Intex Surface Skimmer - Above Ground Pools

Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer – Automatic Pool Cleaning Made Easy

The Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer is a simple attachment that hooks to your above-ground pool’s filter pump and continuously skims the water surface, catching leaves, bugs and debris before they sink. It routes surface water through a fine strainer basket on its way to the pump, using the pump’s suction to keep the pool water clear. Designed to work with Intex Easy-Set (inflatable top ring) and metal-frame pools, it requires a filter pump rated at 800+ GPH (3.0 m³/hr) or higher. Made of durable polypropylene plastic (unaffected by pool chemicals) with a removable debris basket, this wall-mounted skimmer is quick to install and easy to maintain.

• Automatic Skimming: Using your pump, the skimmer continuously draws in surface water. Leaves and debris collect in the removable basket, so you spend far less time netting the pool. (As one user raved, “It skims leaves, bugs, grass, etc., into the basket, keeping our pool MUCH cleaner…”)

• Universal Mounting: The included adjustable bracket fits over inflatable rings or rigid top beams. It clamps securely to Easy-Set pools or metal-frame pools alike. Simply tighten the clamp by hand (no tools needed) – Intex’s instructions even warn “do not over tighten” the bracket.

• Durable, Chemical-Resistant Construction: Built from tough polypropylene, the skimmer and its basket resist pool chemicals and weather. The strainer basket pops out easily for cleaning, and the floating cover (included) stays at the surface to maximize leaf pickup.

• High Flow Compatibility: To work properly the skimmer needs a sufficiently powerful pump. Intex specifies a minimum 800 GPH flow. When installed, the surface-skimming action offloads large debris from your filter, saving on cartridge wear and reducing how often you need to vacuum the pool floor.

Who It’s Ideal For: Above-ground pool owners (especially those with Intex/Easy-Set pools) will find this skimmer especially handy. It’s perfect for pools under trees or in gardens, where leaves and insects frequently land on the water. Busy families and new pool owners love it because it “removes floating debris without me having to skim with a net,” dramatically cutting down manual work. Customers consistently report that installing the skimmer keeps the pool “much cleaner” and lets them spend less time vacuuming. In short, if you want a “set it and forget it” way to keep your pool’s surface clean, this simple gadget is a great choice. (Note: it is best suited to Intex-style pools – some reviewers warn that fitting it to non-Intex walls can be tricky)

Features & Benefits

• Hands-Free Debris Removal: As long as your filter pump runs, the skimmer automatically sucks in surface water and traps debris. This prevents most leaves, bugs and twigs from ever sinking to the bottom.

• Easy Wall Mount: Includes an adjustable clamp that snaps over inflatable top rings or metal rails. You can reposition the skimmer quickly without tools. It mounts near the pool’s outlet/hose fitting (usually the pump’s return) for best flow.

• Large Removable Basket: The built-in strainer basket catches debris that would otherwise go into your pump. It pulls out easily for dumping leaves – no more straining filter cartridges with big junk.

• Chemical-Resistant Plastic: The skimmer body and bracket are molded from sturdy polypropylene, so pool sanitizers and sunlight won’t degrade it.

• Adjustable Height: A floating lid on top of the skimmer ensures it stays at the correct water level. You can slide the skimmer up or down on its bracket to keep the lid 1–5″ above the water for optimal skimming.

• Affordable & Compact: Compared to robotic cleaners or extra filter cartridges, this Intex skimmer is very budget-friendly. It’s small and lightweight (about 4 lbs), making it easy to install and remove seasonally.

These features combine to give you clearer water with minimal effort. As one owner summarizes, “With easy installation, straightforward maintenance, and overall value for money, the Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer remains a practical choice". (It even helps prolong your filter: by catching debris first it “never makes it to your pool filter, helping to save cost on cartridges”)

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Getting the skimmer set up takes just a few minutes. Here’s a DIY installation rundown for Intex above-ground pools:

1. Gather parts: Unpack the skimmer, hose adapter (often called Adapter B), and clamp/bracket pieces. Make sure your filter pump is off. Verify that your pump’s flow is ≥800 GPH.

2. Attach hose to skimmer: On the bottom of the skimmer unit you’ll see a barb fitting. Push one end of the provided flexible hose (part (11) in the manual) onto this fitting until it’s snug.

3. Assemble the clamp: The bracket comes in two interlocking parts. Snap or slide them together (as shown in the manual) and adjust the opening by pressing and sliding the parts until the clamp is ready.

4. Mount the skimmer to the pool:

   • Easy-Set Pools: Loosen the mounting screw on the skimmer body, slide the assembled clamp under it, then hand-tighten the screw. Hang this clamp over the top inflatable ring of the pool, placing it near where the pool’s lower hose connection is (the pump return). Adjust the clamp so it grips the ring snugly. Ensure it’s tight by hand (don’t overtighten or use tools).

   • Metal-Frame Pools: Similar process: loosen the skimmer screw, attach the clamp, and hang it over the top metal beam of the pool’s wall. Use the two built-in slide/clamp screws to tighten it firmly against the beam. Again, position it near the pump return inlet and hand-tighten all screws – it just needs to be secure, not crushed.

5. Install adapter at pump inlet: Go inside the pool and locate the pump’s inlet fitting (often behind a strainer lid). Remove any plastic strainer piece. Attach the included Adapter B to the inlet port (thread it into place). Then connect the free end of the skimmer hose to this adapter. (For larger pools with an oversized strainer, the process is the same – screw Adapter B onto the fitting and attach the hose.)

6. Place the basket and lid: Inside the skimmer body, install the small plastic basket (part (4)) and its cover rim (part (2)), then snap on the floating lid (part (1)). The cover rim holds the floating lid in place.

7. Adjust height: The floating lid should be 1–5 inches above the water for optimal skimming. Loosen the main mounting screw slightly, then slide the skimmer assembly up or down on the clamp until the lid floats at the right level. The skimmer must stay vertical for the lid to skim correctly. Once positioned, hand-tighten the screw again.

8. Start the pump: Turn on your filter pump. Water should now flow through the skimmer’s basket. If you see no flow, check that the skimmer is submerged below the waterline and vertical. You may need to open the pump’s air-release valve to purge air pockets. Once water flows steadily, close the valve.

   
   

At this point, the skimmer is operational: it will draw surface water and trap debris in the basket. As one Amazon tip sheet summarizes, the key steps are “Mount the skimmer to your pool wall using the adjustable bracket. Attach the skimmer to your filter pump with a minimum flow rate of 800 GPH. Ensure the skimmer is properly positioned to skim the surface. Regularly clean the strainer basket for optimal performance”.

Comparison: Intex vs Other Surface Skimmers

Surface skimmers for above-ground pools are sold by many brands, but they all work on similar principles. For example, the U.S. Pool Supply “premium” skimmer lists nearly identical features: it’s made of polypropylene, auto-skims surface water into a basket, and includes adjustable brackets for inflatable or metal-top pools. The Intex Deluxe and generic models typically both require the same 800+ GPH pump flow and even include the same adapter hose. In practice, the Intex model stands out mainly for its low price and design tailored to Intex pools. (In fact, one user noted “really best for Intex pools” due to its fit.)

Compared to manual tools (nets and rakes), any wall-mount skimmer – Intex or otherwise – offers a big advantage: it works around the clock while the pump is on. And unlike a floating leaf net, it doesn’t need you to physically scoop it. Compared to pressure-side pool vacuums or robotic cleaners (which also automate cleaning), the wall skimmer is much simpler and cheaper. It only handles surface debris (not bottom cleaning), but it’s foolproof: if your filter pump is running, the skimmer is working. In short, expect roughly the same benefits from Intex’s and its competitors’ automatic skimmers – the Intex model just happens to be a popular, budget-friendly option for above-ground pools.

Tips for Best Performance

• Empty the Basket Often: Check and dump the skimmer basket daily or every few days, especially if leaves are falling heavily. A full basket chokes off flow, so routine emptying keeps it skimming continuously.

• Use a Mesh Sock (Optional): Many owners slip a disposable skimmer sock (filter sock) over the basket. This catches finer debris (pollen, sand) and makes emptying even easier. One reviewer notes that the unit’s outlet “towel filters the water as it runs out,” preventing fine sludge from returning to the pool. A skimmer sock does the same on the inlet side.

• Secure It in Windy Conditions: If you notice the skimmer shifting or floating up in turbulent conditions, anchor it. For example, some users simply loop a bungee cord or rope around the skimmer and a pool support to hold it down. This keeps the skimmer at the optimal position.

• Ensure Proper Orientation: Always keep the skimmer vertical. If no water flows into the pump, the manual advises making sure the floating lid is level and the skimmer is submerged. Also, open and close your pump’s air-release valve to purge air as needed.

• Maintenance Cleaning: On a weekly basis, remove the hose adapter from the filter inlet to clear any hair or algae and ensure the threaded connector isn’t clogged. Also check that your filter cartridge is clean and there are no leaks in the system.

• Protect When Not in Use: Whenever you cover the pool for the season (or for a long weekend), remove the skimmer and dry it off. Store the skimmer, hose and hardware indoors over winter to prolong its life.

By following these tips, you’ll get the most out of the skimmer. In normal use, it should be “very easy to use” and a huge time-saver – many owners install it in minutes and forget about it while it quietly keeps the pool clean.

Troubleshooting

• No Water Flow: If your pump is running but no water is drawn through the skimmer, double-check the clamp height (skimmer might be too high or tilted). Open the filter’s air-release valve until water comes out (then close it). Always avoid running the pump dry, as the manual warns of overheating.

• Skimmer Floats Up: The clamp may slip on slick metal or plastic rails. Tighten the bracket by hand; if it still floats, secure it with a strap (hose clamps or bungee cord work well).

• Hose Leaks/Disconnects: Ensure both ends of the skimmer hose are fully seated (push them on firmly). Check that Adapter B is screwed tight against the inlet port. Replace any O-ring if it leaks.

• Heavy Debris Loads: On windy, leafy days you may need to empty the basket more than once a day. The good news is that while you’re emptying leaves, you’re protecting your filter and pump – debris in the basket never reaches the finer filter cartridges.

• Filter Pump Struggle: If the pump seems starved for water when the skimmer is attached, verify pump size. It must be at least 800 GPH. Some users find small pumps (500–600 GPH) struggle to pull water through the skimmer.

Conclusion

For new and experienced above-ground pool owners alike, the Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer is a low-cost, effective way to cut down on cleaning labor. Once installed, it operates automatically any time your filter pump runs – saving you from endless net-skimming and helping keep the pool’s surface sparkling. By catching leaves and bugs early, it also helps prevent algae growth and makes your filter’s job easier. With its easy clip-on installation and simple maintenance (just empty the basket regularly), it’s a practical upgrade to consider for any Intex or similar above-ground pool. Given its advantages—automatic operation, durable build, and broad compatibility—it’s easy to see why many pool owners call it a “must-have” accessory for a clean, worry-free swim season.

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