Replacing ER skimmer standpipe

[revance]

I have an ER skimmer that didn't have a standpipe when I got it.

Could someone with an ER or similar skimmer explain to me the plumbing they use to make the standpipe adjustable?

Please don't suggest the gate valve, I tried that. Since it isn't a recirculating skimmer, the gate valve severely cut down the flow and didn't give me good results. I really just want an explanation of how to make an adjustable standpipe.

Pictures are always welcome

 

[schneijt]

Unfortunately, I don't have any great advice for you. However, I run a gate valve mod on my promo RS-80 and it works very well. As far as cutting down flow, a gate valve mod is not designed to cut down the flow. "Closing" the gate valve just raises the water level inside the skimmer, but the same amount of water goes into and out of the skimmer.

However, since you do not want a gate valve mod, you'll have to fashion some sort of sliding riser pipe. You'll need a piece of vertical pipe that fits into the 90 degree elbow where the original outlet pipe used to be. Its length should be about half the total height of the skimmer. Then, you'd have to find a pipe that fits over the outlet pipe and can slide up and down and stay where you move it to. That pipe would also need to be about half the total height of the skimmer. Then, you'd adjust inner water level for the skimmer by moving the sliding pipe up or down over the outlet pipe. The problem here would be finding pipe that's just the right sizes and making it slide properly and stay in place once you set the height.

Your best bet is to call ER and ask them if they can help you out. You might pay a higher-than-expected price for the parts, but it'll save you the price and hassle of trial and error if you try to get it right on your own.

Good luck,
Joe