Pump inlet question

[jaindesi]

Pool plumbing

• jaindesi
• Jun 13, 2019

In the picture, i have two inlets going in to pool pump than in to the filter. How do I know out of the, which one is from skimmer and bottom drain? I have bottom drain located in the deep part of the pool and two skimmers on both sides.

 

[mknauss]

Shut one of the suction valves and see what it does to your skimmers.

I suspect the valves are both home runs from each skimmer and the main drain is plumbed to the skimmer nearest it. See if that skimmer has two holes in the bottom.

 

[jaindesi]

Both skimmers have two holes. One seems plugged in both skimmers.

 

[mknauss]

OK -- Try turning off one of the suction valves. See if it stops both skimmers from pulling water. If one valve does not, open it and close the other.

 

[jaindesi]

So i closed the right valve and it stopped both skimmers. Open the right and close the left and I am assuming that's the drain at the bottom of the valve.

 

[mknauss]

So you have one suction line from both skimmers.

For best circulation, you should only leave the main drain valve open a little bit, and the skimmer valve open all the way. There is no need for significant suction from the main drain.

 

[jaindesi]

Got it. If I leave the main drain valve open only little bit, will that create more suction at the skimmers to hold the baskets down? I am using this Skim-a-around baskets. (not trying to market it here) But this baskets just float up unless i put a heavy rock in it to stay down.

 

[mknauss]

It should help.

Most folks abandon the use of those pretty quickly. Good luck with them.