Overview; Skimmer Layout And Line Sizing; Installation - Pentair BERMUDA GUNITE SKIMMER Design Installation And User Manual

POOL SKIMMER LAYOUT AND SUCTION LINE SIZING
NOTE: In any installation, there should be at least two main drains at least three feet apart in addition to any skimmers installed. A
pool may use more than two, but should never have less than two main drains.
NOTE: Installation must comply with all current applicable codes, including NSF Standard 50 (if required). Equalizer lines may be required on
public pool or commercial pool installations.
1. Use one skimmer per 500 square feet of pool surface area. Suction line sizes are based on a water velocity of less than seven
feet per second. Since building codes vary, check your local building code before installing pool and skimmers.
2. Suction line sizes for each section of piping must allow for the total number of skimmers feeding that section of the line. Suction
line sizing in Table 1 (page 4) allows for this.
3. See Figure 4 for piping layout and for suction pipe sizing layout see Table 1 (page 4).
4. For good hydraulic balance, divide skimmers as equally as possible between the main branches of the piping layout.
5. For long pipe runs (in which friction can reduce flow and pressure), refer to your friction/flow chart for proper pipe sizes.
6. When planning location of skimmers on one- and two-skimmer outdoor pools, locate skimmers so that the prevailing wind blows
into the skimmers.

INSTALLATION

Bermuda™ Skimmer (Gunite/Concrete) Installation (For skimmer dimensions, see page 4)
NOTICE: Skimmer MUST be surrounded by at least 4" of structural concrete in a monolithic pour, using a cold joint as shown in installation
drawings (Figure 1).
Line Connections and Testing: Connect pump inlet line to rear port in bottom manifold (Figure 2). Skimmer is ABS plastic; manifold connections
are 1-1/2 or 2" threaded or 1-1/2" slip. For threaded connections, do not use pipe dope; to seal joint use threaded seal tape for slip connections,
apply PVC primer to PVC pipe only. Then apply ABS to PVC solvent cement to both pipe and slip connections. Consult dealer for correct solvent
cement for pipe used. Assemble joint per cement manufacturer's instructions. Allow at least three (3) hours before pressure testing.
Plastic cements and primers can be flammable, poisonous, or both. Closely follow cement manufacturer's instructions when using plastic
cement.
In residential installations where equalizers are not required and where the main drain lines do not connect to the skimmer equalizer port,
low water levels in the pool, spa, or hot tub or clogged skimmer baskets may damage the pump due to loss of prime (if skimmer pulls air) or
cavitation (if skimmer clogs). Air pulled in by skimmer(s) can be trapped in filter tanks, which may be a safety hazard. If skimmer regularly
vortexes or sucks air, raise water level or contact your pool service representative for advice.
1. For optimum skimmer functionality, the skimmer should be placed relative to the prevailing wind and water flow direction. Consult
pool manufacturer's instructions for placement recommendations.
2. Assemble piping and pipe fittings to skimmer. All piping must conform to current local and state plumbing and sanitary codes.
3. Long pipe runs and elbows restrict water flow. For best efficiency , use the fewest possible fitting and large diameter pipe (1-1/2"
for 1-1/2" skimmers and 2" for 2" skimmers).
When using threaded plastic pipe fittings for skimmer hook up, use only silicone sealant and hand tighten fittings plus 1-1/2
turns MAXIMUM. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
WHEN GLUING PVC PIPE INTO AN ABS SKIMMER, YOU MUST USE THE PRIMER AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GLUE
MANUFACTURER. THIS WILL ENSURE PVC TO ABS CEMENT COMPATIBILITY AND A LEAK FREE JOINT.
4. Seal off any used skimmer ports with O-ring styled plugs. Tighten plugs until the O-ring contacts the skimmer and then turn an
additional 1/4 turn. HAND TIGHTEN ONLY!
Overtightening the drain plug may result in failure of the drain plug or the skimmer body and will not be covered under the
terms of the Limited Warranty.
For sealing skimmer ports, use only the plugs and O-rings provided (Items 10, 11 - see parts). DO NOT use tapered metal
plugs as this will void manufacturer's warranty. If skimmer must be bypassed for line pressure testing, use only commercially
available test kits with O-ring sealing provisions.
5. Support skimmer securely in position. Support locators on bottom of skimmer; allow 1-1/2" or 2" PVC pipe to be used as a
support. The deck ring collar has a friction fit that allows 1-3/4" of vertical adjustment. Additional collars may be stacked upon
each other to accommodate desk height as needed.
Ensure piping is adequately supported on undisturbed earth. If additional backfilled and tamping is necessary, do not stress
pipe or skimmer port by lifting or moving pipe after skimmer port connections have been made.
6. Structural gunite/concrete should be applied in a monolithic pour, in conjunction with a cold joint as shown in Figure 1.
BERMUDA™ Gunite Skimmer Installation and User's Guide
1

Overview