Skimmer Basket

thingiverse

Three versions of the same Skimmer Basket of outer (measured at the top rim) diameter of cca 205 mm. Initially it seemed the service door to our skimmer will be partly obstructed with safety pool cover - hence the design of the basket split to two halves that lock to each other - which allows to insert each component separately and assemble only in the skimmer chamber. That is version 1 (V1) of the basket. The top collar of the basket is thinner and is complemented with a lock which serves two purposes: further strengthens the joint of the two sides and fixes the skimmer basket sock I'm using to improve its filtration performance in place. Turns out even though the skimmer service door is partly obstructed the basket will sneak in anyways - hence the V2: basket in one piece, Lock stays in place but this time improved with one more knob to ease the handling. While the design of V2 is structurally most firm and thus enduring there is one significant disadvantage: it only prints with supports which are needed for the outer collar. Now depending on the support type and setting it can consume considerable amount of material and time. More material was needed for the supports than the actual basket in my case (not welcome esp. when using more expensive CPE material) and extended print time from 15 to 30 hours. So the design V3 was created: instead of a basket and a lock there is supporting rim ring and the basket itself - with all overhangs in maximum angle of 45 degrees. Thus it should print without support - but while I printed both V1 (in PETG) and V2 (in CPE) I haven't tried neither the print nor the functionality of V3 - so print & use at your own risk (actually applies to all 3 versions of the thing :)). The supporting ring has not lock cuts - done on purpose not to weaken its structural stability. Should easily squeeze in due to its size vs. subtle profile. Should also serve as the filter sock lock too.