Why would you design a pool like this?

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atkinew0

New member
Apr 1, 2024
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memphis tn
I am new pool owner trying to partially drain and refill my pool to lower CYA so I don't need so much chlorine for a SLAM. CYA is around 60 - 80ppm right now and the pool is green.

Here is the intake side labeled with what I've found:
https://imgur.com/a/X8AlXQD

What I can't figure out is why someone would design a pool like this. I can turn off the right skimmer, turn off the main drain, but cannot turn off the left skimmer and just pump from the main drain. How am I supposed to drain the pool? It has a sand filter with waste line, so it seems like a huge waste to not make the pool able to drain itself. Do I need to add a valve to turn off both skimmers or can I just plug one with a rubber plug?
 
atkinew0 said:
How am I supposed to drain the pool?
Click to expand...
Plug the left skimmer with a gizzmo or an expandable rubber plug. Then when you close the right skimmer it only pulls from the drain.

If you're ever feeling adventurous, add a 3 way valve at the left skimmer T.

Screenshot_20240404_141720_Chrome.jpg
 
atkinew0 said:
I am new pool owner trying to partially drain and refill my pool to lower CYA so I don't need so much chlorine for a SLAM. CYA is around 60 - 80ppm right now and the pool is green.

Here is the intake side labeled with what I've found:
https://imgur.com/a/X8AlXQD

What I can't figure out is why someone would design a pool like this. I can turn off the right skimmer, turn off the main drain, but cannot turn off the left skimmer and just pump from the main drain. How am I supposed to drain the pool? It has a sand filter with waste line, so it seems like a huge waste to not make the pool able to drain itself. Do I need to add a valve to turn off both skimmers or can I just plug one with a rubber plug?
Click to expand...
A safer way to drain is to just get a sump pump. That way you don’t go inside to get something to drink and then three hours later forget it and realize your pump is burned out because it went dry.
 
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Newdude said:
Plug the left skimmer with a gizzmo or an expandable rubber plug. Then when you close the right skimmer it only pulls from the drain.

If you're ever feeling adventurous, add a 3 way valve at the left skimmer T.

View attachment 562328
Click to expand...
Ok great I will try to find an expandable rubber plug. So that would ensure the pump does not run dry and only pulls from the main drain, assuming it fits snugly?

I like the valve idea but will have to go on the list of long term projects, and thanks for the diagram.
 
Correct. If the skimmer pipe is threaded, a gizmo would make a better seal with some Teflon tape IMO. Or. Less likely to shift or pop out at least.

atkinew0 said:
Ok, there is a huge range of prices in pumps, would any sump pump work or do they have to be extra heavy duty to run continuously?
Click to expand...
They're all meant to run. The 1.6 HP pumps are $83 on Amazon and will move close to 5k GPH when paired with a 1.5 inch hose.
 
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Newdude said:
Correct. If the skimmer pipe is threaded, a gizmo would make a better seal with some Teflon tape IMO. Or. Less likely to shift or pop out at least.


They're all meant to run. The 1.6 HP pumps are $83 on Amazon and will move close to 5k GPH when paired with a 1.5 inch hose.
Click to expand...
Is it safe to have such a pump run at max capacity for a long time? or is it just better to play it safe and upgrade to a more powerful pump, I was thinking of at least 2HP
 
Poline101 said:
Is it safe to have such a pump run at max capacity for a long time?
Click to expand...
Yes. Pumps are designed to run. Commercial pumps that never shut off run for literal decades. It's mostly accepted that the start/stop is more harmful, particularly for any pump with electronics. Those who object mostly say that while true, it's still good for 10000 cycles and effectively is not a problem. Lol.

For a cheap submersible pump, siting for months at a time will be it's downfall, either from seals drying out or corrosion of the internals IMO.
Poline101 said:
I was thinking of at least 2HP
Click to expand...
You need great drainage with a bigger pump. I have a wide open yard that mostly slopes towards a farm behind me and still get a big puddle for a day if I drain a few inches. Yesterday for example draining the big storm water off with the ground already saturated, I expect the puddle to still be there after work today. Lol.
 
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