Draining pool from main drain

[15 Markham Drive]

Where do I point the handles in order to drain the pool from the main drain?

 

[PoolStored]

First picture, handle facing to 9 o'clock.
See where it says "off" on the tab on the handle? That is where the gate is. So handle at 3 o'clock, tab with "off" at 9 o'clock means main drain is off.
When handle at 9 o'clock and tab with "off" at 3 o'clock, skimmer is off.

 

[TinFoilHat]

It's not recommended to do it that way because of the wear and tear on your pump. If you are draining the whole pool then renting a pump from Home Depot will work best for you. Tell us why you are draining to begin with.

 

[15 Markham Drive]

It's not recommended to do it that way because of the wear and tear on your pump. If you are draining the whole pool then renting a pump from Home Depot will work best for you. Tell us why you are draining to begin with.

I only need to drain a foot below the skimmer for to a nitrate problem

 

[PoolStored]

I only need to drain a foot below the skimmer for to a nitrate problem

Nitrates are not a problem. It doesn't matter what the nitrate level is. How are you measuring nitrates and why do you think it is importamt?