Main drains

jetfan101

Silver Supporter
Sep 18, 2016
137
Kunkletown,Pa
Pool Size
35000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Hayward Turbo Cell (T-CELL-5)
New build my builder wants to chars 3,000.00 for 2 drains with automatic shutoff for pump. Is the cost fair. Has any one done the main drains and would you advise either way thanks
 
Jet,

Ask him to show you proof that you need some kind of automatic shut off..

If you have two drain covers, that by itself prevents anyone from getting stuck on the drains..

If you only had a single drain an automatic shut off might be required...

Main drains are not even necessary in most pools.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Main drains are not required but suggest you have 2 skimmers.
There are many existing pools without main drains and work fine.
I will have 2 skimmers. Also reading about heating the pool with a deep end. Would benefit with md. I will have a pool robot So not sure if that will help on creating a more even pool water temp?
 
Others can comment on whether it is required for private pools, but for public pools, both a drain safety cover and an automatic shut-off is required nation wide. Due to an unfortunate situation in my area where a small child got stuck by suction in the floor drain at a community pool, and drowned. Last time I had my liner replaced, here in Minn., the company was required to make sure an approved cover was on the drain, but did not mention a shut-off. That was a few years ago, new builds may be different or other localities may have stricter code requirements.

One link to information for public pools: https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/FY...df?VersionId=WrfEIvVY9kX8nheMLkaEDihnfhkdDJ0U
 
Jet,

None of the above applies to private residential pools...

There is nothing wrong with having a main drain if you want one.

Any main drain, in a new pool, will have dual covers, making it impossible for anyone to get stuck and drown.

My whole point is that I really doubt that you are 'required' to have an auto shut off, and that is where I would think that most of the $3,000 cost comes from.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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I will have 2 skimmers. Also reading about heating the pool with a deep end. Would benefit with md. I will have a pool robot So not sure if that will help on creating a more even pool water temp?
Your point on heating is valid in that you create suction at bottom of pool to heat that water. Another option, if you elect not to have a MD is to put in a deep return. Most returns to pool are set at 18 inchees or so below surface. You could put a deep return at 4 ft or some other depth to push heated water at deep depth.

As @Jimrahbe states, a MD is not much cost (the drain and some PVC pipe) but the auto shutoff may be the majority of cost. I would challenge that part of the "need" as stated by the contractor.
 
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