The Skimmer vs. Main Drain: Understanding the Importance of Proper Suction Ratios for a Pristine Pool
As a pool owner, you're well aware that maintaining a clean and debris-free pool is vital to provide a safe and enjoyable swimming environment. Two essential components of your pool's circulation system, the skimmer and the main drain, play critical roles in keeping the water clear and inviting. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of the skimmer versus the main drain and why maintaining a recommended 70/30 skimmer to main drain suction ratio is crucial. Let's dive in and discover how the skimmer acts as the first line of defense against bugs and debris in your pool.
Before we delve into their importance, let's briefly understand the roles of the skimmer and main drain in your pool's circulation system. The skimmer is a shallow, rectangular opening located at the waterline of the pool. It is designed to draw in surface debris, such as leaves, bugs, and other floating particles, before they have a chance to sink to the bottom. On the other hand, the main drain is typically located at the deepest point of the pool and serves to draw water from the lower levels, ensuring proper circulation and mixing of pool chemicals.
While both the skimmer and main drain are essential for proper pool circulation, the skimmer takes the lead in the battle against bugs and debris. Marathon Pool Care recommends a suction ratio of 70% to the skimmer and 30% to the main drain which is widely accepted by pool experts and technicians. This ratio ensures that the skimmer gets the majority of the water flow, enhancing its efficiency in capturing floating debris.
Why the Skimmer is the First Line of Defense?
Surface Debris Removal: As mentioned earlier, the skimmer is positioned at the waterline to trap leaves, bugs, and other debris before they sink to the bottom. By focusing the majority of the suction on the skimmer, you can effectively prevent debris from clogging your pool's filters and reaching the bottom, where it becomes more challenging to clean.
Bug Prevention: Bugs are notorious for finding their way into pools, especially during warm weather. In SWFL, every time it rains, bugs are forced through our screes and onto the surface of the water. The skimmer's position allows it to act as a barrier against these pesky intruders. Proper suction allocation ensures that the skimmer swiftly removes bugs from the water's surface, preventing them from becoming a nuisance during your swim.
Efficient Filtration: By maintaining the recommended 70/30 suction ratio, you optimize the skimmer's filtration capacity. This, in turn, reduces the workload on the pool's filtration system, extending its life and reducing maintenance costs.
Maintaining the Recommended Suction Ratio
To ensure the recommended 70/30 skimmer to main drain suction ratio, you need to adjust your pool's valves on the circulation system. Most modern pool pumps allow you to adjust the valve settings to allocate the appropriate amount of suction to the skimmer and main drain. Consult with your Marathon pool technician or refer to your pool's manual for guidance on making these adjustments.
In the eternal battle against bugs and debris, the skimmer emerges as the champion, acting as the first line of defense in your pool's circulation system. By maintaining a recommended 70/30 skimmer to main drain suction ratio, you empower the skimmer to efficiently remove surface debris and keep your pool water crystal clear. Embrace the skimmer's essential role in pool maintenance, and you'll enjoy a cleaner, safer, and more inviting swimming experience for you and your loved ones. Remember, a well-balanced and properly functioning skimmer ensures that your pool remains an oasis of enjoyment and relaxation throughout the swim season.