Skimmer to Main Valve or Skimmer Float Valve?

[Kiland]

We had a new in-ground vinyl liner pool installed last fall. After one year with the pool, we recognize that we made a terrific investment for our family ... the kids love it. We just closed the pool for the winter, and we completed all steps except for blowing out the plumbing lines; we paid a company to do this step. I did not exactly have the time to figure out the proper way to do so as I was still trying to fully understand the plumbing. After finding some information, here is what I understand:

The main drain is plumbed to the single skimmer, and suction pulls all water through the skimmer. This means we have no external diverter valve on the suction line near the pump. The flow between main and skimmer is controlled by a skimmer to main diverter valve located in the skimmer. Valve looks like this:

Am I correct in my understanding that a skimmer float valve serves the same purpose? And if so, could I replace this skimmer to main diverter valve with a skimmer float valve? Quite frankly, I do not feel that this valve we currently have seals well enough to provide adequate suction while vacuuming. The rubber o-ring on the bottom of it does not make full contact because the screws are too long (this may be an installation error, or may be possible to remedy with a spacer, I am not certain).

Regardless, if I could trade this diverter valve for a float valve, which performs better? I wouldn't waste my time switching to a float valve if the diverter type functions better. In my mind, I feel like suction while vacuuming would improve if I could truly close off the main drain by plugging the vac hose directly into the suction port.

Any input and insights will be greatly appreciated!

 

[jblizzle]

I think skimmers are designed to either work with the round float diverters, or the oval one like you have. I do not think you can switch between the two.

I also am not sure that you can run a vacuum through that oval diverter. Although admittedly I'm not exactly sure how that one works. Since I have never had my hands on one.

 

[Kiland]

I also am not sure that you can run a vacuum through that oval diverter. Although admittedly I'm not exactly sure how that one works. Since I have never had my hands on one.

Our vac attaches with a suction plate that covers the skimmer basket (can remove the basket and clean out hair strainer on pump instead). It is another reason that, in my opinion, the suction from our vacuum is not that great.

 

[jblizzle]

That is why the vac does not work, it is less resistance for the pump to pull the water from the floor drain than it is through the vac.

 

[Kiland]

That is why the vac does not work, it is less resistance for the pump to pull the water from the floor drain than it is through the vac.

Do you have a suggestion for a solution that would improve vac suction?

 

[pookiesunshine]

unscrew the diverter every time you want to vacuum and plug the main drain line. not very desirable.

 

[jblizzle]

unscrew the diverter every time you want to vacuum and plug the main drain line. not very desirable.

Yup, but make sure you use a leaf canister.

Not sure how those oval diverters work to know if a better method exists

 

[Catanzaro]

Kiland:

Welcome to the forum and please add your signature. How many skimmers/main drain combinations do you have? Returns as well. Maybe you can work with one skimmer and the returns for circulation in the pool. This would then require just plugging the main drain for the whole season until closing and you would have greater suction from the skimmer port. Unless you have 2 skimmers with a diverter valve set up the same way.

I shut off my second skimmer to vacuum manually. If I want to pick debris up quickly, I will partially close the main drain (plumbed separately) and lift vacuum head off floor to act like a powerful vacuum. Can not place on liner as it will not move. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[pookiesunshine]

Our vac attaches with a suction plate that covers the skimmer basket (can remove the basket and clean out hair strainer on pump instead)....

i would leave the basket in place to avoid getting larger stuff sucked into the pipe.