Pool skimmers

The technical choice of skimmer depends on the pool's waterproofing, primarily distinguishing between traditional concrete pools and structures with a plastic membrane.

• Models for concrete or à carrelage: are embedded directly into the structure without requiring additional pressure frames.
• Models for liner or prefabricated pools: include a clamping flange, stainless steel screws, and double watertight gaskets to prevent leaks after cutting.
• Models for above-ground pools: feature compact openings screwed directly onto the steel wall, such as the AR100 Skimmer + return nozzle.

Installing a concrete model in a liner pool will cause immediate hydraulic failures due to the lack of a sealing gasket.

An 8x4-meter pool with a surface area of 32 square meters requires exactly two skimmers to ensure continuous surface cleaning.

The standard technical guideline specifies one unit for every 25 to 35 square meters of water surface. Two units process a combined suction flow of approximately 10 to 15 cubic meters per hour through 50-millimeter PVC pipe. This layout prevents leaves or suntan oils from collecting in dead corners and optimizes the flow into the filter sand.

The pre-filter basket must be emptied weekly during the swimming season to prevent a loss of suction flow at the pump.

Check the floating weir to ensure it moves freely on its plastic hinges. This part traps collected debris when the pump stops; if the flap gets stuck or comes loose, the accumulated dirt immediately returns to the water as it sloshes in the pool. Periodically wash the ABS plastic with pressurized water to remove limescale deposits that prematurely wear down the stops.

It is possible to replace the front frame and gasket without draining the pool, as long as the water level is about 5 centimeters below the skimmer opening.

Lower the water level slightly using controlled drainage before loosening the front screws. Position the new double-profile or butterfly rubber gasket, ensuring the metal plate and liner fit together without folds inside. You can install a complete replacement fitting kit such as the Skimmer + AR100 return jet, tightening the screws in a cross pattern with a manual screwdriver to prevent deformation of the ABS plastic.

The main difference lies in horizontal skimming capacity and the volume of surface debris collected.

• Standard mouth: has an opening approximately 15x14 centimeters, recommended for small pools, spas, or installations with limited perimeter space.
• Wide-mouth or extended-mouth: has a front opening wider than 35 to 40 centimeters, covering a larger skimming area with fewer units installed.
• Hydraulic performance: both styles use similar bottom connections with 1½- or 2-inch threads, maintaining the same nominal flow rate while optimizing debris capture in windy conditions.

The water level should be kept between halfway and the upper two-thirds of the skimmer opening.

If the water level drops below one-third of the opening, suction will draw air directly into the pipe, causing cavitation and burning the pump’s mechanical seal. Conversely, if the pool water rises above the top of the frame, the hinged weir becomes completely submerged, losing its ability to trap leaves and surface oils in the basket.

To connect a manual pool cleaner, use an adapter disc or a skim vac over the basket, first purging all the air from the flexible hose.

Fill the hose by placing it in front of a return jet with the filter running until a steady stream comes out of the other end. Without lifting the nozzle above the surface, insert the end into the skimmer plate and adjust the bottom valves on the selector valve to concentrate suction at that inlet. This technique preserves the pump’s protection against large solids.