main drain worth keeping

[kmax1980]

I have a 30 year old 33x16 pool im considering a major renovation on. Currently it has 2 home run drains, the skimmer and the main drain in the floor of the deep-end.

A couple of the companies I have spoken to have recommended to abandon the main drain in the remodeling and to replace it with a couple of side suction lines. Is this common practice nowadays? The reasons they cited were that 1) safety of not being able to isolate 100% suction to the main drain and 2) the potential for difficult leaks around the main drain.

Curious to your thoughts on this.

 

[PoolGate]

I would not get rid of a working main drain. I use mine all the time. I would certainly never add side suction either.

 

[pjt]

A main drain is like the intestinal appendix: it doesn't really do anything, has the potential to cause severe problems, and you can live just fine without it. My pool was built without a main drain and I'm very happy with that decision. Zero entrapment risk, zero plumbing leak risk, and maximum skimmer suction.

Main drains don't do much for the average pool. I would definitely suggest two skimmers. Main drain is optional and up to you.

Is a main pool drain necessary ?

We had our pool remodeled due to cracks in the wall/leaking. A pool within a pool was constructed. All new filtration, skimmer, pumps, bubblers, heater/chiller. Pool equipment was removed from one side of the house and new equipment/plumbing installed on the opposite side. We began filling...

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