Directions for the Bottom Drain in Above Ground Pools

Swimming can be therapeutic for people of all ages.

Above-ground swimming pools have changed over the years. The manufacturers have developed materials to prevent erosion. Drains in an above-ground swimming pool help prevent safety hazards. Some local codes recommend using more than one drain in an above-ground swimming pool. Having two bottom drains improves water circulation, keeping your pool clear of debris and requiring less day-to-day maintenance. If one drain fails there is a suction vacuum relief system that will stop the suction. This is a safety feature; if anyone gets stuck to the drain they will automatically be released.

Things You'll Need

• Spade shovel
• Metal rake
• Drain kit
• Teflon tape
• Masking tape
• A bag of concrete
• Wheelbarrow or bucket
• Water

Instructions

1. Locate the center of the pool. Dig a trench 6 inches deep, from the center of the pool out to where the filter will be located. The filter needs to be a minimum of 12 inches away from the pool.

2. Use a metal rake to slightly slope the area in the center where the drains will be located. The slope does not have to be a lot for all the water to go to the drains when the pool is draining.

3. Apply Teflon tape to all of the treads on the fittings to the drain. Connect the hose to the fittings and bottom drains. The clamps grip onto ridged part of the fittings.

4. Tape the drain openings and the screw holes with masking tape. Pour a half of a bag of concrete into a wheelbarrow or bucket. Add water to the concrete, making a thick paste.

5. Place the drains into the trench in the center of the pool with the drains openings facing up. Extend the hose connected to the drains out to the filter location keeping the hose in the trench. Pour the concrete into the trench around the drains. Smooth the concrete out so it will stay the lowest point in the pool and so it won't have sharp areas. Fill in remainder of the trench to cover the hose from the drain to the filter leaving the end of the hose at the filter uncovered.

6. Convert the inlet side of the filter to 1 1/2 inches if it has not been done all ready. Connect the hose to a four-way ball valve. Connect one side to the filter inlet and one to the skimmer.

7. Remove tape from the drain openings and fill the pool.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your local codes before beginning the installation.

References

• Shade Builder: Above Ground Pool Center Drain
• Poolsupplies.com: Bottom Drain Kits For Above-Ground Pools