Full Answer
Where is the main drain in a swimming pool?
The main drain in a swimming pool is located at the bottom of the pool (the lowest point). During normal operation, it draws in water from the bottom of the pool to be passed through the filtration system as part of the daily cleaning cycle. It can also be used in combination with the pool pump to empty the pool completely if necessary.
What is the difference between a skimmer and a main drain?
In fact, the skimmer and your pool’s main drain work together to keep your pool water circulating, healthy, and clean. Your pool’s skimmer gets a lot of air time, but the main drain is the primary way that water is drawn from your pool into the pump and filter.
What does a diverter valve do on a pool skimmer?
If the pool water level drops below the bottom of the skimmer opening a diverter valve in the skimmer operates and pool water is pulled from the main drain pipe so that the pump doesn’t run dry and become damaged. See my post Why are there two holes at the bottom of a pool skimmer for more information. Where is the pool main drain valve?
How many drains do I need for a swimming pool?
New residential swimming pool code requires two main drains to be installed into the pool bottom, at least 5′ apart, and to also have these dome-shaped covers over their main drains. During this liner renovation the homeowner did decide to change from 1 main drain to 2 for a safer and more efficient pool
Where is the main drain in a 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. Some residential pools do not have main drains, ...
What is the pump in a pool?
Your pool has a circulation pump that is responsible for moving pool water throughout the circulation system, (this is not to be confused with auxiliary pumps such as cleaner booster pumps, jet pumps, waterfall pumps, etc.). Water is drawn in from the pools outlets into the front of the pump, through the hair/lint trap, ...
How does a pool sanitizer feeder work?
Your pool may have an automatic chlorinator/brominator attached to the circulation system. Pool water is directed through the feeder where sanitizer is eroded into the pool water and sent back to the pool. The feeder should have a metering valve that adjusts the rate sanitizer is added to the pool. Refer to the owners manual for operating instructions. Caution: During normal use chlorinators and brominators will build up concentrated fumes within the tank body. After opening the feeder for servicing, back away and allow these concentrated fumes to disperse before continuing. The only maintenance is to lubricate any cover o-rings with a non-petroleum based lubricant and add chlorine/bromine tablets as necessary.
How does a pool pump work?
Water is drawn in from the pools outlets into the front of the pump, through the hair/lint trap, through the pumping chamber and out the top of the pool pump on its way to the filter. Two important things with pool pumps. First never run the pump without having the hair/lint trap basket securely in place. The trap basket collects all large debris ...
What is the circulation system in a pool?
Your pool’s circulation system is the elements of your pool that take water from the pool, filter it, heat it, and return the water back to the pool. We’ll go over each of these elements and describe how they function and what you need to do with them.
How does a Polaris pool cleaner work?
The pump draws water from the pool circulation plumbing and pushes it back to the pool via the dedicated cleaner line to which the automatic cleaner is connected. There is virtually no maintenance with this pump however it must not be turned on unless the pool circulation pump is running; the booster pump is not self priming and depends on the circulation pump to prime it and keep it primed.
Where does pool water come from?
Pool water comes from the circulation pump into the filter where small debris particles are removed, and then goes on to the heater or back to the pool. There are three types of filters, sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth. Sand filters are the most common due to their ease of cleaning and low maintenance.
