Something stuck in main drain opening

[etbrown4]

Have a small main drain in a fiberglass pool located in the side wall down 4.5', just above the bottom. For about a month there's been something organic looking stuck there, and it cuts flow in half.

Can't really tell the makeup or design of the screen, but it looks like the openings might be an inch or so, and the drain faceplate diameter is about 3"

Ideas welcome on how to dislodge or clean it.

 

[Texas Splash]

I don't suppose you have any way to share a pic or two of this wall drain cover? Something to help us determine how it might be removed?

 

[etbrown4]

Down almost 5' below water, I doubt I can get much of a pic. Will try.
I've dealt with other main drains before but this is among the smallest i have seen.

 

[etbrown4]

 

[Texas Splash]

I've not seen a cover like that. Interesting. Let's see if @JamesW has seen this one before.

 

[JamesW]

Hayward SP1026 1.5″MPT Safety Grate Insert

 

[etbrown4]

Ok, I'd agree that's likely it.

What's the best way to dislodge something stuck in It? Diving is not an option.

 

[JamesW]

The grate needs to be replaced.

The grate is broken and dangerous.

The grate needs to be a VGB certified grate for suction and you need at least two grates for a main drain.

I do not see anything stuck.

Where is the stuck item?

Maybe you can use a pump to suck out the item.

Remove the grate and vacuum the line to remove any debris.

Turn off suction to the line until it can be made safe.

 

[etbrown4]

It's easy enough to pull from the skimmer only.
So Besides diving, or pool draining, what are the options to clear this drain?

 

[1poolman1]

It's easy enough to pull from the skimmer only.
So Besides diving, or pool draining, what are the options to clear this drain?

Try a "Drain King" #186 in the suction line from that port. Without a proper VGB-rated cover that is a dangerous port to be un-covered/partially covered and in use. You should use only the skimmer until it can be covered properly.

 

[etbrown4]

As mentioned, it's simple enough to operate with skimmer only.

Back to clearing that drain, the drain king 186 seems plausible.

I've seen pool guys winterize drain and return lines using a 1/4" threaded air compressor line into a drain port at the pump. They limit the pressure to 30 psi, let it build up and then push water from those lines.

 

[JamesW]

Remove the grate and vacuum the line with a side pump.

Install a proper suction cover before using the line.