Need Some Swimming Pool Advice

[Knottscott]

Hi All - We've got an 11 YO 24' round above ground pool (52" deep). Last winter the skimmer basket cracked so it needs to be replaced. The skimmer opening in the pool wall is 14" wide x 7-3/8" high, and the original skimmer was larger than the opening. Unfortunately, it seems that all the wide mouth replacement skimmers are right around the 14" wide mark and slip through the opening....I've tried 3, and can't seem to find any on line that are wider.

Not sure what to do from here...any ideas?

TIA!

[Uncle Cracker]

You could sandwich two pieces of plexi, and plastic liner patch material as a gasket, drilling screw holes to match the existing ones (use stainless steel screws and hardware). Then, cut a new hole and drill a new screw pattern that will accept the newer strainer box. Problem solved!

[atgcpaul]

You could sandwich two pieces of plexi, and plastic liner patch material as a gasket, drilling screw holes to match the existing ones (use stainless steel screws and hardware). Then, cut a new hole and drill a new screw pattern that will accept the newer strainer box. Problem solved!

Now that's what I call thinking outside the box!

[Knottscott]

Thanks UC. Something along those lines is about the only feasible idea I've so far.

[sscherin]

Good idea.. I was thinking of using a HDPE cutting board instead of plexi..
It's easy to cut, drill, tap and less likely to crack due to impact.

[capncarl]

Use 3M 5200 sealant with the above suggestion. Great for all underwater conditons.

capncarl

[Uncle Cracker]

Don't tap the screw holes in the plastic... Use through-bolts and locknuts with nylon inserts on the outside of the pool... Threads in plastic do not hold well.