How does the bottom drain in a pool work?

During normal operation, water flows to the filtering system through two or more main drains at the bottom of the pool and multiple skimmer drains around the top of the pool. The main drains are usually located on the lowest point in the pool, so the entire pool surface slants toward them.

Should I Use main drain or skimmers?

Skimmer Vs. Drain. If the pool receives a lot of leaves and other debris, more suction may be required at the skimmer than the main drain to adequately strain debris floating on the surface. Conversely, if dirt on the bottom of the pool is the principal contaminant, more suction is required at the main drain.

Where is the skimmer valve located?

The skimmer is located immediately adjacent to the pool water inside the pool deck. There is a rectangular opening in the pool tile which leads into the skimmer and which contains the skimmer weir, a plastic door, hinged at the bottom, which prevents debris from re-entering the pool once the pump is turned off.

Why would you use recirculate on pool filter?

The recirculate setting on a swimming pool filter is actually used to bypass the filter mechanism. Recirculate allows the water to flow out of the pool and back into it again without running through the sand or diatomaceous earth in the filtration system.

When would you use recirculate on pool filter?

Recirculate – This setting is used to troubleshoot problems with the filter sand and is especially useful if you are battling an algae bloom. The water will circulate in the pool normally, but will bypass the filter sand.

How do I know if my main drain is working?

You can test if the drain is working correctly by placing a tennis ball to the skimmer hole. The ball should be large enough to cover the hole and not get sucked into the system. You can easily see if the ball gets sucked to the skimmer hole, and that is enough proof that the main drain is working correctly.

Can you run pool pump if water is below skimmer?

Priming a pump means filling the intake with water. Keeping an eye on the pool water level is a must – don’t let it drop below the skimmer opening. If the pump has no water to pull from the skimmer, it will draw air instead and lose prime which leads to running dry.

What setting should my pool filter be on when shocking?

Also, should you run your filter when you shock your pool? It’s best to run the pool filter for 6-8 hour before shock treatment, and to schedule the shock when the sun has set.

How does a pool drain switch from a skimmer?

A diverter valve switches pool suction from the skimmer to the main drain. Related Articles. Swimming pool circulation pumps draw water from the pool utilizing suction plumbed to the skimmer inlets at water level and the main drain at the pool’s bottom.

Where is the diverter valve on a skimmer?

Drawing all water through the main drain avoids sucking air into the skimmer inlet. A diverter valve is typically installed in the bottom of the skimmer box below the strainer basket. A pointer on one side of the valve indicates the setting.

When to use the valve positions on a pool filter?

It is the pool filter valve positions setting that your filter will spend most of its life on. Mostly it will be used when the pool pump runs on your timer to keep the water in the pool clean. The filter setting is also the one you will use the most when vacuuming your pool.

When do you use the filter position setting?

This setting is used to filter the water through the sand. It is the pool filter valve positions setting that your filter will spend most of its life on. Mostly it will be used when the pool pump runs on your timer to keep the water in the pool clean. The filter setting is also the one you will use the most when vacuuming your pool.

When to turn off the pool skimmer and filter?

If the heater was in operation you should wait 5-10 minutes for the heater to cool down before turning off the pool pump. Close skimmer and main drain valves. If the pool pump is located below the water level in the pool, then turn the filter valve to “closed”.

How do you clean a pool skimmer and pump?

When a steady stream of water is visible out of the air relief valve, close the valve. Turn pool cleaner pump and heater back on if desired. Turn the pool pump off. Remove skimmer lid. Remove skimmer basket and empty out. Install the basket back into the skimmer. Install skimmer lid and turn the system back on.

What should I do if I have a skimmer in my drain?

If you have a separate line for the main drain and can close it, do that. You do want to isolate the suction line if your system is set up that way. If you have more than one skimmer you want to block one of them to increase suction. Mrclean’s advice to check the impeller for debris is a good one.

How does the bottom drain in a pool work?