Skimmer & Main Drain Valve Positions

[poolcurious7]

Hello! Just wanted advice on my valve positions for my skimmer valve.

I have basically 3 options:

1. the one labeled vacuum: I believe this option draws more from the skimmer?
2. the one with the rocks: I believe this option draws equal suction from the skimmer and main drain
3. the other one with the dirt I believe this option draws more for the main drain??

For years I had option 2, but I think my pool person changed it to the option 1 maybe when he was vacuuming?

What is best for most pools?

 

[Jimrahbe]

7,

If you only have one skimmer, it should be run full open..

Your cleaner should go to a port in the side wall of your pool. Do you keep a suction side cleaner connected to this port all the time???

I would only run the main drain open about 10%, but that will be hard to do with your current 3 -way valve set up.

Why do you believe that you main drain has to always be wide open??

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[poolcurious7]

I don't use a cleaner...so I keep the Main Drain valve always open.
I guess my question is, what position should the skimmer valve be in?

 

[Jimrahbe]

7,

Assuming that your cleaner line has a cap where it enters the pool, I would rotate the valve around so that only 10% of the main drain is open. If the cleaner has a cap, you don't need to have it shut off with a valve.

Then I would fully open the Skimmer.

There is no absolute right answer here.. You can run it any way you want..

In my mind, the more suction you can shift to the skimmer, the better off you are.. Especially when using a VS pump running at a slow RPM..

Thanks,

Jim R.