The skimmer cleans the pool from debris and dirt. The most popular type of attachment is a hinged attachment. It is easy to install and does not need to be built into the filtration system. The skimmer is simply hung on the inner side. It draws dirty liquid into the built-in compartment and returns it to the pond after cleaning.
Purpose and advantages of the skimmer
The initial field of application of the devices is the oil industry. Later they became widely used for the maintenance of swimming pools. The tank is most often made of plastic, there are stainless steel options. The main parameters when choosing a purchased product are the power and filtration area. Attention is drawn to the size - whether it is suitable for the pool for which it is purchased.
This cleaning method is good, first of all, for the ease of installation. The pool owner does not have to install an overflow pan and balance tank. One medium unit treats 30-35 m² of water area. The number of skimmers and their arrangement is determined by the total surface area, as well as the capacity of the products.
Types of pool skimmers
Products come in several versions - mounted, built-in and floating. In addition to skimmer installations, there is another option for water filtration - overflow.
Overflow pools
One of the main components of the overflow system are trays located around the perimeter of the pool and covered with metal or plastic gratings. Water in an artificial reservoir is poured so that its surface is flush with the floor. The pipes connected to the trays are routed to the expansion tank. The filter takes the liquid out of it, passes it through the disinfection system, and then sends it back to the pool through the bottom nozzles. Due to this, the design provides high-quality cleaning and disinfection. It is often used in sanatoriums, sports and health facilities. But the installation of such a system is much more expensive than the installation of skimmers, and most importantly, it is more difficult to implement. To install the required equipment, a separate nook is required, located below the water level.
Skimmer ponds
Since the units are placed about 0.1 m below the bowl, it is not completely filled. The advantages of such a system are the simplicity of construction and installation, as well as a low price. The downside is that in such pools sometimes there are "blind spots", the water in which does not receive proper treatment. You can minimize the likelihood of their occurrence by using a sufficient number of skimmers and choosing the right power. Usually one device is installed for every 25 m².
For frame and inflatable artificial reservoirs, widely used in private construction, attachments and floating devices are suitable. If the water is changed frequently and regularly, purification systems can be dispensed with. If this is not possible, it is recommended to purchase a device.Built-in skimmers are designed for stationary pools made of concrete and other block materials. It is important that the performance matches the size of the hot tub.
How to do it yourself
Having decided to make the device yourself, it is worth preparing its drawing, which shows the main components and their dimensions. For self-production, plastic sewer parts are purchased. You will need a coupling and a plug for it (both with a diameter of 10 cm), a branch pipe with a section of 5 cm, an adapter and a hose with a corrugation. Sometimes the device is made from bottles.
Step-by-step instructions for making a do-it-yourself pool skimmer:
- A float is assembled: for this, a hole is made in the middle of the plug of such dimensions so that a branch pipe fits into it. Another small air outlet is created near the edge.
- The nipple is placed in the hole and wrapped with a piece of foam rubber. From above it is fixed with tape.
- The body is assembled from an adapter and a coupling. Sewer parts are connected with silicone-lubricated rubber bands for better fastening. A hose is connected to the adapter branch pipe. The body is connected to the lid.
The finished plastic structure can be mounted on the side of the bowl. If the skimmer was created for an inflatable or frame pool, a hook is made for hanging. A suction cup is suitable for installation on a concrete side.
Nevertheless, it is not recommended to install a home-made skimmer in a stationary pool on your own - the process requires observing many nuances and there is a possibility that the device will not work correctly.
The hose is connected to the filtration system. You need to immerse the device in water to a depth of 15 cm.
Where to hang
The structure is installed on the top of the wall. The intake window must be in a place corresponding to the expected water level. Usually the mirror is installed 10-15 cm below the level of the sides. The indicator varies depending on the size of the device. The cover is installed above the water - this will make the skimmer easier to maintain and clean.
It happens that while swimming, splashing water floods the lid. To solve the problem, you need to reduce the water level in the font. For this, a crown extension is mounted.
How to connect a skimmer to the pool
The attachment is easy to install. Commercially available skimmers are hooked. When the body is assembled, the structure is hung on the side and the immersion depth is adjusted. A branch pipe extending from the bottom of the body is connected to a filtration system serving the hot tub.
It is more difficult to put the structure into a stationary pool. Windows for built-in skimmers are often provided during the design process. In their absence, they have to be drilled. This is a difficult process that requires special skills. You should not tackle it on your own, otherwise the waterproofing will most likely be broken, and cracks will appear on the concrete surface. Built-in models are supplied with fasteners. For the device to work properly, it is advisable to use only original components and not replace them with others. The joints must be properly sealed.
Baskets in housings become clogged over time. Therefore, they must be removed and washed periodically. If it is necessary to adjust the water level, the device is submerged or raised by means of an adjustment mechanism. If a model with an ozonizer was purchased, the membrane must be washed every 10 days.
Even a beginner can assemble a product from bottles or sewer components. It is suitable for servicing a small private pool (inflatable or frame), including as a temporary replacement for an industrial device. If the pool is large and is used regularly, it is better to purchase a purchased device.
