Skimmer, fittings and piping

Hayward makes numerous styles of this skimmer. 

1. Wide mouth design.
2. Short throat.
3. 1-1/2 single bottom fitting. 
4. Bottom fitting is NOT threaded. 
5. Flow is 10 gpm to 45 gpm. 
6. SP1091WM

Several brands provide flow of 15-30 gpm. 

Note the adjustable side arm to allow for various water levels. 

The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that ALL pool have a water bond. Use #8 un-insulated copper wire. Bond per article 680.

Use diverter or shut-off (isolation) valves on:

1. Suction side of pump so that you can clean out the pump strainer basket. The pump is below the top surface of the pool water line. 
2. After the filter to divert water to various returns, fountains, ozone loop, chlorinator loop or other uses. 

Pressure gauges are useful to tell you the pump pressure. 

This is the pressure being used to force water through the filter, piping restrictions and back pressure being used by the eyeballs. 

Sometimes a gauge is installed after the filter to indicated the pressure differential across the filter and downline pressures.

They are NOT used to determine when to backwash. Use flow for that. 

Flow meters are useful to let you know what the water flow is.

I normally install one between the pump and filter to aid in cleaning the pump strainer. 

They are required for systems using variable speed pump. Simply adjust the pump speed to suit your desired flow and energy usage. 

Flow meters also tell you when to backwash your filter. When the flow decreases by 20%, it is time to backwash.  

Use this type of wall fitting. 

1. Easy to install.
2. Doesn't have to be removed during liner replacement.
3. Since it doesn't have to be removed, that means the piping doesn't either. 
4. Improved sealing and replacement sealing.

Don't use this type of wall fitting. 

1. Doesn't mount to the steel wall until the liner is already in place. 
2. Seals can't be replaced easily.
3. Must undo/remove the piping to change the liner. 

You will want to have one of these plugs ready. 

They come in handy for winterizing the system or working on the plumbing.

Install as shown on center right. 

1. Shown above is Hayward SP1430 inline hydrotherapy fitting mounted to the rear of a wall fitting 
2. Note the use of a 1 1/2" mpt x 1 1/2" tip union fitting. 
3. All fittings leak. The union provides the ability to tighten the fittings without cutting the pvc pipe. 

1. Shown above is Hayward SP1430 inline hydrotherapy fitting mounted to the rear of a wall fitting 
2. The air supply uses 1/2" pvc pipe. 
3. I recommend moving the air supply to the outside of the deck and adding mufflers as it can get a little loud. 

You will want to have one of these units. It continuously maintains the water level during the hot days and heavy usage. It also has an over-flow for maintaining the water level during heavy rains.  

1. Requires a separate wall fitting. 
2. Requires 1 1/2" pvc piping. 
3. Requires water supply. 

Use unistrut cross braces and large stainless steel band clamps. This arrangement provides for easy adjustment and placement as once the 1 1/2" piping is glued, the assembly isn't very forgiving. 

The BLUE piping is 1/2" PEX water supply piping. It is easy to run. I install it in 3/4" electrical conduit that is secured to the decking frame.