above ground pool center drain decision

[pberm1962]

i am replacing my old above ground and am considering a center drain for the new 24 foot round above ground. my wife likes to create a whirlpool and then allow all the debris to funnel to the center of the pool where it can be skooped up.my sister in law with the center drain uses the same method but allows the center drain to suck out the debris. any opinions either way on center drain? i know initial cost will be high. does it have to be tapped into my storm sewer drain tile or can i use it self contained through the filter only? thank you

[Watermom]

I'll let someone else advise you about the logistics of install but ....... personally, I wouldn't want a main drain in my 27ft AG pool. It is just another place that can potentially leak. Just my $0.02.

Welcome to the Pool Forum, by the way!

[BigDave]

I kinda' wish I had installed a main drain - I have to siphon water below the skimmer when I close and it takes quite a while. I think that you'll need two drains far enough apart so that a swimmer can't get trapped on both.