**Swimming Pool Skimmer System**
The skimmer system is a technology designed to collect water from the surface of the pool and filter it of impurities and dirt, such as fallen leaves and insects. This system works through small openings along the edges of the pool that draw in surface water via a pump and direct it to the filtration unit. After filtering, the water is returned to the pool clean and pure.
**Basic Components**
1. **Skimmer Mouth**: Located on the wall of the pool at the water surface level, it pulls surface water and its impurities.
2. **Skimmer Basket**: Acts as a primary filter for trapping leaves, insects, and large debris.
3. **Weir Door**: Moves with the water flow to guide it towards the basket and prevent dirt from flowing back.
4. **Suction Line**: A pipe that transports water from the skimmer to the pump.
5. **Pump**: Sucks water from the skimmer and pushes it towards the filter.
6. **Filter**: Cleans the water from fine impurities before returning it to the pool.
7. **Return Inlets**: Return the clean water to the pool after filtration.
**Advantages**
- Lower construction costs compared to the overflow system.
- Easy maintenance and access to the basket for cleaning.
- Good efficiency in removing floating dirt from the surface.
- Design flexibility, as multiple skimmers can be installed in the pool based on size.
- Lower water consumption compared to the overflow system, as it does not require a large balance tank.
- Lower energy consumption compared to the overflow.
**Disadvantages**
- Uneven distribution of filtration, as it relies on drawing water from specific points only.
- Less effective in large or heavily used pools compared to overflow systems.
- Performance is affected if the water level is low relative to the skimmer mouth.
- Potential accumulation of dirt in areas remote from the skimmer if there is not adequate water flow.
**Additional Information**: Typically, the number of required skimmers is calculated based on the surface area of the pool, with each skimmer covering approximately 25-35 m2 to ensure effective filtration.
The skimmer system can be used in large pools, but there are important points to consider for ensuring its effectiveness:
**Factors Affecting Skimmer Efficiency in Large Pools**
- **Number of Skimmers**: In large pools, it is not sufficient to install just one skimmer; several units should be distributed along the edges of the pool to ensure dirt is collected from all areas. The common rule: each skimmer covers approximately 25-35 m2 of the water surface.
- **Water Flow Distribution**: Return inlets should be designed to direct water towards the skimmers, preventing the accumulation of dirt in distant areas.
- **Pump Strength**: In large pools, stronger pumps or more than one pump is needed to ensure adequate flow through all skimmers.
- **Environmental Conditions**: If the pool is in an open area exposed to leaves or dust, you may need to maintain and clean the skimmer baskets more frequently.
**Advantages in Large Pools**
- Lower costs than the overflow system for construction and maintenance.
- Flexibility to expand by adding additional skimmers as needed.
- May not achieve the same level of uniform filtration that an overflow system provides, especially in pools that effectively remove floating impurities. Irregular shapes can affect performance if water levels are not precisely adjusted.
The skimmer can be efficiently used in large pools if the system is thoughtfully designed, with adequate skimmer distribution, proper water flow direction adjustments, and the selection of suitable pumps.
To maintain the efficiency of the pool and its system, it is recommended to follow these tips:
- Clean the basket regularly. The skimmer systems...