What Is The Purpose Of The Drain At The Bottom Of A Pool?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A swimming pool main drain uses suction to pull pool water through it . Heavy particulate matter that sinks to a pool's bottom is often sucked away through a main drain.

Does pool need bottom drain?

Main are not required in an inground swimming pool , however, they are strongly recommended and can be extremely useful in some circumstances. The advantages of main drains are to give you the ability to drain the water from your pool without the use of a sump pump. This is useful when replacing your pool liner.

How do you use bottom drain in pool?

A swimming pool main drain uses suction to pull pool water through it . Heavy particulate matter that sinks to a pool's bottom is often sucked away through a main drain.

Should pool main drain be open or closed?

For proper water circulation, it is best to position the flap so that it is about 2/3 closed . This will allow for more flow through the main drain than through the skimmer, which will promote a “bottom-to-top” circulation throughout the pool.

How do I know if my pool bottom drain is working?

If your diverter looks like a flying saucer, closing the flap on the bottom completely will put all the suction to the main drain . If the pump maintains pressure and there's flow out the returns, the main drain is flowing.

How do I clean the main drain in my pool?

  1. To prevent clogs from occurring in the first place, regularly remove debris from the top of the pool with the skimmer. ...
  2. Remove the pool drain plugs and let it drain. ...
  3. Unscrew the drain cover and place the pool plunger over the drain. ...
  4. Pour the organic pool drain cleaner into the drain.

Should I Use main drain or skimmers?

Skimmer Vs. Drain. If the pool receives a lot of leaves and other debris, more suction may be required at the skimmer than the main drain to adequately strain debris floating on the surface. Conversely, if dirt on the bottom of the pool is the principal contaminant, more suction is required at the main drain.

Are pool main drains necessary?

Main drains are an essential component for water circulation within an inground swimming pool. Drains provide circulation in the deep end of the swimming pool, ensuring water clarity, proper distribution of water chemistry as well as maintaining a constant water temperature throughout the swimming pool.

How do you know if your pool is leaking main?

You can do the “bucket test” on your pool to measure evaporation. Place a bucket of water beside the pool and mark both the water in the bucket and the pool water level. Wait 24 hours then check the loss of both. If the pool loses more water than the bucket , then you have a leak.

Do you remove skimmer basket when vacuuming pool?

YES, you need to remove the skimmer or strainer basket before attaching the open end of the hose to the inlet . Finally, plug the open vacuum hose into the suction port.

What setting should my pool pump be on to vacuum?

For routine vacuuming, the filter valve is left in the normal “Filter” position . This directs dirty vacuum water through the pool filter to remove the contaminants, then conveys filtered water through return lines back to the pool. The “Filter” setting is used for light to moderate levels of pool sediment.

How do you unclog a bottom pool drain?

Turn on the water supply to the hose where the drain king is attacked and allow it to run for a couple of minutes. Stand back and watch the debris get blown back into the pool. Once the water runs clear, you can shut off the water to the hose and your clog should be all gone.

How do I remove the main drain cover on my pool?

  1. Turn the pool filtration pump off.
  2. Put on a face mask or pair of swimming goggles. Pull on a pair of swimming fins. ...
  3. Swim down to the drain cover and inspect it for fasteners. If the screws are visible, then screws hold it down. ...
  4. Undo the screws, if it's screw-fastened.
David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.