i prefer using a separate pump usually for draining, but most main drains are only tied in with the deep end skimmer so what might work better is plugging the shallow skimmer with a rubber or threaded plug to have more dedicated suction to one skimmer (the deep end one). The shallow skimmer most likely is plugged from the bottom on the front hole since they are usually not tied directly into the main drain but are still tied in with the other skimmer (back hole). hope this helps for any future troubleshooting problems, this also helps if you are trying to get more dedicated suction from either skimmer
Thank you for the enlightenment! I'm currently working on a pool with these Pantair skimmers.This pool is obviously missing these float valves but it is a rather unique setup if you think about it. I was wondering how the main drains functioned and didnt realize there were parts missing. As for yor problems of inadequate drain and air leakage, I believe the problem you are experiencing is a cracked return line. I know one if my lines is cracked (as was rhe skimmee) and as a result, my pump keeps drawing air the the ceacked return line. Use a endiscope or pool stethoscope to check your lines. I bet money theres a crack fouling up the process.
I had the exact same problem today. In the beginning I was drawing water from the main drain but then the float valve would float up and then sink back down. As the pool got more empty ( after draining about 2 feet of water out) I was having a real hard time drawing water from the main drain. I have a submercible water pump but it pumps so slow, that's why I was hoping to use the pool pump to drain the pool down for winterization. I can't any video that explains why we are having this problem of draining the pool from the main drain!
Take your Polaris Vacuum out of the pool , turn on the filter pump to drain water out of the pool, that's what I did and it worked. I don't use the Skimmer Diverter anymore because it does not really work. Hope this would help!
If you would've took the water hose and slowly add water to your skimmer while pumping out your pool, that works just fine. It'll eliminate any and all air getting to the pump.
Yes I was Felix. Slightly miscalculated first time. Basic concept is drain 50% and refill to reduce your CYA by 50%. My pool was a non uniform shape with graded depth so I underestimated first time and had to redo partial drain twice (waste of water). So better to overshoot with single pool drain.
Float values are never going to create a air tight seal AFTER the pump as shut off. The way they're supposed to work is once the pump is circulating, if the pool water is low, there's a chance the skimmer will become starved of water, in this instance, the valve will do it's job because the pump is already primed and the suction force will pull that float valve down hard and ever if there are minor air leaks, the prime will not be lost. Once the pump loses prime, you can't expect the float valve to form a perfect seal. One method is to insert a hose directly into the suction port in the skimmer and drop it to the bottom of the pool. Another method is to create a short hose that directly connect the drain suction port to the pump port inside the skimmer but even then, you may need to attempt prime for a while because there's a good chance the hoses will leak at the fittings. A utility pump should be the last restort because you'll be looking at 3 days of pool draining whereas the pump can do it in probably 3 to 4 hours or less.
i prefer using a separate pump usually for draining, but most main drains are only tied in with the deep end skimmer so what might work better is plugging the shallow skimmer with a rubber or threaded plug to have more dedicated suction to one skimmer (the deep end one). The shallow skimmer most likely is plugged from the bottom on the front hole since they are usually not tied directly into the main drain but are still tied in with the other skimmer (back hole). hope this helps for any future troubleshooting problems, this also helps if you are trying to get more dedicated suction from either skimmer
I don't have a second skimmer only one deep end skimmer and I'm having the same problem as this guy.
Thank you for the enlightenment! I'm currently working on a pool with these Pantair skimmers.This pool is obviously missing these float valves but it is a rather unique setup if you think about it. I was wondering how the main drains functioned and didnt realize there were parts missing. As for yor problems of inadequate drain and air leakage, I believe the problem you are experiencing is a cracked return line. I know one if my lines is cracked (as was rhe skimmee) and as a result, my pump keeps drawing air the the ceacked return line. Use a endiscope or pool stethoscope to check your lines. I bet money theres a crack fouling up the process.
interesting set up you have on your main drains tied into skimmer. I have a dedicated main pool drain for my system separate from skimmers.
I have the same crumby set up. It stinks!
I had the exact same problem today. In the beginning I was drawing water from the main drain but then the float valve would float up and then sink back down. As the pool got more empty ( after draining about 2 feet of water out) I was having a real hard time drawing water from the main drain. I have a submercible water pump but it pumps so slow, that's why I was hoping to use the pool pump to drain the pool down for winterization. I can't any video that explains why we are having this problem of draining the pool from the main drain!
I thought I was the only one that uses a rock to keep a skimmer lid down!
Take your Polaris Vacuum out of the pool , turn on the filter pump to drain water out of the pool, that's what I did and it worked. I don't use the Skimmer Diverter anymore because it does not really work. Hope this would help!
I'll give that a try! Thanks for the tip
If you would've took the water hose and slowly add water to your skimmer while pumping out your pool, that works just fine. It'll eliminate any and all air getting to the pump.
^This
Good to know!
What was the outcome of your cya? I’m on the same boat currently. Were you able to get it down to 32ppm?
Yes I was Felix. Slightly miscalculated first time. Basic concept is drain 50% and refill to reduce your CYA by 50%. My pool was a non uniform shape with graded depth so I underestimated first time and had to redo partial drain twice (waste of water). So better to overshoot with single pool drain.
When draining do you leave both holes open on your skimmer or do you leave it in the vacuum mode
Yes. Left both holes open
Kyou for the info
Thank-you for the info
Float values are never going to create a air tight seal AFTER the pump as shut off. The way they're supposed to work is once the pump is circulating, if the pool water is low, there's a chance the skimmer will become starved of water, in this instance, the valve will do it's job because the pump is already primed and the suction force will pull that float valve down hard and ever if there are minor air leaks, the prime will not be lost. Once the pump loses prime, you can't expect the float valve to form a perfect seal.
One method is to insert a hose directly into the suction port in the skimmer and drop it to the bottom of the pool. Another method is to create a short hose that directly connect the drain suction port to the pump port inside the skimmer but even then, you may need to attempt prime for a while because there's a good chance the hoses will leak at the fittings.
A utility pump should be the last restort because you'll be looking at 3 days of pool draining whereas the pump can do it in probably 3 to 4 hours or less.
Got it. Very useful info. Thank you
How do you vacuum your pool?