Plug Overflow Pipe to Keep Water Level High?

[Mark Shvitz]

My pool was letting water out through leaks in the inline chlorinator. I permanently plugged it so no water can enter or leave the chlorinator. Now I have my sights on another problem.

My skimmer has two pipes exiting it. I have never seen this setup before. I believe the second outlet goes to a pipe that lets excess water flow into the garden. I do not like this arrangement. I suspect it's the reason why the water level is so low in the skimmer basket after I top off the pool. I would like to have the water halfway or more up the skimmer opening so evaporation losses don't force me to add water so often.

Do I really need this overflow outlet? I would like to plug it. I am wondering if anyone makes a plug to fit these things. I also wonder if I should dig up the overflow pipe and try to raise the end of it an inch or so. I have never had a pool overflow, even after hurricanes, so this pipe seems like a stupid idea.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Mark,

There is no problem plugging the overflow if that is what you want to do.

But, maybe the reason that your pool has never overflowed is because the overflow port was working as it should...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Mark Shvitz]

Seems to me that if it worked, it would have been possible to keep the water level high enough to keep the skimmer from sucking air.

I never saw my last two pools overflow.

Since posting my question, I examined the outlet and found out it was threaded. I learned that Amazon sells threaded plugs. I think I'm in business.