Should I keep my main drain valve open??

[bradj]

My pool has a 3HP Intelliflow VS pump. I have dedicated piping for the main drain and each skimmer. My pool builder said I should keep the main drain valve 100% open and the two skimmer valves about 50% open. When the pool runs in pool mode(1800 rpm) I get almost no visible draw into the skimmers. When the pool runs in clean mode(3000 rpm) I can see a little bit of draw coming from the skimmers but not enough to draw floating debris into them.

I can shutoff the main drain and get tons of suction into the skimmers to pull in debris. How important is it to keep the main drain open during routine cleaning cycles? My thought is that its better to continue to draw debris into the skimmers instead of letting it sink and wait for the robot to suck it up.

Thoughts on the best way to keep the valves set.

Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

I'm with you. I'd rather pull the debris off the water before it settles if possible. For times when I might need to brush fine dust and particles along the bottom, I can always increase MD flow at that time.

 

[mas985]

+1 MDs are almost worthless for daily use.

 

[bradj]

+1 MDs are almost worthless for daily use.

Thanks - I'll probably keep it closed from now on and only open up when brushing the pool.

 

[mas985]

Just be careful brushing large debris towards the MD. It can get clogged easily and difficult to clear.

 

[bradj]

Just be careful brushing large debris towards the MD. It can get clogged easily and difficult to clear.

10-4, just bird poop

 

[Poolray]

I wish my main drain was still working. Apparently the last time the skimmer was replaced they abandoned the main drain line that ran to the bottom of the skimmer, so now its 100% surface draw. If I had say 10% flow from the MD it would pull in the random small debris and keep the water better circulated in the deep end.

 

[Silver_2000]

Keep at least partly open to avoid this