operating valves and vacuuming

[bbstone]

Need help operating/adjusting valve system in a Sylvan in-ground pool with 2 skimmers +drain in deep end. How is the drain shut in order to operate an "automatic" pool vacuume?

[superdoopie]

You have three way valves with handles that switch between the main drain and two skimmers. When "off on the handle faces a pipe that pipe is off. If you're trying to use a suction side "automatic" vacuum (cleaner), you'll connect it to one of the skimmers. When it is in the pool you should turn off toward the skimmer that you're not using for the cleaner. If you need more suction for the cleaner you can turn off or partially restrict the main drains.

The best way to run the pool when the cleaner is not in use is to have all the ports open. In other words, "off" on the handles should not face any pipes.

[bbstone]

Thanks very much for yours. A follow on question: Should the screw-down "inlet covers" in the 2 skimmer baskets be left in "open" positions or should they be adjusted when I am vacuuming? Thanks again for your help.

[superdoopie]

Are these "covers" like little flaps that rotate around to close the holes off? Or is it a fitting that screws into the hole at the bottom of the skimmer and diverts between main drain and skimmer?

If your valve set up looks like the picture, you should leave them open and use the valves. If you don't have a valve between the skimmers you can close one of the covers to turn off that skimmer. Around here, if you have the diverters in the skimmers you typically don't have a the valves at the equipment, although this could have been retrofitted.