[Shop-talk] pvc plumbing/cement question

[Randall]

> the cut ends are above both the skimmers and 
> (obviously) the floor drain...

That's not the important part, what's important is the water level in the
pool, relative to the cut ends of the pipe.  Sounds to me like your pool
must be built up a bit higher than the ground where you've cut the pipes (my
pool is about 6" higher than the pad where the pump sits) and is nearly
full.

I'll bet if you first let the pipes run overnight, then use a trashcan to
bail a bit out of the pool, it will let you dry the pipe and make the
connection.

Or a portable pump would work.  My pool pump won't suck the pool completely
dry anyway, so I use one of these
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45014
to finish it off.

Or if there is room to work it into your plumbing scheme, one of these will
make a water-tight seal even with flowing water:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300314901668
(I found one at HD in 1.5")

Randall