Center Drain for an AGP

How much pitch do you need for a center drain to work properly?


Hi. I have always made sure that all of my center drains were the lowest spot in the center of the above ground pool. If you were to ever use the drain for draining the pool this would be important.

If you mean the proper setting for cleaning purposes, I don't think it really matters. The drain will only accomplish two things. It will create circulation from the bottom of the pool so the depth is not a factor there. It can also be use for cleaning if you manually brush the dirt towards the center of the pool. Again, the height of the drain is not a big factor here.

If you have not yet installed the center drain you may be interested in reading my thoughts about center drains in above ground pools.

Above Ground Pool Main Drain

Center Drain on Used Pool

I bought a used pool with a center drain. If I get a new liner, can I also do away with the center drain and get the automatic pool cleaner?


Hi. Yes, I would certainly recommend that you not install the center drain in your used above ground pool. You would be better off just getting an automatic pool cleaner.

Above Ground Pool Cleaners

The only modifications you will need to make on your pool will be in the plumbing to the pump. You will want to do away with the line that goes under the pool. All that is needed is one line that goes directly from the skimmer to the pump. The cleaner attaches to the inside of the skimmer and does not require a separate line or wall opening.

Anytime I acquire a used pool that has a center drain I get rid of it. They are just not the best things for above ground pools.

Above Ground Pool Main Drain