Expert: Lynn bellay Date: 6/28/2008 Subject: pool valves
Question I am a new pool owner and had a gentleman come and do the pool school for me but it was very overwhelming and I think I missed a few things. There are two valves that I am not sure which way they should be set. One is the return valve which is a simple ball valve. I am not sure if that should be on all the time or part way on or if it should be set differently when using the vacuum or not. It is located next to my spa fountain and waterfall valves on the return side of the pump.
The other valve that I am confused about is a combination valve that is labeled main drain. I think that is supposed to be on unless I am using the vacuum but I am not sure how to tell when it is on and when it is off. Is there a trick to telling on/off on these combo valves. I know that seems stupid but as I said...new pool owner and even after the pool school I am still not understanding it
Answer Victoria,When vacuuming you turn the bottom drain off to give you more suction at the vac head.You turn off the skimmer and let all suction on the bottom drain to clean the bottom of the pool and draw the dirt to the drain area making it easier to vac.When you put the handle[longways] inline with the pipe it is on.Some times when running different devices such as auto cleaner most work best with main drain off,using maximum suction at unit.Sprays waterfalls can be adjusted by turning valves part way off.You always have to have at least one inlet and one outlet of course.
