Pentair Skimmers For Gunite Pools And Beyond.

The task of keeping a pool sparkling clean is a must for any homeowner who wants to enjoy the pool on a hot day. One of the most important pieces of equipment that makes this possible is the humble pool skimmer. It works hard behind the scenes, sucking up leaves, bugs, and debris before they have a chance to sink and rot.

This article will explore everything you need to know about Pentair skimmers to decide if one of their models is right for your pool.

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Types of Pentair Skimmers

Pentair offers a wide range of inground pool skimmers to match up with different pool types and meet backyard needs of all kinds. Their skimmers come in several main designs to fit in snugly along the pool wall and pull in floating debris at the waterline.

The most common style is the perimeter skimmer. As its name suggests, this model sits along the outer edge of the pool wall. The basic components include a sturdy plastic housing, a removable lid on top, an interior weir flap gate, and a basket. When connected to your pool pump’s filtration system, these work together to suck in leaves from the water’s surface into the basket for easy cleanup.

Pentair perimeter skimmers come in various widths to accommodate different pool wall types. For example, their Compool CP10 skimmer has a 10-inch opening designed for concrete inground pools. Vinyl liner pools often take an 8-inch model like the Kreepy Krauly Kruiser. You can also find small-opening and extra-large skimmers made by Pentair for every need.

The company also manufactures a niche-style skimmer to tuck neatly into a hollowed-out space in the pool wall. This sleeker built-in model sits flush for a classy infinity edge. The popular Kreepy Krauly Stealth is a top choice for this design.

No matter your pool type or skimmer needs, Pentair makes connecting one properly to your pool filtration a breeze during installation. Handy diagrams and manuals for all models guide placing inlet and outlet fittings. This ensures your weekly skimming duties will be a piece of poolside cake all season long.

Key Skimmer Parts

Pentair packs their skimmers with components that allow these waterline warriors to battle debris day after day. Some of the most essential pieces homeowners should understand before making a purchase are the lids, weirs, and baskets.

Lids may seem like a simple topper, but sturdy skimmer lids are vital for keeping out leaves in windy weather and providing safety measures. Many Pentair models include locking covers that only open with a key—a great perk for preventing unsupervised access. Lids do take abuse from UV rays and chemicals over time, so Pentair offers replacement lids for all their models at affordable prices. Popular aftermarket companies like Swimquip make lids to perfectly fit Pentair units too.

The weir is the flap inside that adjusts flow rates. This little gate lets you control how much surface water gets sucked down. It’s easy to remove weirs on most Pentair skimmers using the provided basket for access. This gives the ability to quickly clean out sticky gunk and grime so weirs can keep directing debris right into the basket.

And that handy basket is the real workhorse of debris collection. Pentair’s signature line of Kreepy Krauly skimmers includes roomy baskets sized for optimal water flow and ample storage. Most captive suction-side models have an easy tilt-out design, dumping leaves and dirt out with a quick twist. Just give baskets, frame and net a rinse and reset each week or when needed.

 

Skimmer Installation

Installing a Pentair skimmer requires careful planning and connections to integrate properly with the pool support system. For inground concrete pools, take accurate measurements of the waterline length to determine the right size and number of skimmers. Standard guidelines recommend one skimmer for every 400-600 square feet of pool surface area.

When ready to place the skimmer housing, refer to Pentair’s diagrams showing inlet and outlet fitting locations. Their units are manufactured with pre-drilled holes positioned correctly for PVC pipe attachments on both sides. Most pros recommend placing two bottom pipes—one for water coming from the pump to pull debris and a second to send filtered water back out. You’ll also need to connect the equalizer wall fitting and attach your garden hose to provide water for the main drain line if adding an automatic cleaner system.

For attachment parts, Pentair’s skimmers fit industry-standard 1.5” or 2” plumbing. Schedule 40 white PVC pipes sealed with glue fittings to create tight connections into the housing inlet and outlets. To interface with the pool wall, use a vinyl liner faceplate or PVC cement for a gunite pool. This keeps the back fitted waterproof to the wall surface.

Pentair also makes getting skimmers ready for automation easier. Many models come pre-plumbed with fittings and adapters for adding valves needed for in-floor cleaning systems. Simply select compatible Actuators or Jets to attach with the turn of a screwdriver. With connections solidly sealed, you’ll be ready to easily regulate cleaning equipment right from the skimmer.

 

Skimmer Operation

Pentair skimmers make it a breeze to keep your swimming pool clear with smartly designed manual controls right at your fingertips. Their signature clear lid design offers easy access and visibility for monitoring the basket’s debris load.

Standard operation simply relies on the pool’s main pump providing constant water movement. This suction power directs surface water down through the skimmer, pulling leaves steadily into the basket. Pentair’s large-capacity baskets provide hours of uninterrupted skimming before needing to empty the debris.

For finer tuning, you can optimize the flow rate through the skimmer with the adjustment weir flap inside. Easily lift the basket out to access the external lever that positions the weir higher or lower. Raising it increases skimming intensity for dealing with heavy floating debris. Lowering the flap reduces intake when less debris is present or strong winds push material to pool wall corners.

In addition to manual adjustments, some Pentair skimmers have automation built right in. Various models include valve connections for external switches or electronic controllers to regulate debris collection right from the poolside. Push button actuators like the Kreepy Krauly Skimmer Vac automate not only skimming but also activate in-floor cleaner pressure for whole pool scrubbing at the touch of a button—no backwashing needed.

 

Maintenance

While Pentair skimmers mainly run in set-it-and-forget-it mode, they do need regular maintenance for peak cleaning performance all season long. Keeping just a few parts fresh and debris-free takes little time but pays off in sparkling pool water.

The two central components needing the most frequent attention are the basket and weir. About once per week, lift out Pentair’s basket to remove all visible leaves, bugs other debris caught from skimming duties. Give the inside a quick pressure spray or rinse if needed to fully clean out the sticky grime left behind.

Check the adjustment weir during weekly basket emptying as well. Use your pool skimmer vacuum pole to tug leaves or debris off the flap. Then give it a spray off with the hose to prevent mineral buildup from impeding proper flow control.

Speaking of handy vacuum poles, Pentair makes it easy to tackle waterline scrubbing right from the skimmer too. Their kits include standard 1.5-inch vacuum fittings and hoses which attach quickly to the housing opening. Set the weir high, connect accessories like surface scrubs or crevice tools, and you can conveniently spot clean right where grime loves to gather.

You can also enhance cleaning access by using aftermarket skimmer diverter valves. These allow you to manually alternate between filtering and dedicated vacuuming modes. Or install automatic valves that schedule both essential tasks for truly carefree maintenance all season.

Upgrades

While Pentair’s standard skimmer models already incorporate top-notch quality, they also offer enhancements to take functionality even further. Helpful upgrades like integrated lighting, debris-blocking covers, and pool automation compatibility make maintaining your pool a true breeze.

One popular add-on is Linx level controllers with skimmer installation. These nifty devices monitor water levels and adjust valve openings to prevent flooding or low-flow shutdowns. Linx syncs with Pentair automation systems for a fully self-regulating pool.

For above-ground protection, Pentair’s SkimmerPlus Leaf Canister is a must-have upgrade. This sturdy attachment encloses the basket to prevent wind-blown leaves from escaping and sinking while you’re away. Lockable for safety and transparent for easy viewing, this add-on ensures debris stays put.

Pentair also offers SKIM-IT leaf diverters to upgrade flow control. This weighted device installs right in the basket to manually push leaves downward while allowing lighter dirt through to not impede water flow. Along with the easy-adjust external weir, optimized intake is achievable with a single piece.

For a touch of luxury, check out Pentair Fountain Skimmers with colorful LED accent lights installed. Choosing from serene blue to party mode rotating RGB, enjoy the beauty of a glowing water feature flush-mounted in your pool wall.

Conclusion

Most pool owners walk past their skimmers day after day without paying much attention – but that just proves these wall-mounted filters are quietly doing their job of keeping water clean behind the scenes. Yet with so many models and options available, making the right choice for your in-ground pool can feel daunting.

Hopefully learning more about Pentair’s quality skimmer line and helpful cleaning attachments makes you appreciate these unsung heroes a bit more. While they operate by straightforward suction principles, smart extras like weir gates for customizing flow rates, debris-blocking add-ons, and high-capacity baskets save you time and maintenance headaches.

With easy mounting placements for concrete or vinyl liner pools, built-in compartments for pool cleaners, and innovative upgrades like LED lighting, Pentair proves its commitment to top-notch performance and versatility. Their diverse range of perimeter and built-in skimmers pair durability, convenience, and classic styling.

Now that you understand more about how the right skimmer helps pools sparkle with less effort, picking a Pentair for your backyard oasis makes for smooth sailing all season. By keeping out leaves before they have a chance to sink and stain your pool floors, this self-contained workhorse truly lets homeowners enjoy more playtime with less upkeep. Let the power of skimmers enhance your pool pleasure even more in the years ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the different styles of Pentair skimmers available for inground pools?

A: Pentair offers perimeter and built-in niche skimmers. Perimeter units mounted along the pool wall are generally 10-inch for concrete or 8-inch for vinyl pools. Built-in units like the Kreepy Krauly Stealth sit flush in a hollowed space for sleek infinity flow.

Q: What key parts should Pentair skimmer owners understand and maintain?

A: Three vital parts are the removable lid, interior weir flap, and debris basket. Lids should be locked for safety/durability. Weirs adjust flow rates and need to clean off debris buildup. Large baskets collect leaves for easy dumping weekly or when full.

Q: How difficult is it to install a Pentair skimmer properly on my inground pool?

A: Pentair provides a product diagram instructions for correct inlet/outlet positioning to integrate with pool plumbing. Kits include necessary fittings for 1.5” or 2” PVC pipes. Hiring a professional improves installation time and maximizes satisfaction. 

Q: How do I operate and adjust water flow on a Pentair skimmer model?

A: Standard suction operation pulls surface debris into the basket continually while the pump runs. Adjustable external weir gates enable manual fine-tuning of skimmer flow intensity. Some models have automated electronic controls and valves built-in at the poolside.

Q: What kind of routine maintenance is needed on my Pentair skimmer?

A: Weekly tasks include removing basket debris, hosing out sticky gunk, and spraying the weir clean. Pentair’s vacuum adapters attach via the skimmer to clean waterlines or attach accessories like leaf canisters to prevent escaping debris in high winds.