I have 2 skimmer valves and a main drain valve on my system. Is it ok to close or partially close the skimmer valves so there is more suction for the drains? When I sweep the bottom of the pool, it stirs up fine particles of sand or dust that I want to get into the drains and into the filter.
Closing skimmer valves prior to brushing pool floor?
- Thread starter txborn
- Start date
I do this a few times a year if I need to do a thorough cleaning of the pool floor. My main drain also has a "skimmer" type basket. I only do it when I dont have swimmers in the pool to be safe. Just check your pressure readings at your filter if you feel the need.
Thanks for the reply. I will keep an eye on the filter gauge as I close skimmer valves.
Don't be surprised....your pressure will drop. No problem, tho, your pump simply has less to do since it can't intake as much water as it would like.
By the way the post and responses are worded it sounds like something you shouldn't be doing on a regular basis.
I thought the skimmers are just for getting surface debris out before it gets water logged and falls to the floor.
I am assuming that the precautions are for strong HP pumps not to create too much suction to trap someone. But wouldn't dual drains prevent this from happening?
I usually have my skimmers off due to having a solar blanket on during the day in the winter. I have a 2spd and always use low speed. I would think I should not have any issues, or do I?
I thought the skimmers are just for getting surface debris out before it gets water logged and falls to the floor.
I am assuming that the precautions are for strong HP pumps not to create too much suction to trap someone. But wouldn't dual drains prevent this from happening?
I usually have my skimmers off due to having a solar blanket on during the day in the winter. I have a 2spd and always use low speed. I would think I should not have any issues, or do I?
i close both my skimmers and have no main drain, and i use the vac port. gives me a ton of suction .
Update: I closed both skimmers and couldn't believe what came into the filter basket from the main drains 
Pieces of concrete, rocks and small stones from the Stonescapes pebble finish. No change in pressure on the filter. Going to have to clean out the pump basket now.
Pieces of concrete, rocks and small stones from the Stonescapes pebble finish. No change in pressure on the filter. Going to have to clean out the pump basket now.