knarfster

Much appreciate the input. What I've got at this point is don't throw away my sump pump for draining, and don't let the water level fall below the skimmer. Also, since the bottom drain isn't of much consequence, I am going to get an automatic cleaner to make sure the bottom stays clean (There is a booster pump, and there was an old torn up polaris cleaner laying in the yard when we moved in). In my situation it is much more important that the skimmer have the majority of the suction anyway, as my main problem is leaves on the surface.

That all makes sense. Thanks much. I think I was really hoping the main drain could be used to drain the pool.

Thanks. I thought with the pool drained (only a couple inches of water above the drain) that I basically had set up the scenario you mentioned. It was as if I had a full pool but the water level had dropped below the skimmer. I assumed that it would pull water from the main drain to keep the pump from running dry. How isn't it the same? Does the pool need to be close to skimmer depth for the main drain to keep the pump supplied?

I appreciate the info. The pool was built around 1980 I think but I'm not even sure of that. I do know that in 2001 a cartridge filter was replaced with a sand filter. But it doesn't seem as though that should have changed any of the plumbing. It seems as though if there is a bottom drain, there should be a way to use it, but right now I can't see how.

Thanks for the reply. I only have one pipe that comes out of the ground and feeds the pump. Don't see any valves anywhere.

I just bought a house with a badly neglected pool. I have drained it and am in process of cleaning / acid washing. I want to make sure all equipment is working before refilling. I am just learning how these things work and here's my problem today. There is suction from the skimmer to the pump but not from the main drain to the pump. I first thought it might be clogged (water was black). I have read that there should be a diverter to direct the flow from either the skimmer or main drain. My skimmer has 2 holes at the bottom. I assume one goes to the pump, the other to the drain. I don't know how to get the pump to feed from the main drain, and I don't see any valves anywhere. Any help would be appreciated.