Hey all, been lurking for a while and decided to start posting some questions about a pool renovation we'd like to do in the next year.
We have a really big (perimeter = 140 linear feet), approximately 50 year old Sylvan pool that we'd like to completely renovate (plaster, coping, tile, plumbing).
It appears that the main drain for our pool was, at least partially, filled with cement by a previous owner but I don't exactly know why. There is still a valve in place that would allow me to switch from the skimmer to the drain, but of course, there's no water flow as its stopped up.
Anyway, my question is would it be worth trying to re-plumb that main drain? I've gotten 5 estimates for the renovation and only one contractor seems interested in investigating the state of the drain and trying to fix it. Everyone else basically says "don't bother" - cement over, add a second skimmer and 1 or 2 more returns to improve water circulation.
I'm sort of leaning towards just cementing over as I now main drains can be problematic, but a lot of folks in the service industry really seem to endorse them especially for larger pools.
Anyway, any input/experience/advice is appreciated. Here's a photo of the beast!
We have a really big (perimeter = 140 linear feet), approximately 50 year old Sylvan pool that we'd like to completely renovate (plaster, coping, tile, plumbing).
It appears that the main drain for our pool was, at least partially, filled with cement by a previous owner but I don't exactly know why. There is still a valve in place that would allow me to switch from the skimmer to the drain, but of course, there's no water flow as its stopped up.
Anyway, my question is would it be worth trying to re-plumb that main drain? I've gotten 5 estimates for the renovation and only one contractor seems interested in investigating the state of the drain and trying to fix it. Everyone else basically says "don't bother" - cement over, add a second skimmer and 1 or 2 more returns to improve water circulation.
I'm sort of leaning towards just cementing over as I now main drains can be problematic, but a lot of folks in the service industry really seem to endorse them especially for larger pools.
Anyway, any input/experience/advice is appreciated. Here's a photo of the beast!