What is the port by the skimmer? Connect pool vacuum?

[treimche]

There is a port in the pool just below the skimmer and I am wondering what it is for? It has a grille type of screw on cover on it. I can't feel any suction in front of it or anything. Hard to tell in the pic since the pump is running but I can try to find a pic just like it online.

Also wondering if that would be a port where the pool vacuum would connect to? The previous owners of our house left us a Pentair Dorado vacuum and I have used it before by plugging the hose into the soft rubber cone reducer, which plugs into the bottom of the skimmer. As you can see in the second pic, the rubber has deteriorated and needs to be replaced. I can grab one, but if there's a different/better way to connect the vacuum, I'd like to find out.

 

[Jimrahbe]

T,

If it is for your suction side cleaner, it should have a little spring-loaded door on it..

If not, then it is most likely a Equalizer port. In theory, it provides a water source, if the water falls below the mouth of the skimmer.. I have them.. But it appears to me that they would only work if the skimmer has a floating diverter valve. In over 10 years, my water have never come close to being below the skimmer, so I have never tried them out.

I also have a suction cleaner port and it is nowhere near the skimmer...

Thanks,

Jim R.