ETSS 800 Skimmer Help - Page 5

**Patrick™** · #41 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 04:03 AM

The air is sucked down through the carbon cartridge. and the air inlet for the skimmer is attached to the hose barb above the ping pong ball. When the fluid level in the skimmer raises the ping pong ball it shuts off the air to the skimmer thus no more foam.

So yes, kill the knuckle head!!! Here is a novel thought, get the right pump for it!!!!!

ChuckG · #42 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 10:22 AM

I'm already keeping an eye open for an Iwaki 55 RLT. That's the other thing the guy from AE suggested as well. He said this could even be run with a 40.

I've made an offer of 125 for a used 55 that's for sale at the present time but don't know if the guy is going to take it or not.

**Patrick™** · #43 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 03:28 PM

The right pump makes a world of difference on these types of skimmers!

ChuckG · #44 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricosuave

So why do you think the "Knucklehead" drilled holes in the lid? Does it make any difference(besides affecting the waste container function). Could these holes have attributed to your overflow?

I have no idea why someone would do that. I don't think the holes attributed to the flood but with the holes a flood can not automatically be stopped.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick™

The air is sucked down through the carbon cartridge. and the air inlet for the skimmer is attached to the hose barb above the ping pong ball. When the fluid level in the skimmer raises the ping pong ball it shuts off the air to the skimmer thus no more foam.

So yes, kill the knuckle head!!! Here is a novel thought, get the right pump for it!!!!!

I don't think you said that quite right. I didn't buy a carbon cartridge for the air intakes although they do sell them. Air travels through the skimmer and into the collection cup. Since it is a sealed unit, the air then exits the cup through the drain hole and goes into the waste container an out the top via a vent. When fluid level raises in the waist container the ping pong ball will block the air "outlet". Since it is a sealed unit, blocking the air outlet will then block the air inlet to the skimmer since it has no place to go and thus, the skimmer shuts down.

ChuckG · #45 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick™

You definately want to spend the money on a spears gate valve. <clip> You do need the precision of the gate valve to set it appropriately.

OK - The Spears cost 3 times as much as Savko's. Is it really justified?

**Patrick™** · #46 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 09:15 PM

link me, and let me look at them.

ChuckG · #47 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 09:48 PM

SAVKO
Savko Plastic Pipe & Fittings

VS

SPEARS
Plastic Depot (310) 217-7080 - SpearsÂ® PVC Gate Valve Threaded

**DaveK** · #48 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 06:28 PM

You only need the gate valve to control the water level on the output side of the skimmer. On the input side it's not so critical.

I got a gate valve similar to the Savko valve with my ETSS skimmer, and not had a problem with it. Lookling at the Spears gate valve I'd say it's better, but not three times the price better. The basic function is the same.

ChuckG · #49 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 01:44 PM

Still only a temporary set up but I now have the right pump and a waste collection cup that works. I overflowed the skimmer on purpose to see if it would shut it down and it did.

This is with the gate valve all the way open. By the time I get it fined tuned it will be time to make the major plumbing changes in the system and it will all have to be done again - oh well.

**Patrick™** · #50 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 04:36 PM

But damn do those things skim!