How do I know if I need a Pentair Equalizer or a Float Valve Assembly for my skimmer?

[bob66k88]

I have an in ground pool that's about 40 years old - with a main drain that will be converted to a channel drain based on current city safety codes while my pool is re-plastered. My original device is not working properly.

I bought a Float Valve Assembly but it looks different than my original device.
Also it comes with no instructions, but has 2 o-rings, one large & small which is in the assembly, but not attached to anything.
I have no idea what to do with the o-rings, if this device is what I need.

Or so I need to return it & purchase an equalizer?

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Do you have the option of blocking off the drain completely? Main drains are generally not needed in swimming pools. They do add a little bit of circulation but are not effective for cleaning. You're better off utilizing a suction cleaner or robot. If it were my pool and I had that option, I wouldn't pay the extra money to have the main drain retrofitted.

That aside, the diverter float valve has two purposes. When water level gets too low, the float will fall and block off suction from the skimmer. All suction will be directed from the bottom drain. It also allows you to balance suction between the bottom drain and skimmer. 

if you do decide to utilize the current device, you should post some photos of the device and the bottom of the skimmer with the basket removed.

By the way, welcome to TFP!

 

[bob66k88]

Thanks for your response.

When re-plastering my pool, the city requires a permit, plans & the installation of a channel drain to replace the existing main drain.
Splitting a main drain only (Copper or PVC) in pool. Includes demo, trenching, backfill, and pressure test. Includes 2 drain covers
City requires to code compliance to have the main drain split to safety codes

I will post pictures later.

 

[wireform]

Thanks for your response.

When re-plastering my pool, the city requires a permit, plans & the installation of a channel drain to replace the existing main drain.
Splitting a main drain only (Copper or PVC) in pool. Includes demo, trenching, backfill, and pressure test. Includes 2 drain covers
City requires to code compliance to have the main drain split to safety codes

I will post pictures later.

What your saying is correct but @Rancho Cost-a-Lotta is saying if you plug the main drain then you won't need to do anything else like make a channel drain.

 

[Lake Placid]

Main drain retro is for suction entrapment/VGBA compliance. Is there no code callout for skimmer entrapment relief devices? Would there be if you permanently blocked the main drain?

 

[wireform]

Main drain retro is for suction entrapment/VGBA compliance. Is there no code callout for skimmer entrapment relief devices? Would there be if you permanently blocked the main drain?

Probably not as why is it different then a pool that has only one skimmer. Skimmers don't have the same dangers as an open floor grate.

 

[Jimrahbe]

When re-plastering my pool, the city requires a permit, plans & the installation of a channel drain to replace the existing main drain.
Splitting a main drain only (Copper or PVC) in pool. Includes demo, trenching, backfill, and pressure test. Includes 2 drain covers
City requires to code compliance to have the main drain split to safety codes

Bob,

This is normally only a requirement for HOA pools or public pools.. Many pool plaster installers mislead the home owner into believing this also applies to residential pools..

I suggest that you contact the city directly to ensure it really applies to your pool. If so, find out if you can just eliminate the main drain instead..

Also.. Given the option of adding a channel, or just plugging the main drain and plastering over it.. I would pick plugging the drain.. You don't need it and it is just a waste of your money.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Lake Placid]

New builds by code here require skimmer relief devices…even with multiple skims/main drains. Just wondering if closing off a main in a retrofit would trigger skims to potentially need reliefs in a retrofit.

Jim makes a great point. Definitely worth the call to confirm with those tasked at enforcing code.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Bob,

The more I think about this, the worse it gets...

It makes sense to me that if you were going to 'remodel' your pool, the city would need plans..

But... if all you are going to do is re-plaster, I find it hard to believe that you would need plans..

I also suspect that adding a channel drain is a 'remodel'.. So.. the plaster people tell you need a channel drain, then they get to sell you the work to install a channel drain, plus all the engineering work to get the permit from the city..

I get a bad smell from this one...

Please follow up with the city... And, let us know what you find.. Maybe everything is on the up and up, but better to make sure.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[DrewLG]

I bought a Float Valve Assembly but it looks different than my original device.

Photos of the skimmer and the old and new devices might make clear whether the new one is correct for your pool.

Also it comes with no instructions, but has 2 o-rings, one large & small which is in the assembly, but not attached to anything.
I have no idea what to do with the o-rings, if this device is what I need.

There's a float rattling around inside the assembly. The small O-ring fits into a groove under that float, so it will seal watertight when it stops floating.

But the assembly itself also needs to seal watertight to the floor of the skimmer, so the big O-ring fits into a groove under the assembly to accomplish that.

 

[PoolStored]

Photos of the skimmer and the old and new devices might make clear whether the new one is correct for your pool.

And, look under the skimmer cover for a skimmer part #...that would help.