What is the drain at the bottom of a pool for?
6 min read
Asked by: Daniel Pradhan
A main drain circulates the pool’s water by pulling water off the bottom of the pool and sending it to the filter. During winter months or periods of non-use, most pool drains do not need to be plugged, but in some cases plugging a main drain is required or recommended.
What does the bottom drain in a pool do?
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.
Do I need a drain at the bottom of my pool?
Many pools do not have them. They are not required. They might add slightly improved circulation and can be helpful for removing debris, but there are ways to counter these without the floor drain.
What are the two drains at the bottom of my pool?
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.
What is the drain at the bottom of the pool called?
main drain
Drains and Skimmer
The main drain is located on the bottom of the pool in the deepest part. Most pools have one, but larger pools may have multiple main drains. Main drains must be protected by an approved cover. Water is also pulled into the pump through one or more skimmers, located on the waterline.
Should pool main drain be open?
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 do I know if my pool bottom drain is working?
you can tell if your main drain is working by perhaps putting a leaf on it. If it sticks, its working. In any case though, the main drain is not why your pool is having a problem. It has nothing to do with your pool turning green.
Where does pool overflow drain go?
Slot Drain Systems offer a pool overflow drainage system that is installed around the rim of the pool. This drainage system helps manage and prevent water overflows in and around pools.
Where does the water go when you drain a pool?
The usual process is to direct the water into one of your home’s sewer cleanouts, but some cities allow you to drain into the street—and others have tight restrictions on when you can drain your pool.
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.
How do I clean the main drain in my pool?
- To prevent clogs from occurring in the first place, regularly remove debris from the top of the pool with the skimmer. …
- Unscrew the drain cover and place the pool plunger over the drain. …
- Pour the organic pool drain cleaner into the drain. …
- Place the drain cover back on the drain and refill the pool.
Why are there 2 holes in my pool skimmer?
A skimmer is a necessary element of keeping a pool clean. The skimmer sits at the waterline and catches leaves, bugs and trash so they do not clog the filter. Skimmers with a second hole help keep the pump from running dry if the water level is unstable.
Should pool skimmers be on all the time?
Although it’s generally recommended that all the pool water undergo filtration every 24 hours, the pump does not need to run all the time. A proactive, productive and energy-saving maintenance activity is to remove the debris floating on the pool surface with a hand-held skimmer.
Is it OK to run pool pump 24 hours a day?
A Rule of Thumb
Generally running your pool pump for 12-hours a day is a good option. This is based on the assumption that your average pool pump has a turnover rate of about 8 to 12-hours. That means that the total volume of your pool water will filter through your system 2 to 3 times per 24-hour period.
Is it better to run a pool pump at night or day?
The best time to run your pool pump is during the warmest hour of the day; however, keep in mind that this means you will have higher energy consumption, which may lead to an increase in your electric bill. If you want to save on your energy costs, you can run your pool pump at night to avoid peak hours.
How many hours a day should you run a pool pump?
approximately 8 hours a
Every pool must turn over at least once a day, so most pool pumps should run approximately 8 hours a day. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to run your pool pump consecutively. You can choose to run it for three hours in the morning before you leave for work and another 5 hours in the evening.
Do pool pumps use a lot of electricity?
Outside of the air conditioner, the pool pump is the largest electricity consumer in the average pool-containing home. According to the study, at the national average of 11.8 cents per KWh, a pool pump alone can add as much as $300 a year to an electric bill.
Should I run my pool pump when it rains?
The extra filtering will help clean out the impurities rain has introduced into your pool’s water. Pool pumps are made to withstand rain and it is beneficial to run your pump during or after rain.
How often should I put chlorine in my pool?
Shock is liquid or granular chlorine. You should add one gallon (or one pound) of shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water every week to two weeks. During hot weather or frequent use, you may need to shock more frequently.
How long can water sit in pool without chlorine?
Without Chemicals
If a parent chooses not to use chemicals in the kiddie pool, the water must be drained after the children are done using it. This should occur within 24 hours. That means the parents must go through the hassle of filling the pool with fresh water each day.
Should you shock your pool every week?
How Often Should I Shock My Pool? Shocking your pool regularly will help to keep the water clean and free of contaminants. You should aim to shock your pool about once a week, with the additional shock after heavy use. Some tell-tale signs that your pool needs to be shocked are cloudy, foamy, green, or odourous water.
