The Suction Side:

• Surface Skimmer(s) draw water from the surface of the pool and capture floating debris into the skimmer basket.
• The Main Drain (Bottom Suction) draws water and debris from the bottom of the pool. Its primary function is to circulate the water in the deepest part of the pool. (Note: Though termed a main drain, no pool Should be drained without the knowledgeable guidance of an experienced service person. Major structural damage could occur to the pool if the water is drained.)
• Suction Lines transport the water from the skimmer and main drain to the equipment location.
• The Three-way Valve (Control Valve), positioned where the suction lines come together, lets you control where the water is coming from; the main drain, or the skimmer(s), or a combination of both. This valve (or valves) is essential in order to isolate equipment for maintenance.
• The Pump is the transition point from suction to pressure. Positioned in front of the pump is a hair and lint basket. It captures debris that the skimmer basket missed or debris pulled from the main drain. The hair and lint basket should be inspected and cleaned regularly to allow the free flow of water into the pump housing. Once the water is pulled into the pump by the impeller, the transition from the suction side of the system to pressure side is complete.

The information on this page has been provided courtesy of BioLab, Inc. ©1998