General Pool/Spa
Do I need to lubricate my chlorinator lid o-ring?
- Yes. The lid o-ring should be lubricated at least once per month to maintain its elasticity. A silicone-based lubricant should be used as it holds up better to the chlorine gas. Hayward’s product Jack’s Lube part # SP032712 can be used on all Hayward o-rings and gaskets.
What is a skimmer and what is its purpose?
- A skimmer is a suction port, installed at water level. It collects surface debris in its’ basket, as the water flows through the skimmer to the filter.
How many skimmers do I need?
- The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) advises that there should be a minimum of one skimmer per 400 sq. ft. of pool surface area.
Where should the skimmer be placed?
- A skimmer should be placed in the path of circulating water. There aren’t any hard rules on location, especially with the popularity of free form pools.
What are float valves and equalizers?
- The equalizer valve goes into the skimmer, below the basket to balance the water flow. These are required for commercial applications in order to meet NSF code. The float valve monitors the water flow from the skimmer. If the flow is obstructed, or the water level fall below the skimmer throat, it will open the equalizer valve so water can be pulled from the main drain, preventing an air lock in the skimmer.
What is a skim vac?
- A Skim Vac is a plate and hose fitting that mounts over the skimmer basket and connects to a vacuum hose. This allows the skimmer basket to remain in the skimmer during vacuuming, trapping large debris and preventing the pump from clogging.
What is a weir flap and is it required?
- The weir flap is a doorway into the skimmer. It has two functions: (1) when the pump is on and the water is moving, the bobbing action of the weir helps draw debris into the skimmer. (2) When the pump is off, the weir prevents the debris from floating out of the skimmer into pool.
- Yes, a weir flap is required in order to maximize the surface cleaning of the skimmer and hold in debris. Missing weir flaps must be replaced.
Do we have any throat extensions?
- There are no throat extensions for vinyl liner pools.
- In gunite pools, the throat is formed with concrete and can be made any length that is called for in the design.
Can you use an aboveground skimmer on an in-ground pool?
- NO. The testing, plumbing and mounting of each skimmer is different. You would not be able to mount an aboveground skimmer to an in-ground pool wall or the reverse.
What is a main drain?
- It is a suction opening at the bottom of a pool or spa. Water is drawn into this opening by the circulation pump