Main Drain Install?

[duckcmmndr]

I am working through all the details of installing a new vinyl liner pool. The main drains are supposed to be installed in concrete. Are you suppose to pour the whole hopper bottom in concrete around the main drains? Do you just use regular 3000 PSI concrete when you are pouring the collar? Can some of you post some pics of your liner pool main drain install during construction so I can get an idea of how to go about this.

 

[ajw22]

@jimmythegreek how are you putting in main drains now or skipping them altogether?

 

[AndyTN]

I just had my liner replaced 2 years ago and the pool builder added T pipes for dual drains and they just used pool krete to set. Not sure why you would have to have solid concrete when the pipes are not going to move under the pressure of the water on the liner.

 

[jimmythegreek]

They just get set in poolcrete. I dont bother with them anymore they are just a headache in the end unless pool is an 8footer then I do them. What I do is form up the hopper in lumber and pour it in concrete when doing the collar. Gives u a spot to line up the corners nicely and a place to stand while doing pool base. I do dual wall drains now. I like a second suction point down low.

 

[duckcmmndr]

@jimmythegreek This is an 8' pool that I am putting in. So you frame the whole hopper bottom in lumber at the actual finished length, width and height the bottom is supposed to be and use the same concrete that you are using to pour the collar?

Do you have any pics?

Do the joints where the poolcrete meet the concrete not cause any issues?

They just get set in poolcrete. I dont bother with them anymore they are just a headache in the end unless pool is an 8footer then I do them. What I do is form up the hopper in lumber and pour it in concrete when doing the collar. Gives u a spot to line up the corners nicely and a place to stand while doing pool base. I do dual wall drains now. I like a second suction point down low.

 

[jimmythegreek]

Pretend it's a sidewalk and pour it as such. You can stay an inch low and skim coat it that's what I do on shallow play pools so its soft to the feet. On an 8footer not needed. No issue with pool base the base goes in behind the hopper edge so it's still 2inches. I do 1x6 for the hopper frame. Use string across pool to layout the hopper amd a plumb bob or a laser plumb if you happen to have one. Doesnt have to be dead on a little wiggle room is fine I've seen inches out and liner stretches no problem

 

[jimmythegreek]

 

[jimmythegreek]

Please excuse the sloppy messy horrible clay dirt on this site amd out lovely everyday rain here in NJ

 

[duckcmmndr]

Thanks for the info. I like the idea of pouring the hopper 2" lower than the finished floor and then covering with poolcrete. That way there is a continuous layer of poolcrete without any breaks/joints where it meets the concrete. Maybe I am over thinking it...just want to make sure I get it right.

Pretend it's a sidewalk and pour it as such. You can stay an inch low and skim coat it that's what I do on shallow play pools so its soft to the feet. On an 8footer not needed. No issue with pool base the base goes in behind the hopper edge so it's still 2inches. I do 1x6 for the hopper frame. Use string across pool to layout the hopper amd a plumb bob or a laser plumb if you happen to have one. Doesnt have to be dead on a little wiggle room is fine I've seen inches out and liner stretches no problem

 

[jimmythegreek]

Your overthinking it. Poolcrete isnt concrete amd doeant need to bond to anything. It's a break between dirt and liner and stays on the soft side to feel nice to feet. It's not going anywhere tons of water hold it all down in place. I dont even mix premix poolcrete I do it right in the pool with a shovel and a garden hose on that slab