AQUASTAR SKR1xx Flow Star Bonded Water Stop Skimmer Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- AQUASTAR
Table of Contents
AQUASTAR SKR1xx Flow Star Bonded Water Stop Skimmer
Product Information:
- Product Name: Skimmer (Model: SKR1xx,SKR15xxx, SKR2xx, SKR17xxx, SKR14xxx, SKR32xx)
- Flow Rate: – 2 1/2” Pipe: Max Flow – 90 GPM, Min Flow – 15 GPM – 2” Pipe: Max Flow – 63 GPM, Min Flow – 15 GPM
- Certification: Certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 for public and residential installation
- Safety: The skimmer is not equivalent to a main drain. If not using a single, unblockable drain, all pools, spas, and hot tubs must have at least two main drains besides skimmer(s) or a single, unblockable drain.
- Maintenance: Periodically check the weir for free operation. Replace if damaged or worn. Check the strainer basket as often as needed for accumulated leaves, debris, etc. Empty the basket as required. Regularly check the condition of the skimmer deck lid. If any sign of damage or deterioration is found, replace the deck lid and fasteners.
- Winterizing: Drain the pool until the level is below the skimmer inlet. Remove the cover, basket, and float. Plug bottom port(s). Cover the skimmer to prevent rainwater or snow from entering and freezing.
Product Usage Instructions:
- Water Level: Keep the pool, spa, or hot tub water level at the middle water level mark for best performance. Do not operate below the low mark.
- Operation Overview: – Pump suction pulls water through the skimmer. – Water flowing into the skimmer carries floating leaves, bugs, etc., where they are trapped in the skimmer basket. – Dust, body oils, etc., pass through the basket to be removed by the filter. – The weir door in the skimmer opening enhances surface flow and skimming action.
- Flow Adjustments: – Adjust shut-off valves located before the pump to balance flow from pool main drains.
- Vacuuming Pool: – Remove the float valve, cleaner hose regulator valve, skimmer cone plug, and equalizer (if present). – Connect the vacuum cleaner hose to the pump suction.
- Skimmer Layout and Suction Line Sizing: – The minimum number of skimmers needed depends on the facility type (refer to Table 1). – At least one skimmer should be placed so that the prevailing wind blows towards the skimmer.
Note:
For more detailed information on installation, operation, and maintenance, please refer to the complete user manual or contact
AquaStar Pool Products customer support at P 877-768-2717 or info@aquastarpoolproducts.com.
FLOW STAR® SKIMMER
PUBLIC & RESIDENTIAL
INSTALLATION, OPERATION & PARTS
Float valve and deck lid are not NSF certified.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR SKR1xx, SKR1xx-L, SKR15xxx, SKR15xxx-L,
SKR2xx, SKR2xx-L,SKR17xxx, SKR17xxx-L, SKR14xxx, SKR14xxx-L, SKR32xx,
SKR32xx-L,
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
HAZARDOUS SUCTION. RISK OF HAIR OR BODY ENTRAPMENT, DROWNING OR
DISEMBOWELMENT. When an equalizer is used, the opening in the pool shall be
protected by a VGBA Compliant drain cover rated for 100 GPM or greater.
NOTE:
Skimmer is not equivalent to a main drain. If not using a single, unblockable
drain, all pools, spas and hot tubs must have at least two main drains besides
skimmer(s) or a “single, unblockable” drain.
OPERATION
Operation Overview
Pump suction pulls water through skimmer. Water flowing into skimmer carries
floating leaves, bugs, etc., where they are trapped in the skimmer basket.
Dust, body oils, etc., pass through the basket to be removed by the filter.
Weir door in skimmer opening enhances surface flow and skimming action.
Water Level
Keep pool, spa or hot tub water level at the middle water level mark, on the
data plate image located inside skimmer housing, for best performance. Never
operate below the low mark, see Figure 1.
Flow Adjustments
Adjust valves located before the pump, see Figure 2.
Figure 2: Typical residential installation
Vacuuming Pool
Remove deck lid and skimmer basket. If there is a float valve,remove it and
plug equalizer port that is closest to the pool.
Replace basket and place vacuum plate on top of basket. Fill the vacuum hose
with water and then place your hand over the end of the hose as you bring it
through the skimmer throat, or over the deck to attach it to the vacuum plate
(Figure 3).
Follow instructions in vacuum owner’s manual for vacuuming operation. After
vacuuming, remove hose, vacuum plate and basket, unplug equalizer port and
reinstall float valve, basket and deck lid.
MAINTENANCE
Periodically check weir for free operation. Replace if damaged or worn. Check
strainer basket as often as needed for accumulated leaves, debris, etc. Empty
basket as required.
Skimmer deck lid is made of impact and weather resistant materials, but
extended use (5-10 years) may lead to reduced strength. Regularly check
condition of skimmer lid. Look for cracks, chips, deterioration of plastic,
etc. If any sign of damage or deterioration is found, replace the deck lid and
fasteners.
To winterizing, drain pool until level is below skimmer inlet. Remove cover,
basket and float. Plug bottom port(s). Cover skimmer to prevent rainwater or
snow from entering the skimmer where it could freeze.
WARNING! LOW WATER LEVEL CAN MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO EXIT POOL AND MAY DAMAGE PUMP AND OTHER POOL EQUIPMENT. Note: An equalizer line is a way to bypass the skimmer and it is intended to inhibit damage to the pump when pool water level is below the throat of the skimmer or the basket is full. You must check your local code as some require equalizer lines, others don’t allow them and others leave it to the pool designer. When equalizer line is used the cover inside the pool must be VGBA compliant, and have a flow rating higher than the skimmer’s configuration-specific flow rating.
SKIMMER LAYOUT AND SUCTION LINE SIZING
Skimmers are critically important for removing floating contaminants, oils,
and debris; for this reason modern pool building codes require that the number
of skimmers installed are capable of handling 100% of the filtration flow
rate.
- The minimum number of skimmers needed is based on facility type (See Table 1).
- When selecting the location for skimmers, at least one should be placed so that the prevailing wind blows towards the skimmer.
- Size suction pipe based on the design flow rate such that the water velocity in the pipe will not exceed six feet per second. To increase system flow capacity for long pipe runs, use multiple pipes (both ports) or larger pipe (2.5’’ spigot, or 3’’/4’’ adapter bushing #BFB101). See figures 5 and 7 piping layout.
Table 1: Skimmers Required Per Square Foot Area
Facility Type| Area Per Skimmer (sq. ft.)
Public Pool| 500
Residential Pool| 800
Public and Residential Spa| 150
Example: A public pool that is 1000 sq. ft. requires at least two skimmers.
INSTALLATION
See section “Dimensions and Parts list” and “Skimmer Head Loss and Installation Dimensions” for basic dimensions. Top cover frame has 1” vertical height adjustment. NOTICE: Skimmer MUST be surrounded by at least 4” of structural concrete in a monolithic pour.
PIPE CONNECTIONS AND TESTING
Connect pump inlet line to rear port in bottom manifold. Skimmer manifold is
PVC, and comes in a variety of configurations. For threaded connections inside
skimmer manifold, do not use pipe dope; to seal joint use RTV Silastic
732 (preferred), Teflon tape or Plasto-Joint Stik. For slip connections,
apply PVC primer to PVC pipe only. Then apply PVC to PVC solvent cement to both pipe and slip connections. Consult distributor for correct solvent cement for pipe used. Assemble joint per cement manufacturer’s instructions, allowing recommended set time before pressure testing.
WARNING!
- PLASTIC CEMENTS AND PRIMERS CAN BE FLAMMABLE, POISONOUS OR BOTH. CLOSELY FOLLOW CEMENT MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.
- FALLING AND TRIPPING HAZARD. THE DECK LID MUST BE INSTALLED FLUSH WITH THE DECK LEVEL.
DIMENSIONS AND PARTS LIST
FlowStar® Skimmer with Water Stop Face
- Skimmer Body
- 2″ Port Plug
- Float Assembly
- Basket
- Basket Rod
- Collar
- Lid
- Plaster Shield
- Weir Assembly
- Weir Clip, Qty 2
Part Numbers/Colors
- SKR101 – White
- SKR102 – Black
- SKR103 – Lt. Gray
- SKR105 – Dk. Gray SKR108 – Tan
Float valve and deck lid are not NSF certified.
FlowStar® Skimmer with Water Stop Face and 9’’ Ultra Basket (Optional Water Bond)
- Deep Skimmer Body with Water Stop Face
- 2* NPT Port Plug
- Float Valve Assembly
- 9″ Ultra Skimmer Basket
- Skimmer Collar
- Skimmer Lid
- Plaster Shield
- Weir Door Assembly
- Weir Door Clips
Part Numbers/Colors
- SKR101-L – White
- SKR102-L – Black
- SKR103-L-Lt. Gray
- SKR105-L- Dk. Gray
- SKR108-L – Tan
FlowStar® Skimmer with Water Stop Face and Water Bond
- Skimmer Body
- 2″ Port Plug
- Gasket
- Float Assembly
- Basket
- Basket Rod
- Collar
- Lid
- Plaster Shield
- Weir Door
- Weir Clip, Qty 2
- Bonding Plate Assembly
Part Numbers/Colors
- SKR15101 -White
- SKR15102 – Black
- SKR15103 – Lt. Gray
- SKR15105 – Dk. Gray
- SKR15108 – Tan
FlowStar® Skimmer with Flush Face
- Skimmer Body
- 2″ Port Plug
- Float Assembly
- Basket
- Basket Rod
- Collar
- Lid
- Paster Shield
- Weir Assembly
- Weir Clip, Qty 2
Part Numbers/Colors
- SKR201 – White
- SKR202 – Black
- SKR203 – Lt. Gray
- SKR205 – Dk. Gray
- SKR208 – Tan
FlowStar Skimmer with Flush Face and 9″ Ultra Basket (Optional Water Bond)
- Deep Skimmer Body
- 2’’ NPT Port Plug
- Float Valve Assembly
- 9‘’ Ultra Skimmer Basket
- Skimmer Collar
- Skimmer Lid
- Plaster Shield
- Weir Door Assembly
- Weir Door Clips
Part Numbers/Colors
- SKR201-L – White
- SKR202-L – Black
- SKR203-L – Lt. Gray
- SKR205-L – Dk. Gray
- SKR208-L – Tan
FlowStar® Skimmer with Flush Face and Water Bond
- Skimmer Body
- 2″ Port Plug
- Gasket
- Float Assembly
- Basket
- Basket Rod
- Collar
- Lid
- Plaster Shield
- Weir Door
- Weir Clip, Qty 2
- Bonding Plate Assembly
Part Numbers/Colors
- SKR17101 – White
- SKR17102 – Black
- SKR17103 – Lt. Gray
- SKR17105 – Dk. Gray
- SKR17108 – Tan
FlowStar Skimmer with Flush Face 4″ Extension
- Skimmer Body With 4″ Extension
- 2″ Port Plug
- Float Assembly
- Basket
- Basket Rod
- Collar
- Lid
- Weir Assembly
- Weir Clip, Qty 2
Part Numbers/Colors
- SKR1401 – White
- SKR1402 – Black
- SKR1403 – Lt. Gray
- SKR1405 – Dk. Gray
- SKR1408 – Tan
FlowStar® Skimmer with Flush Face 4″ Extension with 9″ Ultra Basket
- Deep Skimmer Body With 4″ Extension
- 2″ NPT Port Plug
- Float Assembly
- 9″ Ultra Skimmer Basket
- Skimmer Collar
- Skimmer Lid
- Plaster Shield
- Weir Door Assembly
- Weir Door Clips
Part Numbers/Colors
- SKR1401-L-White
- SKR1402-L – Black
- SKR1403-L – Lt. Gray
- SKR1405-L – Dk. Gray
- SKR1408-L- Tan
*FlowStar Skimmer with Flush Face 4″ Extension and Water Bond**
- 2″ Port Plug
- Float Assembly
- Basket
- Basket Rod
- Collar
- Lid
- Plaster Shield
- Weir Assembly
- Weir Clip, Qty 2
- Bonding Plate Assembly
Part Numbers/Colors
- SKR3201 – White
- SKR3202 – Black
- SKR3203 – Lt. Gray
- SKR3205 – Dk. Gray
- SKR3208 – Tan
WATER STOP FACE INSTALLATION
AquaStar’s Flow Star Skimmer with Water Stop Face provides extra protection
against leaks and features 135 degree and bottom flat ledge guides for
consistent mouth construction.
To install cover the outer-most flange of the water stop in gunite. Keep 135
degree and flat ledge guide exposed. Apply thin-set directly on top of the
water stop 135° and flat ledge guides. Cover in thin-set and tile over if
desired.
INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS
LIMITED WARRANTY
Skimmers manufactured by AquaStar are warranted to be free of defects in
material and workmanship for one year from date of installation. The foregoing
warranties relate to the original consumer purchaser (“Purchaser”) only.
AquaStar shall have the option to repair or replace the defective product, at
its sole discretion. Purchasers must pay all labor and shipping charges
necessary to replace the product covered by this warranty. Requests for
warranty service must be made through the installing dealer. This warranty
shall not apply to any product that has been subject to negligence,
misapplication, improper installation or maintenance, or other circumstances
which are not in AquaStar’s direct control. This warranty sets forth
AquaStar’s sole obligation and Purchaser’s exclusive remedy for defective
products. AQUASTAR SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
CONTINGENT DAMAGES WHATSOEVER. THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN
LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES. IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND SHALL NOT EXTEND BEYOND THE DURATION OF THE APPLICABLE
EXPRESS WARRANTIES PROVIDED HEREIN. Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long
an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply
to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state. Supersedes all previous
publications.
©2021 AquaStar Pool Products
P 877-768-2717 F 877-276-POOL
info@aquastarpoolproducts.com
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