VGB compliant drain covers and debris

[CodyClay]

So I just purchased the home that I grew up in. My parents had a pool installed with an infloor cleaning system in ‘96. Well 22 years and 3 different home owners later, I decided it would be neat to buy this house when I saw it up for sale again.

From what I was told, the pool has only had typical repair and maintenance work done over the years. (Replaced pump, re-plaster, new sand in filter, etc) The previous owner told me that the infloor system was functional. Well he lied. I just rebuilt the caretaker (no big deal) but I haven’t tried it yet because my pool company said I needed to drain it for an unrelated issue.

My my question is about the VGB compliant drain covers that the previous owner had installed. When I was a kid, I remember the original covers allowed for leaves and debris to be sucked into it. Do I lose that feature?

I understand the reason and need for the safety covers, but I also know that the in floor system has very few benefits as is. It sucks to think that I just lost one of them.

Are there any VGB compliant covers that allow the debris to be sucked up?

 

[mas985]

Welcome to the forum!

My my question is about the VGB compliant drain covers that the previous owner had installed. When I was a kid, I remember the original covers allowed for leaves and debris to be sucked into it. Do I lose that feature?

Assuming the cover was designed for the in-floor, you shouldn't lose that feature.

 

[CodyClay]

I may be wrong, but it just seems like the slots are too small to allow leaves in. I will have the system up and running tomorrow to find out. The original cover was a flat, raised disc with a 1/2 inch gap between it and the pool floor.
This is the current cover.

 

[mas985]

Those would be the wrong covers to use for an in-floor. What is the make/model of the in-floor system?

 

[CodyClay]

Not sure. I rebuilt the caretaker and used a rebuild kit made by Polaris. I wish I had more info. I called 2 pool companies. The lady at the first company was confused by my question and was no help. The lady at the second company said what I’m looking for is illegal and I probably won’t find one in compliance with VGB.

 

[mas985]

Have you called Caretaker directly to see if they have a compliant cover that will still allow the leaves to come in:

Caretaker | The Original In-Floor Pool and Spa Self-Cleaning System

Another option is to use a non-compliant cover with a VRS (vacuum release system) attached to the pump. If you are planning to replace the pump as well, you can get an SVRS pump system (i.e. all-in-one).