New pool.... plumbing and equipment considerations

We're putting in a new inground - either 16x32 or 18x34/36. We've received 4 quotes and all have very different views on plumbing.

We're in Canada, so have to winterize the pool by draining.

Two of the builders don't include main drains. Both have recommended only a single skimmer, two or three returns.

Two of the builders will include two main drains. One has suggested 2 skimmers with 4 returns (2 in the pool, 2 in the steps) and the other only 1 skimmer (4 returns in the pool).

We have a dozen very large maples around our property that drop a lot of leaves, keys, crap onto our yard, so I'm focused on circulation and ability to pickup.

I really like the idea of the mains to help with brushed sunk debris and to help with draining in the winter. I know there's some fierce debate about whether drains are required (given safety risk), but am wondering what people think overall. Most builders have suggested a strong automatic cleaner are required (ranging from a good pressure size cleaner to robots).

Other factor - one builder uses only Pentair, one only Hayward, one only Jandy and the last a mix. I'm lost on equipment comparisons here.

Any views would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

I assume you're considering a concrete pool? You can't drain a fiberglass pool in flat ground, except in arid areas, and you can't drain a vinyl pool at all.

+ Pools can function with or without a main drain, but it's much harder to drain the pool without one. A MD also improves circulation; without one the deep end can be rather static. Do they help with cleaning? Not so much.

+ If you have leaf and seed debris, definitely get a pressure side cleaner with its own bag. Only those cleaners have the capacity do hold a fair quantity of leaves without stopping anything else up. A pressure side cleaner also improves circulation, so if you have one, a MD doesn't matter as much. (But you still can't drain the pool without one!)

+ All 3 majors have some good equipment and some junk, though I personal prefer Pentair & Hayward to Jandy.

+ The more skimmers, the better you'll collect leaves, etc.

Thanks. Pool will be vinyl. Need to be able to drain below the returns for winterizing.

It's a lot easier with a main drain. Otherwise, you'll have to have a separate pump just for the task.

You *ALSO* need air-tight valve on the skimmer line; otherwise, when you try to drain the pool, you'll suck air out of the skimmer, and lose prime. Individual ball valves on the MD and skimmer lines would be good -- but one caution: ball valves trap water in BOTH the closed and the full open position. To winterize them, you have to put the handles on a 45 degree angle.