No Vaccum Side

[tbone]

Hi, new pool owner at our new home. Its rectanglular and in ground. Standing at shallow end and facing pool, return is right in front of me and skimmer is on left wall. On the right wall is what is currently, another auxillary return the way it is plumbed. It is connected to a Polaris auxillary pump. The question I have is that not supposed to be plumbed to be a vaccum side? What is the benefit of running an auxillary pump with an additional return? Can I just change the plumbing on the auxillary pump from in to out and vice versa with no danger to change it to a vaccum side? Many Thanks!!

[CGPoolman]

Hello TBone,

You may get a few differing opinions on this but here's mine. For me it's about saving money.

If you are no longer going to use the Polaris cleaner, I would disconnect the Polaris booster pump and re-plumb that line into the return line of your pool. Then, you can just put an "eyeball" fitting over the cleaner port inside the pool and use it as another return. It will improve pool circulation.

If you re-route the Polaris line into your suction lines, you'll just have to add another valve that will allow you to adjust the suction into the cleaner line. This will be a bit more plumbing, and also be more expensive.

If you are looking to use a suction cleaner, just get one that plugs into the skimmer. Chances are you already have some sort of 3 way valve or ball valve that will allow you to adjust the suction between the skimmer and the main drain without having to make any further modifications to your setup.

-CG

[tbone]

Thank you so much. Makes sense and I'm thinking aobut it for next year. I think I'll just ride out this season as everything seems to be working at par. We have a lot of trees so more skimming circulation would be better. Thanks, Tony