Did my builder screw up my main drains??!

[MostlyCanuck]

Hi folks - I just noticed an odd detail in my pool, which was built last summer (it's a vinyl pool with dual drains in the deep end plumbed to skimmer).

I just realized that the PB plugged the bottom hole of the main drains (the one perpendicular to the ground, where you'd have hydrostatic valve in gunnite pools) with rubber expandable plugs (those used for winterization). When I noticed this I was surprised, and thought this may have been a mistake, assuming drain should be plugged more permanently/securely - thinking that over the years these rubber expandable plugs will deteriorate/leak... I asked the PB who dismissed this as normal... but I have no knowledge to validate his assertion.

Thx a lot for any advice

 

[ajw22]

I would say that using a rubber plug there is not the "best practice".

Most of the drains have threaded holes and a threaded plug will be more secure long term. Without knowing the specific drain installed I can't say for sure what your builders options were.

 

[Newdude]

I happen to have a spare with the Hayward threaded plug so you can see it. I'm sure they have one for the 2 inch side also. It will be fun to fix tho.

 

[MostlyCanuck]

Thx for the pic. That's it. I would have thought they'd use a threaded plug like that, likely more secure and less prone to deterioration over time than an expandable rubber plug.

I could easily dive in and check if my drains do have threaded holes - in which case I could replace it myself.

Question though - WHAT HAPPENS if I were to remove the expandable rubber plug to replace it with a threaded one?? Somehow I picture a giant vortex of water disappearing underground - or the other way around a ton of clay and dirt being sucked in... lol

Is it safe to do so? If not of course I'll just leave it alone and pray it holds for the next decade before I need to drain and replace the liner!

 

[ajw22]

I would leave well enough alone until the rubber plug begins leaking or you replace the liner.

There is nothing to be gained from fiddling with the plug now.

 

[MostlyCanuck]

I would leave well enough alone until the rubber plug begins leaking or you replace the liner.

There is nothing to be gained from fiddling with the plug now.

Mhh.. I had a sense it wasn't the safest idea! Thank you