Pool Filter Hook Up

by Karin
(Macomb, MI, USA)

I have a 30 foot round above ground pool with two center drains. We are having trouble with remembering how to connect everything since we didn't get to open the pool last season. We are not using the heater or the auto chlorinator as they are both broken.

We have a Pentair sand filter that we just cleaned out and replaced the sand with new. I understand the skimmer bottom connects to the front of the pump and that the pool wall is connected to the 'pool return', what gets connected to the pvc drain pipes? It has two valve shut offs and do we have to go through the heater?

Thank in advance...

Sincerely Confused Karin



Hi Karin. This page shows a diagram of a typical center drain installation on an above ground pool.


Center Drain Installation


The drain pipes connect with the skimmer at a T and from there one pipe should go into the pump. The center drains and the skimmer are all suction devices and need to hook up to the pump. They should all have valves so that the suction can be regulated. It is possible that at times you may want to shut off the drains and let all of the suction go to the skimmer. If you are brushing the pool you may want to close off the skimmer and just open the drain where you are pushing the dirt towards.

Heaters and chlorinators should be installed on the return line. Leaving them out is not a problem. It is probably the best thing to do if you are not using them.

Pool Filter Hookup

We have a Hayward cartridge filter and a main drain for our 24 foot above ground pool. I seem to have forgotten what goes where with the hoses. Do you have any advise?

Hi. This page Center Drain Installation shows as illustration of how a center drain gets plumbed into an above ground pool. The hose coming off the front of the pump needs to connect to valve assembly, or a pipe coming off it, and the skimmer hose connects to the other side of the valve.

The hose coming out of the filter should go straight to the pool return, unless an inline chlorinator, or heater is being used.