Hose spigot... before the pump?

[drain_the_swamp]

I'm in the process of figuring out my plumbing. I have a cartridge filter, so no multiport valve up there, but there is a hose spigot in the plumbing 1-2 inches off the ground where the pool drain (and maybe skimmer?) suction is coming in. Why would there be a faucet here before it reaches the pump? I thought perhaps it may be for draining the pool, but wouldn't it just be a partial drain while weakening the flow going to the pump? Pic below.. sorry for the bad quality. Thank you

 

[wireform]

Thinking you have a main drain it may have been put there to blow it out and air lock it via the valve above it although I'm not sure if in California this would be necessary.

 

[Darin]

Maybe a discrete way to add water to fill the pool?

 

[drain_the_swamp]

Maybe a discrete way to add water to fill the pool?

Hmm. We have an autofill by the pool hooked up to the water supply.

 

[1poolman1]

Will not drain your pool. Open it and all that will happen is the pump will run dry if the valve is in that position.
Great area to get a suction leak. May have been used to pressure-test the system. Would be best to remove it and install a 3/4" well-sealed pipe plug to help eliminate future problems.

 

[Rocket J Squirrel]

With a female-to-female adapter (or a washing machine hose), perhaps you can use that spigot to force water into the pump if it ever loses prime and needs a little help to achieve it.

 

[Darin]

i don't know if that would work to prime the pump since the water would probably fall into main drain. Easier to prime with hose on the drain of the strainer basket. Its what i do.

I guess drain could give it a try. Would not hurt to see what happens.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Plumbers install them so they have a way to add water and pressure to the pluming system for inspection purposes, to show the system has no leaks.