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Main Drains and Skimmers

Choose from the following Main Drain and Skimmer Categories

Main Drains
Main Drains are used for bottom suction of your swimming pool. Use Anti-Vortex or Anti-Hair Snare Covers to ensure safety in your swimming pool

Click here for Anti-Vortex Main Drains
Click here for Main Drain Parts
Skimmers
Auto Fill
Control your water levels with Auto Fill Water Fillers. Keeps your water levels maintained.
Flowmeters
Measure the amount of water flow going through your pool or spa pipes. Allows you to ensure there is the correct amount of water flowing through each pipe.

What is a Main Drain?
The main drain is an outlet located in the floor of the pool, usually at the lowest point so that the surface of the pool is angled toward the drain. This will typically be in the deep end of the pool. The main drain is the exit point for dirt, debris and water. Larger pools may have more than one main drain. Water is pushed out of the pool and through the filter by the pump for proper sanitation. There is powerful suction at the drain that can entrap hair, body parts or clothing. For this reason, main drains should always be covered by a grate or an anti-vortex cover to prevent disembowelment, bodily entrapment and possible drowning. Children especially should be warned against going near or touching the main drain.

How Many Main Drains Do I Need?
This will be determined by your local code and the size of your pool. Many areas of the country now require two main drains to be installed during pool construction to reduce the risk of entrapment. Manufacturers are starting to package main drains in pairs due to this requirement. You should check with your local government agency that handles pool code. And even if they don't require two drains, you should still consider installing them for safety.

What is a Skimmer?
The skimmer is a cylindrical device installed in the wall of the pool and connected to the suction line of the pump. Suction from the pump pulls water and floating debris into the skimmer. Simmers usually have a square opening with a floating, flap-like door called a weir. The weir keeps the debris that has passed into the skimmer from reentering the pool. Inside the skimmer is a basket that catches larger bits of debris and keeps these from getting into the pump basket or the filter. The basket needs to be cleaned regularly so that the skimmer does not become clogged.

How Many Skimmers Do I Need?
There is some debate about the number of skimmers a pool requires. Some say it is unnecessary to have more than one for most pools and that the action of two skimmers can conflict, causing dead spots where floating debris is not drawn to either skimmer. Others recommend having two, three or even four skimmers depending upon the size of the pool. Talk to your pool installer who should have the experience necessary to recommend the appropriate number of skimmers for your particular pool shape, size and type.

Floating Skimmer
If you have an existing pool without a skimmer, you have the option of adding a floating skimmer which attaches to the suction line with a hose. This will give you the benefits of having a skimmer without any renovation. Since this will drift throughout the pool, you need to consider young children who have the potential to get tangled up in the hose. It is recommended to remove the skimmer while the pool is occupied.

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