New liner, company offered to pour cement in equalizer drain

[canadianpoolman]

My parents have an old pool built in the 90s. The thing is built solid and we have had zero issues. They are finally getting a new liner after all these years and yesterday a company drained the pool and removed the old liner My dad whose first language isn't English, said the installer offered to pour cement in the equalizer drain located in the bottom of the deep end. He didn't understand the reasoning, but thought they said something about it being difficult to winterize.

We have a Jacuzzi WF Skimmer. I like the equalizer line as my parents are generally neglectful and it would come in handy if the water ever runs too low. In terms of winterizing, you basically stick piece of foam rope and screw a gizmo at the top. Pretty easy, although I don't think we have always used foam rope.

I tried to do some research online and discovered a new pool fear... entrapment! So now I'm a bit torn how to proceed with the information that I have in regards to cementing the line. Is this a good idea or not?

If not, what's the best way to entrapment proofing their setup? Is it possible to add equalizer valve to which would help reduce suction from the equalizer drain unless absolutely necessary? Do I need that and an anti-entrapment drain cover (some of them are $400+)?

Thanks!

 

[TinFoilHat]

I wouldn't cement a bottom drain if it's working.

 

[Bperry]

My parents have an old pool built in the 90s. The thing is built solid and we have had zero issues. They are finally getting a new liner after all these years and yesterday a company drained the pool and removed the old liner My dad whose first language isn't English, said the installer offered to pour cement in the equalizer drain located in the bottom of the deep end. He didn't understand the reasoning, but thought they said something about it being difficult to winterize.

We have a Jacuzzi WF Skimmer. I like the equalizer line as my parents are generally neglectful and it would come in handy if the water ever runs too low. In terms of winterizing, you basically stick piece of foam rope and screw a gizmo at the top. Pretty easy, although I don't think we have always used foam rope.

I tried to do some research online and discovered a new pool fear... entrapment! So now I'm a bit torn how to proceed with the information that I have in regards to cementing the line. Is this a good idea or not?

If not, what's the best way to entrapment proofing their setup? Is it possible to add equalizer valve to which would help reduce suction from the equalizer drain unless absolutely necessary? Do I need that and an anti-entrapment drain cover (some of them are $400+)?

Thanks!

The drain covers should be less than $20