Changed the skimmer years ago and it did not allow adjustment of suction between the top and bottom of the pool, it acted more like an equalizer if anything... Finally broke down and replumbed everything with valves that allow water to be drawn from top, bottom or both, and I usually leave it set for "both".... Immediately started to notice less dirt on the bottom and quicker recovery from an upset where the water has gone cloudy for whatever reason.... A main drain is a MUST HAVE.
What I used to do with my cette main drain is brush all the settled sediment at the bottom of the pool towards the center and leave it on full main drain for a few hours then switch the valve back to skimmer. Hardly ever had to vacuum despite being close to quite a few trees.
Hi Chad, thanks for putting up all these videos, but I didn't see any mention of the safety regulations (Virginia Graham Baker) related to proper setup and configuration of main drains to limit entrapment dangers. I am not sure if the laws are federal or state. I have heard several different approaches but not sure what is considered minimally safe by law. Two main drains rather than one, so if one is obstructed the other acts as intake relieving suction. Anti-entrapment grates and electronic sensing and motor shutoff are also other features I have heard about.
1 have 2 main drains that T on a 18 ft above ground pool. But can't get it to start sucking again cause I pulled the plug on the bucket on the pump too early and the suction stopped. I tried putting water back in the line and even filling the hose up with water and air tight then seeing if it would siphon. Start!! But that didn't work I'm wondering if I have my 3way valve on wrong setting? And does water need to be put back in the basket on the pump too for that line? Hope I'm making sense. It's hard to explain in a text. PLEASE HELP ME. 🙏🏻 I USE THIS POOL FOR AQUATICA THERAPY FROM BRAIN SURGERY.
I NEED HELP I PULLED THE PLUG OUT OF MY PUMP BASKET AND IT STOPPED MY 2 MAIN DRAINS FROM SUCKING OUT WATER. IM STUCK WITH 2FEET OF WATER AND DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I HAVE BRAIN CANCER AND MEMORY LOSS. I FORGOT WHAT TO DO ON HOW TO GET IT GOING AGAIN. I DONT HAVE ANY TREES OR HEAVY DEBREE. HOW DO I GET IT SUCKING ON WASTE AGAIN??.
hi im going to replace my liner on a15x30 above ground pool have heard about the main drain just want to now how far shound it be installed my pump is on one end of the long side or the 30 foot end and how big should the pump be its 48 inches tall
+Victor Garza the main drain will have to be positioned in the center of the pool and the distance to the pump will fall as it is. I prefer at least a 1 & a half horsepower pump.
My pool guy closed off the main drain of my in ground pool because of pipe damage (crack+leak)then removed all the pipe to the pump so I only have skimmer for 17,000gal pool! I'm really unhappy! Re: water circulation at the 12 foot depth!
There is a compressor fitting which attaches to where the main drain pipe comes above ground by your filter. These fittings are usually sold in kits. You pump air into the piping until you see bubbles coming from the main drain and that's practically all.
@@dannyc4419 Dont get this. Does the main drain have a valve at the bottom of the pool? Because I close pool with 3/4 water remaining. So, are you saying a valve at the point where the main drain comes out of the ground. We still have a 36" frost line to deal with.
Changed the skimmer years ago and it did not allow adjustment of suction between the top and bottom of the pool, it acted more like an equalizer if anything...
Finally broke down and replumbed everything with valves that allow water to be drawn from top, bottom or both, and I usually leave it set for "both".... Immediately started to notice less dirt on the bottom and quicker recovery from an upset where the water has gone cloudy for whatever reason.... A main drain is a MUST HAVE.
What I used to do with my cette main drain is brush all the settled sediment at the bottom of the pool towards the center and leave it on full main drain for a few hours then switch the valve back to skimmer. Hardly ever had to vacuum despite being close to quite a few trees.
You had me at 1:58. Less cleaning? Oh yea! Just happen to have 2 pumps & filters so full suction top & bottom
What about for more efficient heating of the water if you have a heater.
Little more trouble to winterize a pool with a main drain also. Need to use a compressor to blow the water out of the line to create an air lock.
Hi Chad, thanks for putting up all these videos, but I didn't see any mention of the safety regulations (Virginia Graham Baker) related to proper setup and configuration of main drains to limit entrapment dangers. I am not sure if the laws are federal or state. I have heard several different approaches but not sure what is considered minimally safe by law. Two main drains rather than one, so if one is obstructed the other acts as intake relieving suction. Anti-entrapment grates and electronic sensing and motor shutoff are also other features I have heard about.
It may sound like a simple solution, but if you are using the main drain for cleansing purposes, just turn it off when people are swimming. Duh.
1 have 2 main drains that T on a 18 ft above ground pool. But can't get it to start sucking again cause I pulled the plug on the bucket on the pump too early and the suction stopped. I tried putting water back in the line and even filling the hose up with water and air tight then seeing if it would siphon. Start!! But that didn't work I'm wondering if I have my 3way valve on wrong setting? And does water need to be put back in the basket on the pump too for that line? Hope I'm making sense. It's hard to explain in a text. PLEASE HELP ME. 🙏🏻 I USE THIS POOL FOR AQUATICA THERAPY FROM BRAIN SURGERY.
I NEED HELP I PULLED THE PLUG OUT OF MY PUMP BASKET AND IT STOPPED MY 2 MAIN DRAINS FROM SUCKING OUT WATER. IM STUCK WITH 2FEET OF WATER AND DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I HAVE BRAIN CANCER AND MEMORY LOSS. I FORGOT WHAT TO DO ON HOW TO GET IT GOING AGAIN. I DONT HAVE ANY TREES OR HEAVY DEBREE. HOW DO I GET IT SUCKING ON WASTE AGAIN??.
Main drain great nobody's getting sucked in not enough power not commercial pool
Firm believer in a main drain.
Curious, how does one protect the main drain line from freezing?
Wrap the pipe with heat tape
@@abovegroundpros If the drain is below frost line (3') it shouldn't freeze.
I was referring more to the pipe that comes out of the ground that attaches to the skimmer and pump
@@abovegroundpros oh yes. Could be a problem.
Non toxic antifreeze for pools. Fill the pipe till you see it rising out of the bottom drain.
GREAT explanation!! Thanks.
So if I have a skimmer that is 40 gpm and a main drain that is 40 gpm, I should have a pump that does 80+ gpm if I want to run both at the same time?
Yes
Exactly what i needed to know. Thank you brother
hi im going to replace my liner on a15x30 above ground pool have heard about the main drain just want to now how far shound it be installed my pump is on one end of the long side or the 30 foot end and how big should the pump be its 48 inches tall
+Victor Garza the main drain will have to be positioned in the center of the pool and the distance to the pump will fall as it is. I prefer at least a 1 & a half horsepower pump.
My MD is plugged :(
Good🤣
Would you put a main drain in a semi unground pool?
I wouldn't really matter if the pool was inground or not. It doesn't relate to that, it relates to water circulation.
Thank you didn't know how much harder it would be to get the water out with it in ground. Love all your videos!
My pool guy closed off the main drain of my in ground pool because of pipe damage (crack+leak)then removed all the pipe to the pump so I only have skimmer for 17,000gal pool! I'm really unhappy! Re: water circulation at the 12 foot depth!
Not good... I would want it repaired correctly and returned to service
how do you winterize maindrain in above ground pool
There is a compressor fitting which attaches to where the main drain pipe comes above ground by your filter. These fittings are usually sold in kits. You pump air into the piping until you see bubbles coming from the main drain and that's practically all.
Can also put pink plumbers antifreeze in the line until you see it appear at the drain and leave it at that.
@@REWYRED this will be my third closing using pool antifreeze it has worked great so far. Thank you..
@@dannyc4419 Right on good to hear!
@@dannyc4419 Dont get this. Does the main drain have a valve at the bottom of the pool? Because I close pool with 3/4 water remaining. So, are you saying a valve at the point where the main drain comes out of the ground. We still have a 36" frost line to deal with.
I want one
Do it, I put two in last year and I just opened it and put them on for the first time. It is awesome!
@@thepelletcooker5118 how do you winterize maindrain in above ground pool
Scary stuff
Tabian. Man ka
1. Go study hydrolics. 2. Why risk entrapment of MD? Clogged skimmer. & pony tail.. A heartbreaker waiting to happen.
New designs don't cause entrapment.