The Mysterious Pipe

[Mike1976]

Hi,

I'm looking to add a robotic cleaner or automatic cleaner of some kind to my inground pool. There is a capped inlet in the long side of the pool and I'm guessing this is a dedicated vacuum port... Is that correct? Here's a link to an image showing it:

http://s940.photobucket.com/albums/ad243/s...nt=IMG_1526.jpg

There's also a pipe sticking up near the pool equipment. It's open and there's nothing connected to it. What is this pipe for? A booster pump maybe? Here's an image showing that (Edit: It's the large diameter pipe with the r/a elbow at the top):

http://s940.photobucket.com/albums/ad243/s...nt=IMG_1527.jpg

So, basically, I need some help to determine a few things:

1. What's the best type of cleaner for a pool that is basically a big bowl?

2. I'd like to use the dedicated pool line (if that's what it is)... BUT I'm not sure if I should uncap it without knowing where that pipe goes.

3. Lastly, what's that pipe that pokes out near the equipment?

If anyone has expertise in this area, I'd really appreciate your help!

Thanks!

M

[Pool Clown]

Take the cap off and run water (garden hose) down the pipe and see if you can feel the water coming out (put the hose in the pipe at the equipment).

I would choose a Polaris product.

If you have a spa, you should have a pipe that daylights at the equipment that the air goes in (gets sucked in) for the jets. This line could be anything from a 1'' to a 2'' line in size. I see a 1 inch line coming up at your equipment (2nd picture). That could be your air line. which would suggest that the line in question would be the line coming thru at the pool. Try the garden hose trick to confirm.

[Mike1976]

Take the cap off and run water (garden hose) down the pipe and see if you can feel the water coming out (put the hose in the pipe at the equipment).

I would choose a Polaris product.

If you have a spa, you should have a pipe that daylights at the equipment that the air goes in (gets sucked in) for the jets. This line could be anything from a 1'' to a 2'' line in size. I see a 1 inch line coming up at your equipment (2nd picture). That could be your air line. which would suggest that the line in question would be the line coming thru at the pool. Try the garden hose trick to confirm.

Thanks. There is an attached spa. The 1" line that pokes up next to the equipment is capped (not sure what it is). Does this mean it can't be the air line? Is the air line a requirement? If the 2", uncapped line, is the air line, will it cause any problem to let water run into? I'd imagine it won't but, I thought I'd ask just to be sure... maybe I'll turn on the spa and see if i feel air being sucked into the 2" line.

If it turns out that the 2" line is the dedicated vac line, I'm guessing I would need someone out to professionally install a booster pump into my equipment. Yes?

I'll mess around tomorrow and see what happens - Thanks!

[Pool Clown]

No, it won't hurt, go ahead and run some water down that pipe. Or, if you think it may be the air line, turn the jets on and see if you can hear the jets clearing the pipe of water (you'll hear gurgling noises).

If you go with a booster pump cleaner then yes, you should call a professional to install.

[The_Pool_Guy]

Superflo Pumps. Excellent quality for the price..