Bamboo Leaves in Pool

[Rod8]

Hi All,
We recently finished our in-ground pool. We have a fence of Big bamboo trees right next to the pool and every day there are alot of leaves in the pool, skimmer and also in the basket of the pool pump. I am also concerned about the bottom drain, it sucks all the leaves from the bottom of the pool.

My question is will this be a problem for the drains, that maybe they could get clogged buy the leaves and small sticks ?
And do you know of a solution to keep them out of the drains, a skimmer basket with smaller holes or something like that ?

Please let me know,

Thank you,

 

[Texas Splash]

For the skimmer(s) use a skimmer sock. If you're not sure what those are, just google skimmer sock or search here at TFP. Those work well for just about anything really. As for the drains, that's different. Sure, the drain covers will protect from some debris, but depending on the amount of stuff you get in the pool, you may need to be more proactive to brush and scoop stuff out, or rely on your pool cleaner/robot if you have one.

 

[Rod8]

Thank you for getting back to me so fast.
I googled the Skimmer socks and i think that would be a perfect idea to catch the leaves before they go into the pipe.
But can i use the skimmer sock on the bottom/ main drain also ?
I would just wear it over the round main drain.

Have you done this before and what are your thoughts about this ?

Thank you,

 

[Texas Splash]

But can i use the skimmer sock on the bottom/ main drain also ?

No, those are just for the skimmers. But most people have the majority of water (suction) pull coming from the skimmers anyway. Water pull from the drain should be minimal (say 10% - 20%), so I would think there would be a relatively low chance of pulling large debris in through the drain cover.

 

[Rod8]

Okay i understand, I just ordered the skimmer socks.
Thank you for all the help.
Will keep you upated.

 

[Rod8]

@Texas Splash
Good morning Sir,
I have been using the skimmer socks for about 2 weeks now and it really works well with the fine bamboo leaves also with other fine debris. The only thing is that the skimmer now goes up when the pump is off and doesn't sit well again when the pump turns on. I fixed this with a weight for the skimmer basket.

Now i still have the problem that leaves go through the main drain and fill up the basket of the pump, I have 2 valves (one for the skimmer and one for the main drain) that go to the pump. They are both fully opened.
You said something about that the main drain needs to pull 10-20%, do i need to shut the valve for the main drain a little or maybe totally shut?
Also will this not cause the leaves to get stuck where the valve is half opened ?

The easiest solution i think is to have a main drain with a fine mesh or smaller holes. Is there something like this, i cant find this online.

Hope you can help.

Thank you,

 

[JJ_Tex]

Put a rock in the bottom of the skimmer to weigh it down and keep it from floating up. Make sure the rock is slightly larger than the hole at the bottom (so if you drop the rock it does not go into the pipe).

For the drain, yes, partially close off that valve so there is less suction on the drain. I would also make sure you regularly use your robot/pool cleaner, etc to proactively pick up the sticks before they make their way to the drain.

 

[Rod8]

Thank you for the reply,
I ordered the Skimmie Sock Lock on amazon, it has a handle and weight for the skimmer.

We clean the pool every day with a skimmer net, to remove the bamboo leaves.
I will try to partially close off the main drain valve and see what happens.

There is no type of other main drain cover that has a fine mesh instead of just holes is there ?