No Main Drain Vinyl Liner Pool

[Bradyz]

I am building a small 20' inground round pool with a 2' platform on one side and a 3' platform on the other with a depth of 52", planning on running a variable speed pump 24/7 with a SWG and Heat Pump. My pool designer has never done a pool without main drain but with what I have been reading on the forum lately it really seems like I don't need one and it would be great to avoid another potential leak point in the liner and future problems down the road. I also feel like with this size of pool I could get away with using a single skimmer since it will be covered and not near any trees or anything. Water level dropping isn't much of a concern since it is something we pay attention to and when we leave for an extended period we plan to cover the pool and run a hose from the skimmer down into the water as a safety precaution since the skimmer won't be doing anything anyway with a cover on.

Assuming the returns are placed properly to create a good flow do you guys think I will be fine with a single skimmer and no main drain?

 

[Texas Splash]

My pool is 16 x 40 with no main drain and one skimmer (on the downwind end). No problems at all.

 

[Bradyz]

My pool is 16 x 40 with no main drain and one skimmer (on the downwind end). No problems at all.

How many returns do you have in your pool?

 

[Texas Splash]

How many returns do you have in your pool?

Six. I was fortunately my pool installer gave me that much. Many others with a pool around my size only see to have 4, some less. 4 of my jets are directly across from the skimmer on the long end, and two jets are near the shallow bench areas off to the side.

Biggest thing - Be mindful of your prevailing wind direction for skimmer placement. You could have 20 jets in the pool and they won't push debris into the skimmer if the wind pushes away from the skimmer.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Brad,

You need at least 4 returns and you do not 'need' a main drain at all.

Thanks,

Jim R.