Steps to Properly Apply Silicone to a Skimmer Opening
Updated
1. Clean the Surface:
Ensure both the skimmer opening and any mating surface (liner or flange) are clean, dry, and free from debris, oils, or dust.
Use a cloth with rubbing alcohol or a similar cleaner if necessary.
2. Position the Liner:
Position the liner against the skimmer opening, making sure there is slack below the opening. This will help reduce tension on the exterior liner plate when placing boulders in front of the unit.
3. Mark the Liner:
Mark the outer perimeter of the skimmer opening on the liner, and then mark a second box 1.5" (3.8 cm) inside of it. This ensures that you don’t cut too much of the liner, which would result in a possible leak.
4. Cut the Inner Box:
Cut the inner box using a pair of scissors, and insert the skimmer exterior liner plate into the hole.
5. Temporarily Install the Exterior Liner Plate:
Place the liner around the exterior liner plate and temporarily install the exterior liner plate and liner to the skimmer.
Using an awl or nail, poke the first hole through the liner in one of the upper corners. Be careful not to damage the threads on the nut inserts when punching the holes with the awl.
Remove the awl or nail while holding the exterior liner plate and liner in place and begin threading one of the screws into the filter. Repeat this process with the other upper corner.
6. Remove the Exterior Liner Plate:
Remove the exterior liner plate from the skimmer, keeping the screws installed through the exterior liner plate and liner.
7. Apply Silicone Sealant:
Apply a bead of fish-safe silicone sealant (#22010 or #29186) around the skimmer opening, over the nut inserts.
Preinstalling the two screws in the earlier steps will make it easy to line up the skimmer exterior liner plate after the silicone is applied and will keep the silicone in as thick of a bead as possible.
8. Secure the Exterior Liner Plate:
Replace the skimmer exterior liner plate and the two corner screws, and then proceed with the bottom two corners. Make sure the holes in the exterior liner plate that the weir flap clicks into are on the bottom.
With the four corners secured, you may now punch the remaining holes with your awl and thread in all the screws.
9. Let Dry:
Let dry for at least one hour before introducing water.