Plumbing - what is this?

[eli.d]

We are not the original owners of this pool, but have been caring for it successfully for about 9 years. We received a crash course from previous owners. 4 returns, no main drain, two skimmers.

We do not know what this spigot is or what happens if we turn it. We have bubbles in our return and are trying to determine where the air comes in the system at. This thing scares us. I can't remember why it is wrapped in electrical tape.[emoji15]

First picture is a closeup. Second shows its placement in the system.

Thanks in advance for any clues you can give me!

 

[jblizzle]

Welcome to TFP!!!

I assume the 2 red valves are for each of the skimmers. The valve in question is a 3rd suction line, but no idea what it would be for ... too small to be used for a vacuum.

That valve could certainly be the source of the air being sucked into the system. Likely the tape was a poor attempt to stop that.

 

[eli.d]

Thanks! And thanks for the forum. We have struggled needlessly in the past. That's correct, the red valves correspond with our skimmers. A few pool guys have commented over the years about the lack of a main drain...would this line possibly be for adding that after the fact? If it is the source of the leak, would there be anything wrong with capping it?

 

[Poolguy1]

Is there actually a spigot on there? I dont see one. Might be a gate valve? Can't tell from photo's. Id go ahead and get it changed out.

 

[Donny]

Is there actually a spigot on there? I dont see one. Might be a gate valve? Can't tell from photo's. Id go ahead and get it changed out.

Sure looks like a gate valve to me. I would unwrap the black tape or whatever covering it is and have a look.

 

[jblizzle]

No way that small pipe would have been for a floor drain.

I think I would try opening the valve and see what happens. But on the suction side, you may not be able to see anything happen.

Can you add a few pictures of the rest of the equipment and the pool?

Please add your pool details to your signature as described HERE as it will help us help you.

 

[Poolguy1]

Its small Enough to be a fill line? Not where I'd place it. However turn the system off and open the valve and see if you can hear water.

 

[eli.d]

Additional pictures and a few details added to my signature.

 

[jblizzle]

I can not think of what it could be for. A fill line would be really odd to be plumbed like that.

Are there any fittings in the pool that do not seem to do anything? It could have previously been a pipe that was for a pressure side cleaner ... that was then re-plumbed into a suction line.

 

[Divin Dave]

Well thats wierd. What could it be?

 

[Patrick_B]

How odd, but now it makes me very curious.

 

[JasonLion]

My guess is either a fill line, or an old pressure side cleaner line that someone tried to covert to a suction side cleaner line.