I want to start ordering equipment so I don't run into any issues as I start construction. Does anyone have recommendations for main drains? I've been looking at a few stores online and there seems to be dozens/hundreds of options. Preferably I'd like something that a robot cleaner isn't going to get stuck on, and maybe something that can plaster the lid to blend in better, but that's not a deal-breaker.
Main Drain Recommendation
- Thread starter Foxer
- Start date
I would contact you plaster company and see what they install most of and why.
- Jan 7, 2012
- 2,123
- Pool Size
- 21000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Do you need/want a main drain in the first place? There are thousands of pools without them.
That’s a good question that maybe I don’t have a good answer for.
Most pools around here have them, although that alone doesn’t make it a good reason.
Also figured having another source on the suction side would be good. Plus having something in the deep end seems like it would get better circulation at the bottom. It’ll be 9’ deep and about 40k gallons. I want to make sure I’ve got plenty of water on the suction side.
- May 3, 2007
- 18,074
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Ideally, you want most if not all the suction from the skimmers to prevent debris from falling to the pool floor. MDs just steal the flow away from the skimmers so you end up having to run at higher RPM $$. To get deep end circulation, you are much better off with returns in that area rather than suction ports.
There is really no good reason to have a MD anymore. They don't serve a critical function that cannot be done by something else better. Not only that but they are a liability both from a safety point of view (entrapment) as well as potential leaks that cannot be fixed easily which many on the forum can attest to. I would pass on MDs.
There is really no good reason to have a MD anymore. They don't serve a critical function that cannot be done by something else better. Not only that but they are a liability both from a safety point of view (entrapment) as well as potential leaks that cannot be fixed easily which many on the forum can attest to. I would pass on MDs.
Main drains that are plumbed to the skimmer have a very important purpose, if the water level was to get low enough that surface water can not support the pump the safety valve inside the skimmer would divert from surface to main drain and save the pump from cavitation. The pump would turn itself off once recognized ( on the newer pumps) but this cycle would continue until the water level was corrected.
- May 3, 2007
- 18,074
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
A wall port equalizer (or second skimmer) can accomplish the same thing without the extra risks.
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