Main Drain

[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.