Obstructed main drain

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cooperc2
I'm new here
I'm new here
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue 02 Apr, 2019 12:47
My Pool: 30 '' round above ground , sand filter

Obstructed main drain

Postby cooperc2 » Tue 02 Apr, 2019 13:02

I have a 30" above ground pool with a main drain and skimmer. The skimmer is the only line with a shutoff valve. We had some problems with the liner and had to go ahead and uncover the pool before I was ready. After fixing the liner I decided I may as well leave it open and just do my best to keep it clean until the water warms up enough to get in. I usually vacuum my pool using the main drain due to the fact I can close the skimmer valve for better suction. But since it's still so cold and I needed to vacuum I used a reach pole to place a tennis ball over the center main drain , then hooked my vac to skimmer . It worked great and I was able to get pool vacuumed , I shut off pump and went around to remove tennis ball. The tennis ball somehow got sucked into the main drain pipe , I don't know how far , I just know I can no longer see it. Help please


Teapot
Pool Industry Leader
Pool Industry Leader
Posts: 1337
Joined: Tue 17 Oct, 2017 10:52
My Pool: 12 x 24 (45m3) liner pool, Triton TR60 filter with AFM glass media (Activate) and variable speed pump running 0.08HP
Location: UK

Re: Obstructed main drain

Postby Teapot » Wed 03 Apr, 2019 11:05

You don't need a main drain so leave it blocked. Eventually the ball will rot and it will work again.
All dirt enters a pool from above so if the skimmer works properly you don't need a main drain.
cooperc2
I'm new here
I'm new here
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue 02 Apr, 2019 12:47
My Pool: 30 '' round above ground , sand filter

Re: Obstructed main drain

Postby cooperc2 » Wed 03 Apr, 2019 11:19

I agree except it's just blocking it enough to cause air in the line , not enough to completely block it. I had planned on capping it this season anyway since I do not have a shut off for it . I really don't see it helps keep my pool any cleaner . It just winds up being a headache Everytime I get ready to vacuum.
Teapot
Pool Industry Leader
Pool Industry Leader
Posts: 1337
Joined: Tue 17 Oct, 2017 10:52
My Pool: 12 x 24 (45m3) liner pool, Triton TR60 filter with AFM glass media (Activate) and variable speed pump running 0.08HP
Location: UK

Re: Obstructed main drain

Postby Teapot » Fri 05 Apr, 2019 02:30

I am not sure how blocking just enough to cause air in the line for a main drain that is under water? To me if you block the line and you are drawing in air you have a pipe leak on that line.

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