I agree with what you both are saying. I'm in technology and there are a ton of hacks at all levels, layers, and industries. It's amazing how some products are released with subpar designs, CMP waterfalls are one of them -- lol. I ended up cutting off the rock trap bottom to attach a ball valve for easy winterization because I've had 1 waterfall rock trap burst open 2x now after the pool builder has winterized it. Last year I watched them pour the antifreeze in the lines, but the way the rock trap is designed I highly doubt the antifreeze is getting there.
The knowledge people pour out on these threads is fascinating to me, and I want to jump into it to learn and understand it more. My son has said he wants to be a pool builder now for 2 years (he's 6). He's been my little helper with everything we are learning and trying. Next item on the list is potentially changing up some of the plumbing and valves where the pool equipment is because I can't operate the pool how I would like to, i.e., run the deck jets and bubblers at the same time or even deck jets and pool jets. Also wanting to install a hard lined backwash drain for the sand filter - that hose annoys me! After I get through those pieces I'm going to take on some of the automation upgrades.
