Main Drain

[nicole712]

Here's my 'dumb' question: when the pump and filter are running, is water pulled from the main drain as well as the skimmer generally?

I have never had to drain my pool for any reason, but think I might need to do a partial drain to get my calcium down (it's 450-500). I recently tried draining a little (through a hose connected to the 'faucet' that sticks up from the pump) but I was afraid to go below the level of the skimmer because I didn't want the pump to be sucking in air. Can I safely drain the pool this way, or is there another method I should use?

I have an 18,000 gal inground plaster pool (3 1/2 years old). There are three pipes that lead to the pump - the skimmer, the main drain, and the pool vacuum. There is a Jandy valve for the main drain and I can't tell if it's in off or on position, (it either points up along the pipe as it is now, or turns 45 degrees to the left) but it has not been changed since the pool was built (I am the only one who maintains the pool).

While I'm asking about the drain - if it is running, is there any danger for swimmers in the pool (specifically my 5 and 7 year olds)? How about the vacuum (Hayward Navigator)? I always leave that in while we swim since it's a hassle to take it out, and sometimes it is running.

Thanks for answering all my questions... this is a great place for information!
Nicole

[KurtV]

Here's my 'dumb' question: when the pump and filter are running, is water pulled from the main drain as well as the skimmer generally?
Probably.

...

I have an 18,000 gal inground plaster pool (3 1/2 years old). There are three pipes that lead to the pump - the skimmer, the main drain, and the pool vacuum. There is a Jandy valve for the main drain and I can't tell if it's in off or on position, (it either points up along the pipe as it is now, or turns 45 degrees to the left) but it has not been changed since the pool was built (I am the only one who maintains the pool).
Normally, when the valve handle is inline with the piping, the valve is open. I would guess that you are taking suction from the main drain as well as from the skimmer(s). You can test my theory by slowly closing the skimmer line valve and watching the pump strainer closely to see if you are losing suction (you'll see the water level in the pump strainer start to fall).

While I'm asking about the drain - if it is running, is there any danger for swimmers in the pool (specifically my 5 and 7 year olds)?
You probably have two drains in the deep end about three feet apart. Those are connected under the pool so that if one is blocked, the pump can still get water through the other. This, combined with anti-vortex or anti-entrapment drain covers, is designed to keep someone from being held under the water by the suction. You should be concerned with and aware of the danger, but not obsessed with it. If it makes you more comfortable and you can maintain suficient flow without it, you can close it and take suction only from the skimmer(s) .

How about the vacuum (Hayward Navigator)? I always leave that in while we swim since it's a hassle to take it out, and sometimes it is running.
As for the cleaner, I personally wouldn't leave one in the pool, especially while running, with kids of those ages. Not a lot of danger there but some added risk of underwater entanglement with very little benefit to show for it (you a couple of minutes by not removing it).

Thanks for answering all my questions... this is a great place for information!
Nicole

Best of luck.

[nicole712]

Kurt,

Thanks for the info - yes, I have two drains in the deep end a few feet apart with some kind of cover screwed over them. Thanks for explaining how those work! I have instruction manuals for all my equipment, but not my plumbing!

I will take your advice on taking the vacuum out of the pool. The kids will be glad to not have it in there anyway.

Does that mean I can safely drain my water below the level of the skimmer and it won't get excess air into my pump since it will pull water from the main drains?

Thanks,
Nicole

[KurtV]

[quote=nicole712]... Does that mean I can safely drain my water below the level of the skimmer and it won't get excess air into my pump since it will pull water from the main drains? .../quote]

So long as you are indeed taking suction from the main drain.

[markphin]

Make sure your skimmer valves are closed first, otherwise you will indeed be sucking air as well as water from the main drain, which will cause you to loose your prime.

[nicole712]

Make sure your skimmer valves are closed first, otherwise you will indeed be sucking air as well as water from the main drain, which will cause you to loose your prime.

Hmmm... there's no valve to close for the skimmer that I can see - only one for the main drain and that is before the skimmer and main drain come together into one pipe.

So, how do I shut the skimmer?!
How does everyone else drain their pool when needed??

[MarkC]

You can block off the skimmer inlet with a rubber plug like what is used during winterization here in the north. Make sure you turn off the pump before you insert the plug or it may get sucked too far into the pipe to get out. These plugs have a wingnut on them you tighten down to secure them in the hole and they expand as you tighten them. Make sure the pump is off when you go to remove the plug as well.