STA-RITE U-3 Guide

STA-RITE U-3 SKIMMER
INSTALLATION, OPERATION & PARTS
Sta-Rite Pool/Spa Group
293 Wright Street, Delavan, WI 53115
International: 262-728-5551, FAX: [phone]
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
1023 0694
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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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5
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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

2
Vacuuming pool (Figure 5): Remove cover, basket (and float
valve and check valve if skimmer has them). Plug equalizer inlet.
Replace basket and place vacuum plate on top of basket. Fill the
vacuum hose with water, bring it in over coping or through skim-
mer throat, and attach the vacuum hose directly to the vacuum
plate. Follow instructions in vacuum attachment or filter owner’s
manual for vacuuming operation. After vacuuming, remove hose
and vacuum plate, unplug equalizer port, and reinstall check
valve, float, basket, and cover. Be sure cover is solidly in the
frame to prevent accidentally dislodging it. Fasten cover with
screws provided if children use pool.
Public pool models:
Check Valve (Public Pool Models): Check valve is threaded into
equalizer inlet port in skimmer. When closed, check valve pre-
vents flow through equalizer line. If flow through skimmer decreas-
es enough to let float valve drop, check valve opens to allow flow
to pump from main drain/equalizer line (which prevents starving
the pump).
Inspect equalizer regularly. During normal operation (with float
valve open) the skimmer check valve prevents detectable flow
through the equalizer wall fitting. There should be no flow
through the wall fitting unless the skimmer float valve is closed.
If you can feel suction into the equalizer wall fitting while the
float valve is in normal (or up) position, the check valve is leak-
ing; replace it.
NOTICE: The skimmer check valve is factory pre-set and not
adjustable. If check valve appears worn or deteriorated, or if spring
tension is loose, do not try to fix it; replace the check valve.
Equalizer: If flow over weir is restricted, Float valve closes, diverting
pump suction to equalizer (or main drain) line and preventing loss
of prime in pump. Seal normally remains until pump stops, when
float valve will rise. If pump starts again before stoppage is cleared,
float will close again and remain closed until pump stops, blockage
is cleared, or pool water level returns to normal.
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 up to 55 GPM and must
conform to the requirements of ANSI/ASME A112.19.8M-1987
(Section 8.8.2). Install an 8011- Series non-entrapping suction fitting
on equalizer line.
No. 08655-0017 check valve is required when skimmer is
installed with equalizer. Check valve is not used when skimmer
is installed without equalizer.
NOTICE: The equalizer is an emergency bypass intended to pre-
vent damage to the pump when pool water level is low or skim-
mer basket is blocked. Do not allow flow through equalizer for
extended time periods.
MAINTENANCE
Weir: Periodically check weir for free operation. Replace if dam-
aged or worn.
Strainer Basket: Check strainer basket every few days for accu-
mulated leaves, debris, etc. Empty basket as required. Reset float
valve if it closed.
Float Valve: Periodically check that float valve is operating freely
and is not waterlogged. If necessary, tighten trimmer plate pivot
screw to maintain desired flow balance.
Check Valve (Public Pool Models): Inspect for wear or deteriora-
tion. Make sure that screw is tight in check valve body. If you can
detect flow through equalizer with float valve open, replace check
valve.
Equalizer (Wall) Fittings: Periodically check that wall fittings are
correctly installed and that covers are tight to fittings.
Water Level: Maintain water level at least 1-1/2 to 2” above bot-
tom of skimmer opening for proper operation. Adjust trimmer
plate if necessary. Make sure set screw is tight.
Winterizing: Drain pool until level is below skimmer inlet.
Remove cover, basket and float. Plug both bottom ports with stan-
dard 1-1/2 or 2" pipe plugs. Cover skimmer to prevent rainwater
or snow accumulation.
Falling and tripping hazard. Skimmer grate may
deteriorate with prolonged use.
Cover must be flush with pool, spa, or hot tub deck level.
Skimmer is made of impact and weather resistant materials, but
extended use (5-10 years) may lead to reduced strength.
Regularly check condition of skimmer cover. Look for cracks,
chips, deterioration of plastic, etc. If any sign of damage or
deterioration is found in the cover, replace it.
From
Pool
Main
Drains
To Pump
Suction
Float
Valve
991 0694
Adjust
Trimmer Plate
to Balance Flow
From
Pool
Main
Drains
Adjust Shut-off
Valves to
Balance Flow
From
Skimmer
Plug
Equalizer
Port
To Pump
Suction
973 0694
At least 4
times Pipe
Diameter
Figure 4: Typical residential
installation without float valve.
Use with at least two main drains.
Figure 5: Typical residential installa-
tion with float valve. Use with at least
two main drains.

3
3"
3"
3"
2" 2"
3"
2" 2"
6"
4,000 Sq. Ft. Pool
8 Skimmers
40 GPM Each
Main Drain
Main Drain
Minimum
3' Apart
Pool No. of
Surface Area Skimmers Skimmer Rated Flow (GPM)
In Square Ft. Required 30 35 40 45 50
Upto600 1 2"2"2"2"2"
1,000 2 21/221/221/221/221/2
1,500 3 21/23334
2,000 4 34444
2,500 5 44444
3,000 6 44445
3,500 7 44555
4,000 8 45555
4,500 9 45556
5,000 10 55566
5,500 11 55666
6,000 12 55666
Nom.
Pipe
Dia.
(In)
Chart I: Suction Pipe Sizing by Surface Area of
Pool and Rated flow Capacity of Skimmers
{
SWIMQUIP
1
2
3
5
4
87
6
1002 0694
9
Key. Public Pool Residential Pool
No. Part Description U-3 Models U-3 Models
White, w/2 x 1-1/2 NPT Reducers 08650-1403 08650-4403
White, w/2 x 1-1/2 Slip Reducers 08650-1404 08650-4404
Tan, w/2 x 1-1/2 NPT Reducers 08650-2403 08650-5403
Tan, w/2 x 1-1/2 Slip Reducers 08650-2404 08650-5404
Tan/Gray, w/2x1-1/2 NPT Reducers 08650-3403E –
Tan/Gray, w/2x1-1/2 Slip Reducers 08650-3404E –
Tan/Gray, w/2x1-1/2 NPT Reducers 08650-6403E –
Gray, w/2x1-1/2 NPT Reducers 08650-3403 –
Gray, w/2x1-1/2 Slip Reducers 08650-3404 –
1 Frame and Grate Kit (Tan) 08650-0159 08650-0159
1 Frame and Grate Kit (White) 08650-0169 08650-0169
2 Basket and Handle 08650-0007 08650-0007
• Basket Handle Only 08650-0067 08650-0067
3 Float Assembly w/O-Ring 08650-0079 –
4 Float O-Ring Only 35505-1273 –
5 Check Valve 08655-0017 –
6 Hinged Weir Assembly 08650-0022A 08650-0022A
• Weir Bumper 08650-0018 08650-0018
• Screw #8 x 3/8" 37207-0825 37207-0825
7 Screw #8 x 1/2" 37207-0027 –
8 Trimmer Plate 08650-0048 –
9 Vacuum Plate 08650-0042 –
REPAIR PARTS LIST
LIMITED WARRANTY
Skimmers manufactured by Sta-Rite are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for one (1) year from date of installation.
The foregoing warranties relate to the original consumer purchaser (“Purchaser”) only. Sta-Rite shall have the option to repair or replace the defective prod-
uct, at its sole discretion. Purchasers must pay all labor and shipping charges necessary to replace the product covered by this warranty. Requests for war-
ranty service must be made through the installing dealer. This warranty shall not apply to any product that has been subject to negligence, misapplication,
improper installation or maintenance, or other circumstances which are not in Sta-Rite’s direct control.
This warranty sets forth Sta-Rite’s sole obligation and Purchaser’s exclusive remedy for defective products.
STA-RITE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONTINGENT DAMAGES WHATSOEVER.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES. IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL NOT EXTEND BEYOND
THE DURATION OF THE APPLICABLE EXPRESS WARRANTIES PROVIDED HEREIN.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the
above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state
to state.
Supersedes all previous publications.
Sta-Rite Industries, 293 Wright St., Delavan, WI 53115
Figure 7: Multi-Skimmer Installation with pipe sizing.
Note multiple main drains.

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.
NOTICE: Installation must comply with all 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 Chart I allows for this.
3. See Figures 5 and 7, Pages 2 and 3, for piping layout. See
Chart I, Page 3, for suction pipe sizing.
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-skim-
mer outdoor pools, locate skimmers so that the prevailing
wind blows into the skimmers.
INSTALLATION
Concrete: See Figure 7 for basic dimensions. Top cover frame
has 1" vertical height adjustment.
NOTICE: Skimmer MUST be surrounded by at least 4" of struc-
tural concrete in a monolithic pour, using a cold joint as shown
in installation drawings.
Line Connections and Testing: Connect pump inlet line to rear
port in bottom manifold (Figure 7). Skimmer is ABS plastic; man-
ifold 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
RTV Silastic #732* (preferred), teflon tape, or Plasto-Joint Stik**.
For slip connections, apply PVC primer to PVC pipe only. Then
apply ABS to PVC solvent cement to both pipe and slip connec-
tions. Consult dealer for correct solvent cement for pipe used.
Assemble joint per cement manufacturer’s instructions. Allow at
least 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 sucks 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.
* Dow Corning
** Lake Chemical Co., Chicago, IL
18" 18"
Ref.
10"
Concrete
Plan View
27" 111/4Ref.
71/2
1 " Vertical
adjustment
of frame to
accommodate
misalignment.
To Pump
Suction
26"
19"
Min.
2" Min.
W.L.
W.L.
1"
2"
2"
Equalizer
Alternate
Line from
Main Drains.
Front View
Figure 8: U-3 Skimmer Installation
Drawings and Specifications
Section View
Use 8011-Series anti-entrapping
55 GPM equalizer fitting with
8010 Series Cover or use 8012
Series Cover on 8429 Wall
Fitting.
Cover must fit tight to fitting to
prevent entrapment.