Issue with emptying the pool through bottom of the pool drain

[ShinyMarin]

(CANADA - QUEBEC) Hello friends, I have been the owner of an in-ground pool for about a week now and I have to close the pool for the winter. I have hired an expert to show me the ropes in 1 week, but they require me to empty the pool 6 inches below the water returns (2). I first emptied the pool through the skimmer without any issue with my filter on "Waste". Once water was lower than the skimmer, I closed the skimmer valve and put a cap in the skimmer. I started draining water with the bottom drain. Everything was working fine, and now about 20% of the water returns are above the water level. However, now the pump is not pumping any water. I didn't touch anything so there's no reason to think something loosened as it was pumping a few minutes prior. There doesn't seem to be a different sound than when everything was working fine. When I activate the pump (on waste with skimmer valve OFF and drain OPEN) the pump almost empties all of its water. When I shut off the system, the pump fills back up. When activated, with the pump 90% empty, there is no water coming out of the pool. I think the bottom drain can't empty the pool with the pump not seeing any water in. I tried filling the pump with water while it was off with drain valve OFF, but it just empties as soon as I start the pump.

Any suggestions ?

I appreciate everyone that took the time to read this,

Below are some pictures of my installations.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Marin,

I suspect that you have a small leak in your main drain line.. The further down the water is, the more suction your pump needs to pull the water up. The more suction, the bigger the affect that a small leak can have.

You should use a sump pump to drain in down below the skimmer.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[ShinyMarin]

Marin,

I suspect that you have a small leak in your main drain line.. The further down the water is, the more suction your pump needs to pull the water up. The more suction, the bigger the affect that a small leak can have.

You should use a sump pump to drain in down below the skimmer.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thank you for your answer Jim,

I have never worked/seen a sump pump. Do you have any brand or specific pump i should buy for a pool this size? Thanks again.

 

[mknauss]

Submersible Pumps - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ShinyMarin]

Submersible Pumps - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Thanks