Re: First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
MATT! Good catch! I did not even think about that! Yeah 6 is a lot!
MATT! Good catch! I did not even think about that! Yeah 6 is a lot!
First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
- Thread starter rhawke
- Start date
Re: First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
PB came back with $150 upgrade price per drain if I go linear. I assume we would still need 2? Total cost would then be $300 instead of the pebble cover round drains.
Is there any other benefit than looks? I was happy with the look I saw in the pools built with the pebble cover drain ...
PB came back with $150 upgrade price per drain if I go linear. I assume we would still need 2? Total cost would then be $300 instead of the pebble cover round drains.
Is there any other benefit than looks? I was happy with the look I saw in the pools built with the pebble cover drain ...
Re: First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
Not worth the up charge. The plastered ones are pretty and low enough for your cleaner to get over.
Kim
Not worth the up charge. The plastered ones are pretty and low enough for your cleaner to get over.
Kim
Re: First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
I would go with the channel drain. They are likely single sump cover & rates as “unblockable.”
They are the safest MD sump fixtures.
& that is low price for the channel drains, he isn’t making anything on that.
As an aside, when a plaster cover is damaged or at end of its usable life, good luck matching that.
I would go with the channel drain. They are likely single sump cover & rates as “unblockable.”
They are the safest MD sump fixtures.
& that is low price for the channel drains, he isn’t making anything on that.
As an aside, when a plaster cover is damaged or at end of its usable life, good luck matching that.
Re: First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
thanks Kim!
Coming back to the dedicated line for the future Polaris 280. I just read on this page the recommendation to make the line 2" since that could be used with either a pressure side or suction side cleaner (of course it requires the plumbing change on the pad). Should I go that route for the extra line?
- - - Updated - - -
So you recommend to put a channel drain that is not Pebble covered? Do you have a picture/model so I can better picture it?
thanks Kim!
Coming back to the dedicated line for the future Polaris 280. I just read on this page the recommendation to make the line 2" since that could be used with either a pressure side or suction side cleaner (of course it requires the plumbing change on the pad). Should I go that route for the extra line?
- - - Updated - - -
So you recommend to put a channel drain that is not Pebble covered? Do you have a picture/model so I can better picture it?
Re: First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
I am going to go against Ray (poolguy) on this as, to me, even the channel drains should be filled with plaster to help them blend in. I really think the chances of any damage happening is low. Of course Ray sees more "damage" than the average person here with him be a pool repair person so.......
Kim
I am going to go against Ray (poolguy) on this as, to me, even the channel drains should be filled with plaster to help them blend in. I really think the chances of any damage happening is low. Of course Ray sees more "damage" than the average person here with him be a pool repair person so.......
Kim
Re: First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
A pressure cleaner is archaic technology and would be crazy to plan for one on a new build. A suction side cleaner is a better option, but even still there should be no reason to look anywhere other than a robotic cleaner. You will probably save money (over a pressure/suction cleaner and the associated pump/plumbing) by going robotic right off the bat.
Go for the pebble top channel drain. If in doubt then omit the drain all together in lieu of a deep return
A pressure cleaner is archaic technology and would be crazy to plan for one on a new build. A suction side cleaner is a better option, but even still there should be no reason to look anywhere other than a robotic cleaner. You will probably save money (over a pressure/suction cleaner and the associated pump/plumbing) by going robotic right off the bat.
Go for the pebble top channel drain. If in doubt then omit the drain all together in lieu of a deep return
- May 23, 2015
- 25,705
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Re: First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
I dunno. I personally feel that a dedicated vacuum port has utility even with a robot as the primary cleaner. There have been many times when I manually vacuum and I am quite happy that I have a dedicated port on the wall for it rather than trying to fiddle with a skimmer plate. I’ve even entertained the idea of trying to buy a cheap suction side cleaner to use in the pool during the winter months when no one is swimming to save on having to hook up the manual vacuum head (I don’t run the robot when thecwater is cold). I agree that robots are the way to go for cleaning but, if the yard is all dug up anyway then throwing some extra 2” PVC in the trench and adding another valve at the equipment pad is small potatoes to pay for the added functionality.
My two cents anyways...
I dunno. I personally feel that a dedicated vacuum port has utility even with a robot as the primary cleaner. There have been many times when I manually vacuum and I am quite happy that I have a dedicated port on the wall for it rather than trying to fiddle with a skimmer plate. I’ve even entertained the idea of trying to buy a cheap suction side cleaner to use in the pool during the winter months when no one is swimming to save on having to hook up the manual vacuum head (I don’t run the robot when thecwater is cold). I agree that robots are the way to go for cleaning but, if the yard is all dug up anyway then throwing some extra 2” PVC in the trench and adding another valve at the equipment pad is small potatoes to pay for the added functionality.
My two cents anyways...
- Jul 16, 2012
- 7,282
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Re: First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
I’m a big fan of the pebble filled channel drains. Good looks, accepts debris easily and zero chance of deflecting or slowing a robot. They also look more contemporary than round drains.
I’m a big fan of the pebble filled channel drains. Good looks, accepts debris easily and zero chance of deflecting or slowing a robot. They also look more contemporary than round drains.
Re: First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
Thanks for all the comments:
Cleaner:
For clarification, we are getting a robot for sure. The pipe is just backup/future use in case we ever change our mind. At this point we won't get a credit anymore if we take it out (we already got so many concessions and I think the price is really good). So the question is only how big the pipe is. So just to confirm: 2" will work with both pressure and suction and can be used with a vacuum and would therefore be the best choice?
Drain:
Since those pebble covered channel drains look quite large, is it then enough to only use one instead of two? I thought I heard that the only point for the second round drain is safety to avoid strong suction in case hair gets stuck?
Thanks for all the comments:
Cleaner:
For clarification, we are getting a robot for sure. The pipe is just backup/future use in case we ever change our mind. At this point we won't get a credit anymore if we take it out (we already got so many concessions and I think the price is really good). So the question is only how big the pipe is. So just to confirm: 2" will work with both pressure and suction and can be used with a vacuum and would therefore be the best choice?
Drain:
Since those pebble covered channel drains look quite large, is it then enough to only use one instead of two? I thought I heard that the only point for the second round drain is safety to avoid strong suction in case hair gets stuck?
- Jul 16, 2012
- 7,282
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Re: First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
Only one channel drain is needed to comply with the VGB code. The design of the cover makes the single linear drain inherently safe. It has two suction points within it and is deemed large enough to prevent coverage of the whole drain by a person, or hair getting sucked in would not be nearly with enough force to keep a person under due to the large, multi-port suction design.
Only one channel drain is needed to comply with the VGB code. The design of the cover makes the single linear drain inherently safe. It has two suction points within it and is deemed large enough to prevent coverage of the whole drain by a person, or hair getting sucked in would not be nearly with enough force to keep a person under due to the large, multi-port suction design.
Re: First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
Skimmer plate
Throw a threaded bushing in the vacuum hose and plug it right in. I bet it's as fast as the auction port
Skimmer plate
Throw a threaded bushing in the vacuum hose and plug it right in. I bet it's as fast as the auction port
Re: First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
So the pool builder said in his experience the two round drains work better. He said with the channel drain the gunnite crews sometimes mess up and it can cause issues/delays, so he advised to stick with the two round pebble cover drains, even though he would have made some money with the upgrade. So I'm not sure if I should insist on it since it appears the local crews don't handle them well?
But to also share some non-question news: Our contract is signed, Permits will be walked through on Tuesday and Excavation is tentatively scheduled for April 9
So the pool builder said in his experience the two round drains work better. He said with the channel drain the gunnite crews sometimes mess up and it can cause issues/delays, so he advised to stick with the two round pebble cover drains, even though he would have made some money with the upgrade. So I'm not sure if I should insist on it since it appears the local crews don't handle them well?
But to also share some non-question news: Our contract is signed, Permits will be walked through on Tuesday and Excavation is tentatively scheduled for April 9
Re: First Time Pool Owner (Houston Pool Build)
Sorry, for coming back to the drain again and again. I kept doing some more research and was wondering if we should get the Paramount Superflow 360 installed in both the SPA and the main Pool. It really looks like a great drain and I like the look even better than the channel drain.
My only concern: This looks like it is new (came out in 2016) and what happens if this breaks in 5 or 10 years and the manufacturer might not make spare parts or not even be around anymore? Are there other manufacturers that make similar drains? We would also only have one 3" main drain line to connect to, so it would not be possible to install 2 standard 8/10" covers on it anymore, we would have to find a replacement that works with a 3" line on a 20 " round cover.
The instructions list "Replace cover within 5 installed years" on the last page which got me thinking about this:
http://www.1paramount.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/SuperFlow360DrainInstallManual.pdf
Sorry, for coming back to the drain again and again. I kept doing some more research and was wondering if we should get the Paramount Superflow 360 installed in both the SPA and the main Pool. It really looks like a great drain and I like the look even better than the channel drain.
My only concern: This looks like it is new (came out in 2016) and what happens if this breaks in 5 or 10 years and the manufacturer might not make spare parts or not even be around anymore? Are there other manufacturers that make similar drains? We would also only have one 3" main drain line to connect to, so it would not be possible to install 2 standard 8/10" covers on it anymore, we would have to find a replacement that works with a 3" line on a 20 " round cover.
The instructions list "Replace cover within 5 installed years" on the last page which got me thinking about this:
http://www.1paramount.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/SuperFlow360DrainInstallManual.pdf
They also have the smaller round covers:
http://www.poolfittings.com/products/8-inch-vgb-pebble-top-anti-vortex-drain-cover-and-frame/
I am VERY leery of the one you posted. I read through the install guide. If/when the installer does not really know how to do it you could be in a world of hurt. I do NOT trust it. THEN they say to replace it every 5 yrs???? WHY??? What parts need to be replaced? How will you refill it with matching plaster?
On the same note............did you know you do not HAVE to have any main drain at all? That is the safest of all and may be something you want to think about.
This is an important part of your pool so keep poking around and asking questions. Let us learn with you as you find new stuff like the one you just posted.
Kim
http://www.poolfittings.com/products/8-inch-vgb-pebble-top-anti-vortex-drain-cover-and-frame/
I am VERY leery of the one you posted. I read through the install guide. If/when the installer does not really know how to do it you could be in a world of hurt. I do NOT trust it. THEN they say to replace it every 5 yrs???? WHY??? What parts need to be replaced? How will you refill it with matching plaster?
On the same note............did you know you do not HAVE to have any main drain at all? That is the safest of all and may be something you want to think about.
This is an important part of your pool so keep poking around and asking questions. Let us learn with you as you find new stuff like the one you just posted.
Kim
Thanks Kim! Turns out that apparently ALL drain covers should be replaced within 5 years. It's code for commercial pools and the instructions for the products include this. For residential pools probably nobody goes by this rule.
Have any of the pool builders that have been commenting on this thread (Brian, or PoolguyinCT, etc.) installed this superflow 360 drain before?
The small round pebble cover has the same 5 year replacement text in its instructions, so it would have the same issue if we followed the instructions to have to replace it without a pebble finish
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55257138e4b0c26feadbc8ce/t/554ba1afe4b03b9398ab8439/1431019951248/PTDC+Installation+Instructions.pdf
But if everybody recommends against it I will let the pool builder install the 2 drains in the spa and the 2 drains in the main pool with round pebble covers since that is his "standard".
Have any of the pool builders that have been commenting on this thread (Brian, or PoolguyinCT, etc.) installed this superflow 360 drain before?
The small round pebble cover has the same 5 year replacement text in its instructions, so it would have the same issue if we followed the instructions to have to replace it without a pebble finish
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55257138e4b0c26feadbc8ce/t/554ba1afe4b03b9398ab8439/1431019951248/PTDC+Installation+Instructions.pdf
But if everybody recommends against it I will let the pool builder install the 2 drains in the spa and the 2 drains in the main pool with round pebble covers since that is his "standard".
I pinged both of them to get their take on it.
I have to admit I did not read the directions on the main drain they put in my pool. Will have to dig it up and see what it says. I wonder on the WHY? do they want to replace every 5 yrs. I am sure there is a reason and it might even be a good one!
Kim
I have to admit I did not read the directions on the main drain they put in my pool. Will have to dig it up and see what it says. I wonder on the WHY? do they want to replace every 5 yrs. I am sure there is a reason and it might even be a good one!
Kim
You don't have to replace the entire assembly, just the center cap. All pool drain covers say to replace every 5 years so that's nothing new, just very few people actually do it.
The manufacturer's concern is the cover become brittle and breaking which could allow an entrapment.
The manufacturer's concern is the cover become brittle and breaking which could allow an entrapment.
Well that makes sense when you think about it. When I am able to get in the water I am going to take my cover off and see how it is. Too cold right now burrrr
Kim
Kim