Purpose of Main Drains in Pools
- Main Drains. Swimming pool main drains are one of two mechanisms used in many pools to circulate and filter their water, the other being skimmers.
- Drain Suction. Swimming pool main drains don't actually drain anything. ...
- Drain Safety. Laws regulating safe main drain operation in swimming pools are abundant. ...
- Considerations. ...
What is the purpose of a main drain in a swimming pool?
Main Drain: The main drain is typically located at the deepest point of the pool and is used to lower the water level, however its primary purpose is to circulate water from the bottom of the pool. It is recommended that about 1/3rd of the circulated water come from the main drain.
How to cover the main drain on a pool?
Round Drain Covers
- Insert the face ring of the anti-entrapment suction outlet drain cover into the top of the round main drain of the pool.
- Attach the face ring to the pool main drain with screws.
- Place the anti-entrapment suction outlet drain cover over the face ring on the main drain of the pool.
How to close main drain in pool?
To blow out the remaining water in your pool equipment:
- Set your main valve to close
- Attach a shop vac to pool pump’s drainage port (where the drain plug was) Note: You may need a special attachment for this
- Turn on the vac to begin blowing out the water inside of the pump, heater, and filter You should see water flowing out of the different drain holes on your ...
What is a main drain in an inground pool?
Purpose of Main Drains in Pools
- Main Drains. Swimming pool main drains are one of two mechanisms used in many pools to circulate and filter their water, the other being skimmers.
- Drain Suction. Swimming pool main drains don't actually drain anything. ...
- Drain Safety. Laws regulating safe main drain operation in swimming pools are abundant. ...
- Considerations. ...
How do I know if my pool has a main drain?
If you stand at the edge of the deep end of your pool and look down, you should see beautiful, clear waters—that is, if your maintenance routine is on the mark. Below those waters, you should also be able to locate a drain at the bottom of your pool.
Where does the main drain in a pool go?
The main drain for a pool is a suction port that should be located at the deepest point on the pool floor. A main drain is responsible for aiding in the circulation and filtration of the pool water. Having a properly working and dedicated main drain line can also allow you to fully drain your pool if necessary.
Where is the main drain on an inground pool?
The main drains are usually located on the lowest point in the pool, so the entire pool surface slants toward them. Most of the dirt and debris that sinks exits the pool through these drains.
Do pools need a main drain?
Main drains 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.
Can pool main drain get clogged?
A pool's main drain can become clogged with debris. Your swimming pool's main drain requires regular maintenance. Although the rest of the pool's parts, such as the filter, may seem to be working just fine, the drain is always at risk of getting clogged.
How do I clear my main drain in my pool?
Here's the steps to clean a blocked up pool drain:Clean Out the Drain Grate. Turn off the pump first. ... Remove the Drain Cover. Undo the screws on the cover. ... Use a Pool Plunger. The next step is to use a plunger. ... Drain Snake. This is a tool plumbers use to clear pipes. ... Use a Drain King.
Why do pools have 2 main drains?
When constructing a new swimming pool, if you are going to use a main drain it is required that you use two. This is due to safety regulations to help prevent Main Trap Entrapment. Main drain entrapment occurs when the suction is so great through a single main drain that a person can become stuck on or in the drain.
Should my 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 many main drains should a pool have?
two main drainsEven more importantly, it mandated that all public pools and newly built residential pools should have two main drains at least three feet apart.
Why do pools have 2 main drains?
When constructing a new swimming pool, if you are going to use a main drain it is required that you use two. This is due to safety regulations to help prevent Main Trap Entrapment. Main drain entrapment occurs when the suction is so great through a single main drain that a person can become stuck on or in the drain.
Which valve is main drain in pool?
On the bottom of the float valve there is a small teardrop-shaped flap attached to the valve with a single screw. This flap is responsible for the regulation of flow between the skimmer and the main drain. If the flap is closed, the main drain is the sale port through which the water flows out of the pool.