Pool skimmer (intex/bestway)

New version released https://www.printables.com/model/1349649-floating-pool-skimmer

Skimmer for your pool filtration to collect surface debris.

Model is optimised for 0.6mm nozzle print. For other dimensions settings may vary - use your common sense to alter my suggestions. Skimmer fits to the original intex skimmer holder or you can use my holder.

How to print (as I noted - for 0.6mm nozzle!)

Update: instead of recommended PLA use PETG or ASA to avoid melting on the direct sun.

body.stl:

• PLA
• 0.3mm layer
• 2 perimeters
• 25% infill (there won't be much infills / model is made of perimeters almost)
• no supports or brims

body_clamp.stl:

• PLA
• 0.25mm layer (for better therads detail)
• 3 perimeters
• 25% infill
• supports only under the screws (the cut off is intentionall for better printing), add brims

nut_2x.stl:

• Print 2pieces
• PLA
• 0.25mm layer (for better thread detail)
• 3 perimeters
• 25% infill
• no supports or brims

cylindrical_buoy.stl:

• PLA
• 0.3mm layer
• 2 perimeters
• 25% infill
• no supports, add brims
• check your slicer if there is still a cavity at the thick side of the model. This part needs to float in water (not to sink). It is a crucial feature!

outlet_32(38)mm.stl:

• There are two versions - check your hose :-D
• PLA
• 0.3mm layer
• 2perimeters
• 25% infill
• no supports, no brims

Sieved bucket 

Consist of three parts - bottom, three wall plates and top rim. Print it with some heavier material. This part is better to sink in the water. I've printed it with ASA. “Sieve” or sifting function became from the model by altering your slicer settings to expose infill. Basically 0 top and bottom layers and adequate % of infill. Best results are with honeycomb infill as it is well connected and do not tend to break during bending to final shape of the bucket. After couple of tests, (again for 0.6mm nozzle) 35% honeycomb infill did the best.

bucket_bottom.stl:

• ASA
• 0.3mm layer
• 12perimeters (some higher number) - you need enough perimeters to support “rim” for the walls:

• 35% honeycomb infill
• 0 top and bottom layers
• no supports, brims optional

bucket_plate_3x.stl:

• Print 3 pieces
• ASA
• 0.3mm layer
• 6-8 perimeters

• 35% honeycomb infill
• 0 top and bottom layers
• no supports, brims optional

bucket_top_rim.stl:

• ASA
• 0.3mm layer
• 2 perimeters
• 25% infill
• Classic top/bottom layers - we don't need “mesh/sieve” there.
• no supports, brims optional

Bucket assembly:

Glue together 3 plates along the longer side. I've used ASA slurry (acetone with pieces of ASA scrap).

Wait long enough to avoid separation of parts during our next step.

Bend the 3 pieces long meshed wall to cylinder shape, and try to fit it into bottom plate or top rim groove. Adjust acordingly with file/sand paper/exacto knife. When you achieve a good fit, bend it to the cylindrical shape and glue last two sides together.

Again wait a while and let the slurry set. If everything went well, it's easy now to glue bottom and top rim together and form the final sieve bucket.

Job Done!

Final steps:

• Attach appropriate outlet to the bottom of main body (there is bayonet-like attachment, rotate clock-wise to secure outlet).
• Attach/slide clamp to the body - use some screws with flat head, or glue two parts together. Hole for shaft is the same dimension as an original Intex skimmer clamp/holder. Or you can print my skimmer holder (separate model/page)
• Insert sieved bucket into main body
• Sleeve buoy cylinder in between body and bucket.
• Mount it to the pool, submerge the main body a little - there should be clearance between water surface and top rim of the body about 5-10cm to buoy can float/move with water level (check videos).

Videos:

Assembly:

Skimmer in action: