Searcher,

Thank you for the reply. I apologize as I should have been more descriptive on my issue. The pool was remodeled and they split the old drain into two main drains. Both of the main drains are covered. The hydrostatic value was placed by iteself at the lowest point in the pool between the split main drains. It is slightly countersunk below the surface but does not have a drain cover. After doing so additional research, I realize now that the hydrostatic valve could have actually been placed inside a main drain, however that is not my case. In fact, one of my neighbors just had a new pool put in and they did it the same way as mine (3 separate openings - 2 main drains , 1 hydrostatic valve), but they covered all three of his with a cover.

Subsequent to my post, I spoke with someone who seemed knowledgeable at National Pool Tile (NPT) and Superior Pool Products and he said that it is not uncommon to have the hydrostatic valve uncovered because a lot of times the cover prevents the hydrostatic value from opening properly. However, he did say that it is covered more times than not.

So my question remains - should it be covered to prevent the automatic pool cleaner or a "kid diving for treasure" from damaging it, and if so, what are my options to cover it since there are no existing holes to utilize to place a drain cover over it?

thank you!