close off main drain to replace diverter valve when gravity is working against us.

[pypeke]

I have an in ground vinyl liner pool that was built on the side of a hill. The pipes come out of the pool at the bottom of the pool side. So gravity was working for us because the pipes come out and go straight into the pump then filter and back up to the pool. The pipes are basically on level with the main drain. The skimmer is about 7 ft above the pump and filter.

The gravity system worked well until the lake flooded the pump and diverter valve. The water stayed over the top of the pump for 3 weeks so we had to buy a new pump. We moved the new pump from below the deck (even with bottom of pool) to above on the pool deck (about 7 ft higher elevation). The new pump sits about 18" above the pool surface.

Because the 3 way diverter valve for the skimmer and main drain is still down below we can't figure out how to install a new one without draining the entire pool. The old valve is a Compool and is leaking. I know we can plug the skimmer and return lines, but how do we keep the pool from draining when we take off the old valve to replace it?

Also which diverter valve do we need...positive or negative? We are looking at the Never Lubes.

So how do we cut off the old diverter valve without draining the entire pool? As soon as we start cutting the pvc pipe to take off the old valve, the water is going to start rushing out because the main drain will be open. How can we shut off the main drain?
Thanks

 

[Richard320]

Someone gets to dive down and unscrew the drain cover. Then cram something -- a winterizing plug, a tennis ball, a potato, what-have you -- into the pipe.

You might also be able to slow it some by laying a rubber floor mat over the drain cover and weighting it down with a bucket full of rocks or bricks.

I'm not sure how well it will work on large diameter pipes, nut it's common enough when working with 1/2" copper to pack the pipe with wadded-up wonder bread before soldering fittings. Then when the water pressure comes back on, the goo dissolves and gets flushed out.

 

[pypeke]

I knew I should have learned to scuba!

We can't stay submerged long enough to unscrew the drain cover! We keep floating back up.

I guess I could send my husband down to the main and I could stand on him....

Somehow, I can't see him agreeing to that. I can't imagine why.

 

[JohnT]

I used a rubber feed pan cable-tied to the end of my cleaning pole on mine. It covered the drain and sealed the pool like a stopper.

 

[jasong]

Can you rebuild it? Going to get blasted pretty good with water but a 5 minute rebuild shouldnt drain the pool. Matt the drain to reduce flow bedt you can and rebuild

 

[pypeke]

I am not sure if we can do that since the new valves and pipes need time so the glue will set. I am not sure how much time that would take.

We need to put a cut off valve before the diverter valve in case we ever have to do this again.

I found a pool store owner who said he might be able to use scuba gear. No telling how much that will cost us. I am sure he will want to be the one to do all the plumbing too.

Well, at least it will be easier the next time. Maybe we can come up with something like the feed pan idea. I am not sure what that is.

Thanks

 

[Richard320]

I am not sure if we can do that since the new valves and pipes need time so the glue will set. I am not sure how much time that would take.

We need to put a cut off valve before the diverter valve in case we ever have to do this again.

I found a pool store owner who said he might be able to use scuba gear. No telling how much that will cost us. I am sure he will want to be the one to do all the plumbing too.

Well, at least it will be easier the next time. Maybe we can come up with something like the feed pan idea. I am not sure what that is.

Thanks

If you block the drain with a plastic pan or rubber floor mat it will reduce the flow to a trickle. Then you pack it with windor bread to stop the trickle. Glue up your valve. Remove the covering with the valve open and it should flush out the gooey bread. If not, poke at it with a coat hanger. Once it's all flushed out, close the valve and work at your leisure.

 

[pypeke]

I am not sure I am understanding what you mean by plastic pan.

With the pump off .... I should put a plastic pan or rubber floor mat on top of the main drain? What keeps it from floating off?

What exactly am I stuffing with bread to stop the trickle? The ball valve? Open the ball valve so the bread comes out?

How long does it take for the glue to dry?

Once the ball valve is done and the bread is out, then install a jandy valve?

Positive? non-positive? no lube?



Did I get it right? thanks.

- - - Updated - - -

I missed the part about the bucket of rocks.

 

[pypeke]

Main Drain Suction Mat (125) - INYOPools.com

I just found this...Main Drain Suction Mat. Maybe it will slow the water down.

 

[Richard320]

Cover the drain to slow the flow. Cut the pipe. pack the pipe with the bread goo. Do what you have to do about gluing a gate valve on. When it's cured, you pull the mat and let the water pressure push out the bread gunk. Then you shut the valve off and continue with the rest of the plumbing repairs. I can't make it any simpler.

 

[pypeke]

Yes, that is what I understood. It was just the sentence where you were talking about covering the main drain. Then the next sentence said to stuff IT with bread. I thought you meant the cut pipe, but wanted to clarify that you didn't mean the main drain.

Thanks for your help.