How much water do I drain from the pool so I can work on the underground 2" pipes without water problems?

Question

I need to do some work on my 4 underground pool pipes that connect my pool to the equipment. If I lower the water level in the pool so it is lower than the level of the 4 underground 2" PVC pipes, do I eliminate any water problems at the site where I am making my cuts? I am worried about not being able to control the water due to the pressure created by the pool. Should I also put a rubber mat over the main drain in the bottom of the pool?

Answer 1

That is the answer, lower the level in the pool below the level of the pipes you are going to cut.
Use a wet vacuum to suck out any drips at the cuts. Make sure you get a good square cut on the pipes, then dress the pipes to remove and debris that hangs off the cuts. Clean the pipe, apply the glue to both the pipe (outside surface) and the valve (inside, but be carefull not to go past the shoulder. Don't get any glue on the ball). Push them together, and give the valve a 1/4 turn twist to help push out any bubbles. allow to set according to mfg's instructions before you refill the pool.

Answer 2

It is basically like winterizing your pool. By lowering the pool water blower the skinnner intake and the two intake jets, you can safely work on those three pipes. My filter, pump and heater are all disconnected for the winter, and all of the piper are open. No idea what is stopping the maindrain from empting the water. Unless the rubber mat formed a perfect air-tight seal over the maindrain, I personally would noy cut into the pipe from the maindrain without draining the pool first. Drain the pool first - you control where the water goes. Cut into the wrong pipe, and you may have 20,000 gallons spilling out where you don't want it to (neighbor's basement. your basement, etc.). When in doubt, call the pool installer for specifics. Happy cutting!

Answer 3

Water seeks its own level. If you drain it to below where you will
be working, it will not go higher. There is no additional pressure being put on the water just because you opened the pipe.
So you are safe.