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  Rob M September 25, 2011 at 4:07pm

  If you're worried about the bottom of a main-drainless pool being a petri dish (due to bad circulation) Then just install floor returns. Not only do they solve the circulation problem but they also allow for more efficient heating and are less likely to be played with by kids
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  David Rockwell September 21, 2010 at 7:32pm

  This discussion thread shows just how reistant our industry can be to really good ideas.
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  Sherri Trometter February 22, 2010 at 11:27am

  If you're building or revamping older commercial pools, just blocking or eliminating the main drains may fit the VGBA requirements, but you still could be violating the state codes which are more strict! I ran into this discussion on a pool I inspect, they figured the main drain leaked so they just blocked it. But what they didn't realize was that they used a pool company that did not do their homework with state codes and just trying to get the business (cheap), "uniform circulation" must be maintained! Also if bacterial reports fail frequently, then the pool is not getting enough circulation to disinfect properly. Larger pools, the main drains are in the deep/diving areas and become quite cloudy, dirty where the bottom can not be seen, the pool is closed until visibility to the bottom.
  
  Small hotel pools were mostly designed without a main drain, great! That was what was initially the design, (provided the state codes allow it), you can not always just close the main drain to pools that were not designed that way and stay in compliance with state and local codes. I have seen large diameter pipes with many holes replace the main drain, that run the entire width of the pool in the 14 foot area (who is going to dive that deep and create a tripping hazard?). I've also seen the main drains converted to trenches the entire width of the pool too, because they couldn't maintain proper turnover, circulation or disinfectant levels if they were blocked.
  
  Before you jump on 'common sense' to block all main drains, do your homework in state and local regulations, these may not be acceptable!
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  David Jamieson February 17, 2010 at 1:34pm

  It has been a long time since you posted this. I see only two reasons for main drains. One is floor cleaning systems. The other is to keep the pool running if the water level should fall below the skimmer. This happens often when water conservation rules are in effect. With the recent availability of vgb compliant equalizer covers this problem may be mitigated. There are products out there that will create all the flow you need. Originally the main drain had one job; to drain the pool.
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  Bruce Hudson October 20, 2009 at 12:39pm

  Thankyou Dan,
  
  I was building 15-25,000 gal. residential pools without main drains nearly 25 yr. ago. One never missed not having a M.D. We did, however use roving cleaners, both pressure and sution side, which served as ...well... roving main drains.
  
  Laughably, our reasoning was that putting a main drain in a vinyl lined pool was just an unneeded risk for leaks.
  
  Today we also have venturi operated floor drains available that pose little or no entrapment hazard. Perhaps this the future of floor circulation and debris removal.
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  Dan Johnson October 20, 2009 at 8:55am

  Got the name thing - good observation. As to long term sanitation and circulation evidence, I have been building without drains for nearly seven years now - pools as large as 65,000 gallons and as small as 5,200 gallons - they don't work as well as pools with drains, they work better. I design the circulation system to do it's job on the return side of the system, where we actually have some influence over the movement of the water.
  
  
  Rick Larson said:

  While I agree it might be possible to build a pool with no drains AND have it prove over the long term, I don't necessarily think thats the best idea.
  
  I don't give any Olympic Committee any credibility to decide whats a good pool or a bad pool. They will of course want a proper one one but will be swayed by whomever they listen too.
  
  As for our friend Mr. Hatio, I would read his name very carefully and possibly many times until it becomes clear. Then the admin(s) can just delete him.
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  Rick Larson October 20, 2009 at 6:00am

  While I agree it might be possible to build a pool with no drains AND have it prove over the long term, I don't necessarily think thats the best idea.
  
  I don't give any Olympic Committee any credibility to decide whats a good pool or a bad pool. They will of course want a proper one one but will be swayed by whomever they listen too.
  
  As for our friend Mr. Hatio, I would read his name very carefully and possibly many times until it becomes clear. Then the admin(s) can just delete him.
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  Dan Johnson October 20, 2009 at 5:53am

  I'm going to hold my tongue here - I am reading a lot of unfounded opinion, completely unsupported by science.
  
  Having said that, are you aware that the Olympic training pool constructed in Omaha, Nebraska, for the 2008 Olympics (one million gallons) was constructed without any drains? Do you think for a moment that our Olympic Committee would let the finest athletes in America swim in a petri dish?
  
  I would like to see this discussion return to a discussion of science, safety, and facts, not unfounded opinions.
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  Phil Hatio October 19, 2009 at 9:42pm

  no main drains, clean top no bugs and a petri dish on the bottom. I am all for it.
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  Phil Hatio October 19, 2009 at 9:40pm

  Before you guys conclude, there are companies out there that make drains that are compatible. Get out of the 80's Don Johnson Rico is here! I wouldn't go with the channel drains, but at the last show I saw a Clover Drain and I do not know who made it, but it was above the 500 GPM range. Listen, If I am swimming in a pool large enough that you guys are considering not putting in a main drain I wouldn't let my kids swim in it, because it wouldn't be sanitary. GET REAL!!!!!!!!