Close main drain and vac port?

[GSD_fanatic]

Based on what I've read here recently, it appears IG main drains are becoming obsolete. And those that are still operational are recommended to be reduced to 5-10% flow function.

I'll post a pic of my equipment pad. It's as basic as you can get AFAIK, with no automation other than an Intermatic timer in the basement next to the main panel. I can actually appreciate the simplicity as, there isn't much that can go wrong. No plans either for a SWG. I'd rather spend the money to replace the concrete deck and pool coping.

Should my main be reduced or closed off and should I close off the vac port? I don't have a door on mine, I put a grate since I no longer vac...use a robot. Its been my understanding all these years, that the plumbing system needs to be balanced. Meaning an equal number of suction ports versus returns. Mine has 3 suction...main, skimmer(only one) and side wall vac port. Along with 3 returns...love seat, steps and side wall. I do have a 1/4 turn ball valve on each of the suction pipes , so I could shut off the vac port and shut off or reduce the main. Its been working fine all these years, with all 3 wide open. But maybe there is an advantage that I'm missing by not closing them off?

 

[GSD_fanatic]

oops...forgot the pic

 

[Jimrahbe]

GSD,

I'd open the skimmer valve 100% and just crack open the main drain and vac lines just to keep a little fresh water flowing...

As long as your pump is happy with that configuration, that is how I would run it..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[GSD_fanatic]

Thanks Jimrahbe, I'll give it a try tomorrow. It just seems odd pulling majority of the water through the skimmer alone. Like it'd be choking the pump off...for lack of a better was to say it.

 

[Midwestdude]

Still learning myself and from my experience, you want most of your water pulled through the skimmer line as it's a large part of circulating the water. If you were to have both open 100% your skimmer suction would be weak and that's your first line of defense against floating debris. I have my skimmer open 100% and my main drain only cracked open. This gives my skimmer good suction you want to see motion above your skimmer basket or it won't pull anything off the top of the water into the basket.

 

[Jimrahbe]

it'd be choking the pump off...

GSD,

If you find that running all skimmer seems to starve the pump of water, then just open the main drain a little at a time until the problem goes away.. (I doubt you will need to do this...)

The "motion" that you see above your skimmer basket is caused by a properly operating weir door between the mouth of the skimmer and the skimmer basket. Without a weir door, there will be little motion and your skimmer will only be about 50% efficient.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[GSD_fanatic]

I shut the main off completely and left the vac port partially open. So far seems ok with no problem. I did notice an increase in the swirl in the skimmer. Pump seems fine. I'll leave it alone for now and see how it works after a week or so. I'm fortunate in that my pool is located in a ~fairly clean environment~. My cartridge filters can go the full season without any pressure increase, so I usually don't have to clean them until I close it for winter. Maybe an occasional single leaf or some dirt/dust gets blown in since I'm located on a hilltop with light to moderate winds most days. Bugs are the main debris...most every morning I skim out a few hand fulls, or use the robot for those that sunk to the bottom.

Thanks!