How to drain for hurricane Milton

[PoolStored]

To drain, do I just attach a hose to the valve with the metal wheel and open it up with pump running ? Thx

Yes.

 

[Lake Placid]

Keep an eye on your pump as it’s draining down. If you drop 12 inches skimmers will start sucking air. If you see the pump start pulling air, you’ll need to figure out which valve will close the skimmer.

 

[simonoaks]

I read it as "Backwash," but could not see the last couple letters. Thought it meant to backwash from the MD for some odd reason.

Either way, we are on the same path. If he has a MD and two skimmers, OP should open and close valves individually until they figure out the three feeds and the placement of the valves on and off.

Then we can guide them to open the MD when lowering the water level.

It does say " backwards ", I just checked. Have no idea what it means. As I said, I have been doing the pool math myself for years, but have never needed to touch the valves. I have a drain in pool, the skimmer and another drain/ or inlet in the spa thing.
How do I figure out what each valve does ?
I presume I really just need to shut off skimmer to drain with hose, according to other posts, right ?

Many thanks!
I am very good at the testing and balancing, just have no idea about the pipes and valves lol

Keep an eye on your pump as it’s draining down. If you drop 12 inches skimmers will start sucking air. If you see the pump start pulling air, you’ll need to figure out which valve will close the skimmer.

I tried turning a valve and the plastic handle just snapped off. None of them will budge. Not sure what tool to use, as last thing I want is to break the whole valve. Mole grips, maybe ?

 

[PoolStored]

I tried turning a valve and the plastic handle just snapped off. None of them will budge. Not sure what tool to use, as last thing I want is to break the whole valve. Mole grips, maybe ?

You are in a bit of a pickle. Those ball valves are notorious for seizing. Once the handle break, you are better off replacing the valves than trying to man-handle them...it will likely just do more damage.

They should be replaced with diverter valves. They are rebuildable.


I would recommend that you purchase a sump pump and use it to lower the water level for now. We generally don't recommend you use your pool pump to lower the water level. Not worth damaging the pool pump. A 1/3-1/2 hp sump pump would work just fine.

 

[simonoaks]

You are in a bit of a pickle. Those ball valves are notorious for seizing. Once the handle break, you are better off replacing the valves than trying to man-handle them...it will likely just do more damage.

They should be replaced with diverter valves. They are rebuildable.
View attachment 613260

I would recommend that you purchase a sump pump and use it to lower the water level for now. We generally don't recommend you use your pool pump to lower the water level. Not worth damaging the pool pump. A 1/3-1/2 hp sump pump would work just fine.

Ok, thx ! This pump ok ? https://www.harborfreight.com/12-hp...YlSlgPhjQXWCdV8ZvefHbdWfPN8_OhbMaAgzvEALw_wcB

 

[PoolStored]

You can use that, but you will have to build a 1.5" pvc connection for it (note the threads on the pump).

My be better to get a utility pump with a garden hose connection.

1/3 HP Submersible Utility Pump 2000 GPH

Amazing deals on this 1/3Hp Submersible Utility Pump 2000 Gph at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Lake Placid]

I tried turning a valve and the plastic handle just snapped off. None of them will budge. Not sure what tool to use, as last thing I want is to break the whole valve. Mole grips, maybe ?

Got a pic? Either channel locks or large vice grips can help depending on if there’s any valve handle left or it’s just the shaft.