Closing for winter - draining question

[rwjdennis]

I'm preparing to close the pool for my first time. I can see the process for most of the steps described here. I don't know how to drain the pool 6" below the return/skimmer, though. Not quickly, at least.

Can anyone who has done this please tell me how? Thanks!

 

[philc]

You could siphon the water out. I screw a threaded pipe nipple into my outlet and hook the vacuum up to it and pump the water out.

 

[rwjdennis]

Thanks, philc.

I did end up siphoning it. I think it ended up a little slower than what you suggested, but it worked nonetheless. I hooked up the vacuum as though I was going to vacuum the pool, then when suction was established, I left the vacuum on the bottom of the pool and pulled out the other end, covered it so as not to lose the water in the hose, then laid the hose on the ground. It probably would have worked if I had just filled the hose and laid it on the ground - the vacuum step is likely unnecessary - but it worked, so I'm happy.

 

[philc]

 

[JoeSelf]

You could always use backwash or waste to drain with the filter with the vacuum on the bottom.

 

[Casey]

I never drain 6" below the return. I just cover the pool and open the filter til the water gets to the return and dismantle filter, clean n put away.