What is the plug at the bottom of my pool? They are called Hydrostatic Relief Plugs or “Hydrostats”, for short. Hydrostatic openings in the pool floor are put in place to allow ground water to enter the pool – rather than lift the pool out of the ground with immense pressure.
How to plug the bottom main drain in an inground pool?
How to Plug the Bottom Main Drain in an Inground Pool. 1 Step 1. Lower the water level of the inground swimming pool so the main drain is easily reachable. Drain the water completely during colder months. 2 Step 2. 3 Step 3.
What is a double plug in a pool?
A double plug, used on old style Sylvan pools and some Anthony pools, is used for winterizing a combination skimmer, when the main drain pipe is tied into the pipe beneath the skimmer. These are also known as combination plugs.
What is a duck plug in a pool?
The Anderson Duck Plug or the Winter One-Way Plug are examples of plugs that are used during pool closing winterization. Air is blown in one direction through the plug, which pushes the water in the pipe out through the plug and seals up to prevent water from reentering the pipe after the water is expelled.
What are swimming pool plugs used for?
Swimming pool plugs come in all shapes, sizes and colors, and are used for many different purposes around the pool and for the pool equipment. Let’s look at the many types of plugs used on swimming pools and some of the uses of them. 1. Winterization Plugs
Is there a plug at the bottom of a pool?
They are called hydrostatic relief plugs or hydrostats, for short. Hydrostat plugs are usually plastered in place, but beneath the plaster, they thread into a piece of slotted pipe that runs through the floor of the pool. Below the floor, this pipe terminates into a gravel pit beneath the pool.
What is the thing in the bottom of my pool?
Main Drain This is another place where water is sucked in and pushed through your filter. Main drains are usually located at the bottom of the deep end of the pool.
What is the valve in the bottom of a pool?
The hydrostatic valve is located in the floor of the pool, usually underneath the main drain grate. Its function is to equalize the hydrostatic pressure on the outside of the pool with the hydrostatic pressure on the inside of the pool.
What is a hydrostatic relief plug?
In short, hydrostatic relief plugs allow high-pressure underground water to enter the pool rather than having those forces build up under the pool shell and result in costly damage.
Should pool main drain be open or closed?
For proper water circulation, it is best to position the flap so that it is about 2/3 closed. This will allow for more flow through the main drain than through the skimmer, which will promote a "bottom-to-top" circulation throughout the pool.
Is a pool main drain necessary?
Main drains are not required in an inground swimming pool, however, they are strongly recommended and can be extremely useful in some circumstances. The advantages of main drains are to give you the ability to drain the water from your pool without the use of a sump pump. This is useful when replacing your pool liner.
How do you release a hydrostatic valve in a pool?
1:524:08Pool Hydro-static valve, what is it? how to remove & replace ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn order to access your hydrostatic valve you will need to remove the main drain lid. In order toMoreIn order to access your hydrostatic valve you will need to remove the main drain lid. In order to reveal the hydrostatic valve that is inside.
What is a hydrostatic valve in a pool?
A hydrostatic relief valve is located in the deepest part of your pool usually under the main drain cover. The purpose of the hydrostatic relief valve is to relieve the pool of water pressure for those with high water tables.
What is a hydrostatic relief valve in pool?
A hydrostatic relief valve (HRV) is a check valve that is installed into the floor of a swimming pool in the main drain. The function of the HRV is to allow the ground water table surrounding the pool to equalize with the pool water.
How do you remove an inground pool plug?
0:035:27Open a Pool - Removing and Installing Plugs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll have to use your hands to reach around the sides of your pool. Until you find the plugs.MoreYou'll have to use your hands to reach around the sides of your pool. Until you find the plugs.
Do I need a hydrostatic valve in my pool?
The hydrostatic valve opens inwards allowing ground water to flow into the bottom of the swimming pool to relief the pressure. Without a hydrostatic valve to relieve the pressure, the pool can be moved or uplifted out of the ground damaging the pool structure and plumbing.
Where are the drain plugs on a pool pump?
Pool pumps usually have two pump drain plugs, one in the front, at the base of the hair & lint strainer or pump pot, and another plug further back towards the motor, to drain the volute, or impeller housing. 4. Heater Plugs.
What type of plugs are used in pools?
1. Winterization Plugs. The most typical types of plugs used for winterization of pools is a tapered rubber plug with two stainless steel washers and a bolt passing through the center.
What is double plug in a pool?
A Double Plug, used on old style Sylvan pools and some Anthony pools, is used for winterizing a combination skimmer, when the main drain pipe is tied into the pipe beneath the skimmer. These are also known as combination plugs. Used as pipe plugs, to plug skimmers, returns, cleaner lines – to prevent water from entering the pipes during winter, ...
What is a test plug?
Test plugs look similar to winterizing plugs, except that they are not tapered, the sides are straight, and they have oversized wing nuts to allow for strong tightening. Some are smooth, some are ridged and some are inflatable. They are used primarily for pressure testing plumbing, because their straight sidewalls allow for a more secure plugging of the line; tapered plugs can push out of the line under high pressure. Another type of test plug has a hole that runs through the center of the plug, with a valve stem style threaded top. These plugs are used to push compressed air into the pipe, for the purpose of pressure testing or for blowing out the plumbing lines for winterization.
What is a winter one way plug?
The Anderson Duck Plug or the Winter One-Way Plug are examples of plugs that are used during pool closing winterization. Air is blown in one direction through the plug, which pushes the water in the pipe out through the plug, and seals up to prevent water from reentering the pipe after the water is expelled. A plastic cap (not shown) is then pushed over the opening as added protection against water coming in.
Why do you use tapered plugs?
They are used primarily for pressure testing plumbing, because their straight sidewalls allow for a more secure plugging of the line; tapered plugs can push out of the line under high pressure. Another type of test plug has a hole that runs through the center of the plug, with a valve stem style threaded top.
What is an expansion plug?
Most commonly referred to as Expansion Plugs, because they expand as you tighten the stainless steel or nylon wing nut on top. Some pool guys call these Freeze plugs, although the more common use of that term refers to an engine block plug used for freeze protection on automobiles.
Where are hydrostatic plugs in a pool?
You will usually find these in the center of the floor. One in the shallow end, one at mid-depth and one or two in the deep end. There may also be one inside of the main drain pot, directly in the bottom.
What are the white rings on the floor of a pool called?
They are called Hydrostatic Relief Plugs or “Hydrostats”, for short. Hydrostat plugs are usually plastered in place, but beneath the plaster, they thread into a piece of slotted pipe that runs through the floor of the pool. Below the floor, this pipe terminates into a gravel pit, beneath the pool.
How do I remove a hydrostatic relief plug from a pool?
How to Remove Hydrostatic Relief Plugs from the pool floor. If you are draining the pool, especially for more than a day – you should open at least one of these floor plugs to prevent problems from a high water table putting pressure under the pool. To remove a hydrostatic plug, chisel the plaster out from inside of the plug, ...
Why do pools have hydrostatic openings?
Hydrostatic openings in the pool floor are put in place to allow ground water to enter the pool – rather than lift the pool out of the ground with immense pressure. This pressure is known as Hydrostatic Pressure, and could be a problem for pools built in a topigraphically depressed location, or an area with a high water table.
What happens if water comes into a pool?
That’s why you opened it! The water flow should stop at some point, just keep pumping the water out of the pool, and discharge it to a storm drain or to a location that won’t recycle itself back underneath the pool.
Can you use a hydrostat in a pool?
Automatic hydrostats are typically used only on commercial pools or on high-end residential pools. Vinyl liner pools don’t have hydrostats installed, but for some pools with particular water problems, they can be installed, inside of a main drain pot, to allow water to come into the pool, instead of bulging the pool liner.
Where is the main drain in a pool?
Main Drain: The main drain is typically located at the deepest point of the pool and is used to lower the water level, however its primary purpose is to circulate water from the bottom of the pool. It is recommended that about 1/3rd of the circulated water come from the main drain. Some residential pools do not have main drains, ...
What is the pump in a pool?
Your pool has a circulation pump that is responsible for moving pool water throughout the circulation system, (this is not to be confused with auxiliary pumps such as cleaner booster pumps, jet pumps, waterfall pumps, etc.). Water is drawn in from the pools outlets into the front of the pump, through the hair/lint trap, ...
How does a pool pump work?
Water is drawn in from the pools outlets into the front of the pump, through the hair/lint trap, through the pumping chamber and out the top of the pool pump on its way to the filter. Two important things with pool pumps. First never run the pump without having the hair/lint trap basket securely in place. The trap basket collects all large debris ...
What is the circulation system in a pool?
Your pool’s circulation system is the elements of your pool that take water from the pool, filter it, heat it, and return the water back to the pool. We’ll go over each of these elements and describe how they function and what you need to do with them.
How does a Polaris pool cleaner work?
The pump draws water from the pool circulation plumbing and pushes it back to the pool via the dedicated cleaner line to which the automatic cleaner is connected. There is virtually no maintenance with this pump however it must not be turned on unless the pool circulation pump is running; the booster pump is not self priming and depends on the circulation pump to prime it and keep it primed.
Where does pool water come from?
Pool water comes from the circulation pump into the filter where small debris particles are removed, and then goes on to the heater or back to the pool. There are three types of filters, sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth. Sand filters are the most common due to their ease of cleaning and low maintenance.
What is a water outlet?
Water outlets: Water outlets are any pool opening where water goes out of the pool for circulation, some examples are: a.) Skimmer: The skimmer is used to circulate water from the top of the pool and to “skim” debris off the water surface. It is critical that the skimmer be in good operating condition and functioning properly;
Where is the main drain in a swimming pool?
Main Drains for Swimming Pools Anti-Entrapment Style. The main drain in your swimming pool is very easy to locate – it sits right at the bottom of the pool. But locating them isn’t actually the problem with swimming pool main drains.
What does a pool main drain do?
What a swimming pool main drain actually does is act as a suction that takes the water out of the pool and sends it back to the filter to be cleaned, so that it can then redistribute it back into the pool. In 2007 the United States passed the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.
Why is it important to clean the main drain in a swimming pool?
Cleaning the swimming pool main drain is important so that it doesn’t become clogged and so that it can continue to perform its job properly. There is also a pressurized clog remover that you can use on the main drain in your swimming pool to unclog any debris from the main drain with a highly pressurized blast of air.
Why do pools have dome shaped covers?
This act stated that any public swimming pools have dome-shaped covers over their swimming pool main drains so that the possibility of entrapment is reduced.
How many drains did the pool guy install?
Two main drains were installed by the Pool Guy during this renovation job, an electric drill is not normally used for this to avoid any potential tears in the liner during installation. Two main drains were installed by the Pool Guy during this renovation job.
Is it dangerous to drain a pool?
The problem is that they can be very dangerous pieces of equipment in the pool, and that many pool owners don’t realize it. Because of that, they don’t take care to properly guard their swimming pool main drain, until tragedy strikes. One of the biggest misconceptions about swimming pool main drains is that they actually drain the pool.
Do private pools have to replace drains?
The government did not make it mandatory that private pools take steps to replace existing main drains, however, if you will be doing any work to your pool it’s a great time to make the change for safety.
How to prevent a pool from clogging?
To prevent clogs from occurring in the first place, regularly remove debris from the top of the pool with the skimmer. By getting the floating debris out of the pool, you prevent it from eventually falling to the bottom. Place all debris in a bucket for easy disposal.
How does a CO2 gun work in a pool?
The CO2 gun is placed in the water , pressure is applied and the CO2 forces the clog out of the drain. A pool's main drain can become clogged with debris. Your swimming pool's main drain requires regular maintenance. Although the rest of the pool's parts, such as the filter, may seem to be working just fine, the drain is always at risk ...
Can a CO2 gun be used to clear a pool drain?
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. A CO2 gun can be used to clear the main drain without emptying the pool, but only by a professional. The CO2 gun is placed in the water, pressure is applied and the CO2 forces the clog out of the drain. A pool's main drain can become clogged with debris.
Where do you put the vacuum hose in a pool?
When vacuuming your pool you should insert one end of the vacuum hose into the hole that goes to the pool pump and filter . If there are two holes at the bottom of a pool skimmer then this is always the one furthest away from the pool. The hole nearest the pool is the one that draws water from the pool drain if the water level drops.
What is the second hole in a pool?
The second hole, called an equalizer, connects to either the drain inlet at the bottom of the pool or to a separate inlet a few feet below the surface of the water in the side of the pool. If the water level in the pool falls below the water entrance at the top of the skimmer, so no more water is running in over the weir door, ...
What is the float valve on a pool pump?
A float valve assembly, also known as an equalizer assembly, sits over the the 2 holes at the bottom of the skimmer and effectively does very little until either the pool level drops to below the skimmer or if the skimmer basket becomes so full that no water can be drawn though it (so no water goes to the pump.
Why do you need to have two holes in a pool skimmer?
This is because only one is required to have two holes at the bottom of a pool skimmer open in case the water level drops to prevent the pump running dry. The other skimmer/s may actually have two holes but the one closest to the pool is likely to be closed with a blanking plate.
How many equalizers are needed for a pool?
Where there are more than one skimmer in a pool, the second usually has one blanked off with a screw-in blanking plate as only one equalizer is required per pool. Two holes at the bottom of a pool skimmer.
Why do you need a pool skimmer?
Pool skimmers should be used at all times the pump is running in order to remove any debris such as leaves, bugs, pollen and even sun oil that may be floating on the surface of the pool . By used I mean that the valve or valves controlling the flow water from the skimmers to the pump should be open.
Why does my pool lose water?
There are a number of possible reasons why your pool is losing water: All pools lose water through evaporation. The rate of evaporation can be quite significant, particularly on warm and windy days with low humidity.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Pool Filters
Maintaining your swimming pool filter system is important. Learn how to clean and maintain your pool filter at low cost & enjoy a Trouble Free Pool.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Pool Filters
Maintaining your swimming pool filter system is important. Learn how to clean and maintain your pool filter at low cost & enjoy a Trouble Free Pool.
