Old Pool Renovation - Drain

[kevinanton7]

I am in the process of renovating a pool that is at least 30 years old. I will be replacing the existing plumbing, which is some kind of old flexible looking white pipe.

My question is: Should I abandon the drain. As far as I can tell there are currently no leaks in the plumbing, but I am worried if I develop a leak it will be a much more expensive proposition to fix / abandon after? Do I need a drain?

 

[kevinanton7]

As a follow up, since I thought it might matter, I am adding a pool heater. I read online that drains help reduce cool spots in the pool and allow for a cleaner pool.

So maybe I should rephrase my question. Is it possible to block off a drain in the future without draining/changing the liner if the old pipe fails?

 

[mknauss]

Should I abandon the drain.

Yes. Especially with a liner pool. Any penetration of the liner is a leak source. And one at the deepest point of the pool is the hardest to fix.

I read online that drains help reduce cool spots in the pool and allow for a cleaner pool.

The heat thing, sure. But a quick swim or brush and the problem is solved. And it does not do anything to clean the pool.