Lower water level?

[NaCLTPool]

Water level is above the skimmer due the recent amount of rain. How do I go about lower the water level?

At the filter there is a valve that says waste or drain (can’t remember) and will dump water out of the corresponding pipe.

Is this how it’s done? Do I need to turn the pump off or anything when opening the valve to lower the water level?

 

[PoolStored]

Turn off the pump.
Turn the valve to waste/drain.
Turn on the pump.
Do NOT walk away. Monitor the level until the water is half way up the skimmer door.
Turn off the pump.
Turn the valve to filter.
Turn on the pump.

Never turn the filter valve to waste/drain, without turning off the pump.

 

[sande005]

PoolStored beat me to it.

Retest chem levels if it was a lot of rain. If something was marginal before, you might be too low with the dilution.

 

[NaCLTPool]

Turn off the pump.
Turn the valve to waste/drain.
Turn on the pump.
Do NOT walk away. Monitor the level until the water is half way up the skimmer door.
Turn off the pump.
Turn the valve to filter.
Turn on the pump.

Never turn the filter valve to waste/drain, without turning off the pump.

Thanks. Is there any harm in slightly opening the valve so the water comes out slowly vs opening up all the way and the water immediately floods out the surrounding area?

 

[NaCLTPool]

PoolStored beat me to it.

Retest chem levels if it was a lot of rain. If something was marginal before, you might be too low with the dilution.

Lower first then test chem levels?

Also, just for knowledge, what is the risk of opening the waste valve while the pump is running?

 

[PoolStored]

Also, just for knowledge, what is the risk of opening the waste valve while the pump is running?

Do not do this. Turn the pump off, then turn the valve, then turn the pump on.

Lower first then test chem levels?

Lower the level, then pump on for at least 4 hours, then retest.

 

[proavia]

Post a pic of your equipment pad so we can see this waste valve and its location in your plumbing.
Some can be opened with the pump running and other should not be opened when the pump is running.

 

[sande005]

Lower first - no sense dumping just added chemicals out of the pool.

It depends on the type of valve. Many have rubber seals/o-rings that can get damaged by the sudden change in water pressure/direction. Years ago, I wrecked an expensive multiport doing that....
Pools stores and big box hardware stores have discharge hoses you can put on the pipe the water comes out of, so you can direct it to someplace where the flooding doesn't matter as much. Attached with a screw type hose clamp. HYDROMAXX 2 in. x 50 ft. Heavy-Duty Blue Swimming Pool Discharge and Backwash Hose BLF200050 - The Home Depot
The diameter you buy should be the same as the pipe you attach it to (1 1/2", or 2" probably).
The waste water won't hurt the lawn or plants, if any in the area.
Some places don't permit it to go in a storm sewer. The amount you will be discharging won't be gigantic, and will soak into the ground quickly.
I have to worry about lowering it several feet, for the winter...so that amount is a different matter.

 

[PoolStored]

Lower first - no sense dumping just added chemicals out of the pool.

Stop with this. If the pool level is to high, the priority is to lower the pool level.

 

[NaCLTPool]

Do not do this. Turn the pump off, then turn the valve, then turn the pump on.


Lower the level, then pump on for at least 4 hours, then retest.

Will do. Can I slightly open the valve so the water downs comes out slower (will take much longer to lower) or do I have to open up all the way?

 

[sande005]

Again, depends on the valve. Post a picture of it, and the plumbing in the area.
You could instead dial down the speed of the pump, so it runs slower during the time you are pumping water out.

Any reason for the concern about how fast the water is coming out? Are you going to get the waste hose?

 

[NaCLTPool]

Again, depends on the valve. Post a picture of it, and the plumbing in the area.
You could instead dial down the speed of the pump, so it runs slower during the time you are pumping water out.

Any reason for the concern about how fast the water is coming out? Are you going to get the waste hose?

I will post a picture shortly. Flooding the immediate area is the concern since it will run downhill to the next property. That’s why I figured if I could let it drain slower, more chance the water will absorb in the ground.

The pipe says 1.5”, does this mean the hose diameter I should get is also 1.5”.

 

[PoolStored]

When you turn the pump on, you have a VSP. Turn it on low speed.

Yes 1.5" hose.