Pentair STA-RITE U-3 Skimmer

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Pentair STA-RITE U-3 Skimmer and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Safety Warnings and Hazards

General Safety Warnings

Crucial warnings for installers, operators, and owners before using the product.

Suction Entrapment Hazards

Details risks of hair, limb, body, evisceration, and mechanical entrapment.

Drain Cover Maintenance and Installation Notice

Guidelines for inspecting, replacing drain covers, and following installation codes.

Operation

Water Level Requirements

Specifies the required water level for proper skimmer operation.

Float Valve Functionality

Explains the float valve's role in protecting the pump from loss of prime.

Flow Adjustment Methods

Describes how to adjust flow between skimmer and main drains using trimmer plates.

Sweeping Pool Operation

Procedure for directing flow through main drains for pool sweeping.

Maintenance

Weir Maintenance

Instructions for checking weir operation and replacing if worn or damaged.

Strainer Basket Cleaning

Guidance on checking, emptying, and resetting the strainer basket.

Float Valve Check

Periodic checks for float valve operation and waterlogging.

Check Valve Inspection

Inspect for wear, deterioration, and proper screw tightness.

Equalizer Fitting Check

Ensure wall fittings are correctly installed and covers are tight.

Water Level Adjustment

Maintain water level and adjust trimmer plate if necessary.

Winterizing Procedure

Steps for draining and protecting the skimmer during winter.

Multi-Skimmer Installation and Pipe Sizing

Skimmer Layout and Suction Line Sizing

Skimmer Layout and Suction Line Sizing Guidelines

Recommendations for skimmer placement and suction line sizing based on pool size.

Installation

General Installation Guidelines

Covers concrete requirements, line connections, and testing procedures.

Line Connections and Testing

Details on pipe connections, solvent cement use, and pressure testing.

Summary

Safety Warnings and Hazards

General Safety Warnings

Crucial warnings for installers, operators, and owners before using the product.

Suction Entrapment Hazards

Details risks of hair, limb, body, evisceration, and mechanical entrapment.

Drain Cover Maintenance and Installation Notice

Guidelines for inspecting, replacing drain covers, and following installation codes.

Operation

Water Level Requirements

Specifies the required water level for proper skimmer operation.

Float Valve Functionality

Explains the float valve's role in protecting the pump from loss of prime.

Flow Adjustment Methods

Describes how to adjust flow between skimmer and main drains using trimmer plates.

Sweeping Pool Operation

Procedure for directing flow through main drains for pool sweeping.

Maintenance

Weir Maintenance

Instructions for checking weir operation and replacing if worn or damaged.

Strainer Basket Cleaning

Guidance on checking, emptying, and resetting the strainer basket.

Float Valve Check

Periodic checks for float valve operation and waterlogging.

Check Valve Inspection

Inspect for wear, deterioration, and proper screw tightness.

Equalizer Fitting Check

Ensure wall fittings are correctly installed and covers are tight.

Water Level Adjustment

Maintain water level and adjust trimmer plate if necessary.

Winterizing Procedure

Steps for draining and protecting the skimmer during winter.

Multi-Skimmer Installation and Pipe Sizing

Skimmer Layout and Suction Line Sizing

Skimmer Layout and Suction Line Sizing Guidelines

Recommendations for skimmer placement and suction line sizing based on pool size.

Installation

General Installation Guidelines

Covers concrete requirements, line connections, and testing procedures.

Line Connections and Testing

Details on pipe connections, solvent cement use, and pressure testing.

The STA-RITE U-3 Skimmer is a pool and spa skimmer designed to remove floating debris from the water surface and facilitate water circulation for filtration. This installation guide provides comprehensive instructions for its proper setup, operation, and maintenance, emphasizing safety and compliance with relevant codes.

Function Description:

The primary function of the U-3 Skimmer is to draw water from the pool or spa surface, trapping floating leaves, bugs, and other debris in its skimmer basket. This surface skimming action, enhanced by a floating weir in the skimmer opening, helps maintain water clarity. Dust, body oils, and finer particles pass through the skimmer to be removed by the main pool filter. The skimmer can be installed in residential and public pool settings, with specific configurations for each.

Important Technical Specifications:

Pipe Sizing: The manual provides detailed guidance on suction pipe sizing based on the pool's surface area and the rated flow capacity of the skimmers. For instance, a pool up to 600 sq. ft. requires one skimmer with 2-inch piping, while a 5,000 sq. ft. pool requires 10 skimmers with 5-inch or 6-inch piping, depending on the desired flow rate (30-50 GPM). Suction line sizes are designed for a water velocity of less than seven feet per second.
Main Drains: Crucially, any installation must include at least two main drains, positioned at least three feet apart, in addition to any skimmers. This is a critical safety measure to prevent entrapment hazards.
Equalizer Line: For public pool models, an equalizer line is often required. This emergency bypass system prevents pump damage if the pool water level is low or the skimmer basket is blocked. It diverts pump suction to the equalizer or main drain line, preventing loss of prime. The wall fitting on the equalizer line must be non-entrapping and conform to ANSI/ASME A112.19.8 requirements. A P/N 08655-0017 check valve is required when the skimmer is installed with an equalizer.
Material: The skimmer is constructed from ABS plastic, an impact and weather-resistant material. However, extended use (5-7 years) may lead to reduced strength, necessitating regular inspection and replacement of components.
Concrete Surround: The skimmer should be surrounded by at least 4 inches of structural concrete in a monolithic pour, with specific dimensions provided in the installation illustrations.
Manifold Connections: Manifold connections are available in 1½ inch or 2 inch threaded or 1½ inch slip configurations. For threaded connections, RTV Silastic #732 or Teflon® tape is recommended for sealing. For slip connections, PVC primer and ABS to PVC solvent cement should be used.

Usage Features:

Water Level Maintenance: For proper operation, the pool, spa, or hot tub water level should be maintained at least 1½ to 2 inches above the bottom of the skimmer opening.
Float Valve (Optional): Some skimmer models are equipped with a float valve, which protects the pump from losing prime if the skimmer clogs or flow is restricted. The trimmer valve plate on the bottom of the float valve balances flow between the skimmer and main drains. This allows for flow adjustment to prioritize skimming or main drain suction.
Flow Adjustment: For skimmers without a float, flow is balanced by adjusting shut-off valves in the pump suction line from the skimmer and pool main drain. For skimmers with a float, the trimmer plate on the bottom of the float valve can be adjusted to increase or decrease flow through the skimmer relative to the main drains.
Sweeping Pool: For installations without an equalizer line, the skimmer can be temporarily starved of water by holding the weir up and closing the float valve (if applicable). This directs all flow through the main drains, facilitating pool sweeping.
Vacuuming Pool: The skimmer can be used for vacuuming by removing the cover, basket, and float/check valves, plugging the equalizer inlet (if present), and attaching a vacuum hose to a vacuum plate placed on top of the basket.

Maintenance Features:

Regular Inspection: All drain covers, skimmer lids, and equalizer wall fittings must be regularly inspected for cracks, damage, advanced weathering, or looseness. Any damaged or missing components must be replaced immediately, and the pool or spa closed until repairs are made.
Skimmer Lid Security: The skimmer lid must be properly secured at all times to prevent dislodgement and serious injury if stepped on.
Weir Check: Periodically check the weir for free operation and replace it if damaged or worn.
Strainer Basket: The strainer basket should be checked every few days for accumulated debris and emptied as required. If the float valve closed due to debris, it should be reset.
Float Valve Check: Periodically verify that the float valve operates freely and is not waterlogged. The trimmer plate pivot screw can be tightened to maintain the desired flow balance.
Check Valve (Public Pool Models): Inspect the check valve for wear or deterioration, ensuring the screw in the check valve body is tight. If flow is detected through the equalizer with the float valve open, the check valve needs replacement. The check valve is factory pre-set and non-adjustable.
Winterizing: For winterization, the pool should be drained below the skimmer inlet. The cover, basket, and float should be removed, and both bottom ports plugged with standard 1½ inch or 2 inch pipe plugs. The skimmer should be covered to prevent rainwater or snow accumulation.
Component Replacement: Skimmer covers should be replaced within seven years of installation or earlier if any signs of damage or deterioration are observed. Only supplied 316 stainless-steel screws should be used for drain covers; never substitute screws or drill new holes in the frame.

Safety Information:

The manual stresses the importance of following all safety instructions to prevent serious bodily injury or death, including hair or body entrapment and drowning. It highlights the dangers of suction entrapment, including hair entanglement, limb entrapment, body entrapment, evisceration/disembowelment, and mechanical entrapment. It warns against using these fittings with pumping systems rated for higher flows than the plumbing can handle. All installations must comply with national and local codes for swimming pools, including NSF Standard 50, and the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. Always turn off all power to the pool pump before installing or working on any suction outlet.