurations for plumbing, throat length and cover style. Apart from that, it also designed with color options that would be able to compliment your pool interior and deck finish.
- In terms of safety, you need to ensure that all of the pool’s suction outlets are always compliance for example it should comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act if you are living within the area.
- The same goes with the skimmer because it is also part of your pool’s suction system. You need to check with the federal law that applies to either public swimming pools as well as new residential pool construction.
- By having this kind of law, we would be able to address and enforce safety requirements in order to avoid any potential entrapment hazards due to the pool’s suction system.
- The same goes with the skimmer because it is also part of your pool’s suction system. You need to check with the federal law that applies to either public swimming pools as well as new residential pool construction.
- Another thing that you need to determine is the skimmer’s equalizer cover which also includes the main drain that should always follow the American National Standards Institute’s code A112.19.8 in accordance with the 2009 federal regulations.
- You must check that manufacturers that designed any of your pool equipment and components always follow and comply with the regulations set by the federal regulations.
- You need to check the cover of your equalizer and its label should be having a ‘VGB’ marking. As for the skimmer’s equalizer cover manufactured before 2009 the part need to be replaced with a new one.
Always remember that whenever you want to get the dimensions for your in-ground pool skimmers,
- Please take note that the in-ground skimmers do not have a faceplate that attached to the pool’s wall. The in-ground pool skimmers are usually set right into a beam inside the concrete or gunite which is difficult for you to remove them.
- If you choose plastic skimmers, you might be having difficulty in holding up against your concrete pool. Over time its sides might bow in due to the weight of the concrete which will in the end causes a leak or its weir will loses its fit. In order to resolve these problems, you need to use your pool putty and also taking the weir away before sanding the weir down to make it fit once more.
- You must check that manufacturers that designed any of your pool equipment and components always follow and comply with the regulations set by the federal regulations.
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