Slow down skimmer suction and divert to main drains

[EndlessSummerAZ]

I picked up a Betta solar skimmer to test out. Ideally I’d like to use that as more of a primary surface skimmer. My main drains and skimmer run through the same pipe so I can’t adjust suction there without slowing them both down it seems. I was reading that maybe adjusting the piece in the skimmer can redirect more suction to the main drains. Should this be done or does it cause pressure issues with pipes? How am I able to tell how much suction is diverted to the drains if I go that route? Do I need to adjust pump speed to account for less suction at the skimmer? Any Betta users with suggestions feel free to pass them along.

 

[laszlof]

Based on the labels, it looks like the skimmer and main drains are plumbed on the same pipe. I don't think you can adjust it as you'd like.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

You need to show us the bottom of the skimmer. You should have some type of a valve that allows you to adjust suction between main drains and skimmer. Your main drain is likely plumbed to the bottom of the skimmer.

I have the same type of setup. My skimmer has a float / diverter valve at the bottom. I generally keep the valve set to full skimmer. There's little need for main drain suction.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Endless,

Why do you think you need a main drain at all???

Turn your pump off, and then show us another pic looking down into your skimmer.. with the basket removed.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[EndlessSummerAZ]

Endless,

Why do you think you need a main drain at all???

Turn your pump off, and then show us another pic looking down into your skimmer.. with the basket removed.

Thanks,

Jim R.

My thought was that the main drain could help a little with some of the fine dust we get here. Skimmer action will be taken over by the Betta. Ideally I’d like to only have to throw in the suction robot once a week for a couple hours to clean the bottom. Currently running a Hayward VS950 and have the pump running 8am to 4pm at 1000rpm and from 3:30pm to 5pm at 1800rpm while I add chemicals and brush. Still trying to work out ideal pump run time and speeds as well.

 

[ajw22]

The main drain does not do anything for cleaning the pool floor. It does not have enough suction to move dirt on the floor to it.

The main drain only helps in chemical circulation and even heating.

 

[EndlessSummerAZ]

The main drain does not do anything for cleaning the pool floor. It does not have enough suction to move dirt on the floor to it.

The main drain only helps in chemical circulation and even heating.

Well that is disappointing. I guess I’ll leave as is and lower pump speed. Should I just run pump low enough that it doesn’t interfere with the Betta skimmer on a daily basis since I’m not concerned about my skimmer suction? Then ramp up the rpm’s when adding chemicals or the robot?

 

[ajw22]

Should I just run pump low enough that it doesn’t interfere with the Betta skimmer on a daily basis since I’m not concerned about my skimmer suction? Then ramp up the rpm’s when adding chemicals or the robot?

You can do that.

Basically ramp up the RPMs when you need the pump or water circulation to do something. If all is good then a low level of water circulation is fine.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

The UFO looking thing at the bottom of your skimmer is a float/diverter valve. If you pull it out you'll find a flap on the bottom. When the flap is closed, you have max suction from main drain. When it is open fully, you have max suction from skimmer. One true advantage to that device is if water level gets below skimmer level, the valve will close off skimmer suction and pull from the main drain. It's a good safety device to protect your pump from running dry.

 

[EndlessSummerAZ]

The UFO looking thing at the bottom of your skimmer is a float/diverter valve. If you pull it out you'll find a flap on the bottom. When the flap is closed, you have max suction from main drain. When it is open fully, you have max suction from skimmer. One true advantage to that device is if water level gets below skimmer level, the valve will close off skimmer suction and pull from the main drain. It's a good safety device to protect your pump from running dry.

So is it best to not adjust it and just leave as is for now?

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish. If you're trying to reduce skimmer suction because it will interfere with the Betta, then close the flap and see how it operates. You'll have to do some experimenting with how much the flap needs to be closed to achieve what you're after. It won't do any harm to the plumbing or pump by closing the flap and pulling water from the main drain.