STA-RITE U-3 User Manual

STA-RITE U-3 SKIMMER
INSTALLATION, OPERATION & PARTS
Sta-Rite Pool/Spa Group
293 Wright Street, Delavan, WI 53115
International: 262-728-5551, FAX: 262-728-7550
www.starite.com
Union City, TN • Delavan, WI • Mississauga, ON
© 2005, Sta-Rite Industries 39501-0028 (Rev. 12/19/05)
Blocking pump suction can cause pressure
surges and water hammer, which can damage pump or piping
and may cause flooding.
OPERATION
All Models:
Pump suction pulls water through skimmer. Water flow into
skimmer carries floating leaves, bugs, etc., into skimmer where
they are trapped in skimmer basket. (Dust, body oils, etc., go on
through to be removed by pool filter.) Floating weir in skimmer
opening enhances surface flow and skimming action. Model
Series 1403, 2403, 1404 and 2404 are NSF listed.
Water level: Keep pool, spa, or hot tub water level at least 1-1/2
to 2" above bottom of skimmer opening for proper operation.
Float Valve: Float valve protects pump from loss of prime if
skimmer clogs or flow through skimmer is restricted. Trimmer
valve plate on bottom of float valve balances flow between
skimmer and main drains.
Flow adjustment: Balance flow between skimmer and main drain.
A. Skimmers without float: Adjust shut-off valves in pump suc-
tion line from skimmer and pool main drain line. (See
Figure 1, below.)
B. Skimmers with float: If skimmer is equipped with float
valve, adjust trimmer plate on bottom of float. To reach
trimmer plate, remove cover, basket, and float valve (See
Figure 2, below). Swing trimmer plate to one side to
increase trimmer port size (more flow through skimmer, less
flow through main drains); reduce port size for less flow
through skimmer and more flow through main drains.
Sweeping pool: For installation without equalizer line, hold
weir up to starve skimmer of water and close float valve. This
directs all flow through main drains. To return to normal skim-
ming operation, turn pump off 10-15 seconds, allowing skim-
mer to fill and float valve to return to open position. Skimmer
will now operate normally as long as pool water level is high
enough to allow normal flow over weir.
Hazardous Suction.
Risk of hair or body
entrapment, drowning or
disembowelment.
Wall fitting on equalizer line must
be non-entrapping of hair or body
at flow rates upto 55 GPM.
NOTE: Skimmer is not equivalent
to a main drain. All pools, spas, and hot tubs must have at
least two main drains besides skimmer(s).
Save these instructions. Carefully read and follow all safety instructions in this manual.
Flow
Through
Skimmer
To Pump
Suction
Float
Valve
Open
Check
Valve
Shut
Equalizer
Line
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From
Equalizer
Outlet
To Pump
Suction
Float
Valve
Shut
Check
Valve
Open
1022 0694
No Flow
Over
Weir
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To Pump
Suction
Remove Check
Valve; Plug
Equalizer (or
Main Drain)
Port
Equalizer
Line
1021 0694
Vacuum
Plate
Pool Vacuum
Hose
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Figure 1: Normal operation: float
valve open, check valve shut.
Figure 2: Equalizer operation; float
valve shut, check valve open.
Figure 3: Vacuuming pool; float and
check valves removed, equalizer (check
valve) port plugged.
Typical Public Pool Skimmer Installation with Equalizer Line Installed

STA-RITE U-3 Specifications

General

Brand	STA-RITE
Model	U-3
Category	Swimming Pool Filter
Language	English

Summary

Skimmer Operation and Safety

Water Level

Maintain pool, spa, or hot tub water level at least 1-1/2 to 2" above skimmer opening for proper operation.

Float Valve

Protects pump from loss of prime if skimmer clogs or flow is restricted. Balances flow with main drains.

Flow Adjustment

Skimmers Without Float

Adjust shut-off valves in pump suction line from skimmer and pool main drain line.

Skimmers With Float

Adjust trimmer plate on bottom of float valve to balance flow between skimmer and main drains.

Sweeping Pool

Directs all flow through main drains when skimmer is starved of water by holding weir up.

Vacuuming Pool

Procedure

Remove components, plug equalizer, attach vacuum plate, fill hose, and connect to plate.

Public Pool Models

Check Valve

Prevents flow through equalizer line when closed; opens to allow flow from main drain if pump is starved.

Equalizer Bypass

Emergency bypass to prevent pump damage when water level is low or skimmer is blocked.

Maintenance

Weir and Strainer Basket

Check weir for free operation and empty strainer basket for accumulated debris regularly.

Float Valve and Check Valve

Periodically check float valve for free operation and inspect check valve for wear or deterioration.

Water Level and Winterizing

Maintain water level and drain pool below skimmer inlet for winterizing.

Repair Parts List

Part Identification

Lists key components of the skimmer with corresponding part numbers for public and residential models.

Suction Pipe Sizing Chart

Provides guidance on pipe sizing based on pool surface area and skimmer rated flow capacity.

Skimmer Layout and Suction Line Sizing

General Requirements

Requires at least two main drains and specifies suction line velocity and sizing based on total skimmers.

Installation

Details concrete surround, line connections, testing, and use of ABS/PVC solvent cement.