Lowering Water Level (no 3 way valve)

[ryanho87]

My skimmer isn't working effectively and I think my water level is too high. I'd like to lower my water level by an inch or 2, but my filter doesn't have a 3 way valve feeding into the filter like I've seen in many videos on how to do this.

I have a valve exiting from my heater which might be a waste valve, however I can't be sure as nothing is labeled, and the pipes go into the ground.

Water flow in my system looks like this:

Skimmer + Hot tub -> Valve -> Pump -> Heater -> Valve (two outlets that go into concrete so I'm not sure where they go)

Anyone have any thoughts on how this might work? I can provide more pics if needed.

 

[Texas Splash]

I'm like you with no multiport valve. My cart filter does have a small spigot at the bottom, maybe your does not. Not sure about your heater drain valve or is it's efficient to use. If not, you might have to just let a garden hose siphon it slowly or use a small sump pump to get the water out.

 

[markayash]

I have taken the line off my pressure polaris and laid it on the deck and used it. Might have to put a brick or chair over the line to keep it from whipping around and going back in the pool

 

[ryanho87]

I have taken the line off my pressure polaris and laid it on the deck and used it. Might have to put a brick or chair over the line to keep it from whipping around and going back in the pool

Oh man, awesome suggestion. I have a robot cleaner, so I can definitely give this a shot.

 

[rlab]

I have a similar setup, I use the cartridge filter air bleed valve to pump water out. Pentair filters have a high volume valve and (on mine at least) a hose attachment spigot.
- Attach hose
- Fully open valve
- Run pool pump.

You can pump out water and drain level quite quickly. Someone might want to chime in and tell me if this is a bad idea for some reason.

 

[ryanho87]

Mark's suggestion of using the hose feeding my Polalris worked perfectly. I was able to drain the pool by 2 inches and the skimmer is now working perfectly.

 

[markayash]

Mark's suggestion of using the hose feeding my Polalris worked perfectly. I was able to drain the pool by 2 inches and the skimmer is now working perfectly.

I used a sump pump for a few years before I thought of it