Is it just me, or does it look like there is something in the left hole?
I see what you are saying. It does look that way but I cant say's I've noticed until now. I'll inspect that closer this evening.
Is it just me, or does it look like there is something in the left hole?
Which side of that picture is the pool on?
A diverter plate doesn't seal well enough to allow for draining. Enough air leaks by that it causes the pump to lose prime, then you are done, because you won't be able to get the pump to prime again. It is possible sometimes to use a vacuum hose with one end inserted in the pipe at the bottom of the skimmer, and the other weighted in the bottom of the pool. But even then, if you lose prime , your done. Best way is a submersible pump. I have bottom drains, skimmers, and vacuum hook-up, all with individual valves, and I still use a submersible for draining.
The pool is on the left side of that pic.
Yeah... if the bottom drains are plumbed into the skimmers only, I'm having a hard time seeing how I could rely on them for draining. It also makes me question the point of them in the first place. Maybe there would be some value with circulation but that's about the only thing I can think of.
Still, I do think the float valves could be a good idea assuming my drains are plumbed into the skimmer. But only from a safety perspective.
You can say they are anachronistic, but with an in floor cleaning systems they are a necessity.