Pool Closing Questions

[jbmawhinn]

After having a great summer using BBB (converted from Baquacil) I am planning to close my pool in the next two weeks... before I do I have questions regarding the following tips from the 'Pool School':

* Drain water to 6' below lowest return/skimmer opening and hoses/fittings removed.

I can drain the water to the lowest point, but not sure how to drain the extra 6 inches... do I need a submersible pump?


* A polyquat algaecide may be administered per dosing instructions on product (optional.) Distribute evenly with brush, leaf rake or leaf skimmer.

I live in NE Kansas... is a polyquat algaecide 'required' in my neck of the woods?

 

[jshinklin]

Yes you can use a submiserible pump or you can use a siphoning(spelling?) hose.

As far as an algeaside, it isnt a MUST do but it does help from all the advise I have gotten

 

[waste]

welcome to TFP!!

You can always hook up the vacuum to get the extra water out

The algaecide is optional, it's a nice bit of insurance, but not a necessity if you have a clean and well chlorinated pool when the cover goes on

Have a good winter and I hope to see you here next spring (unless, like some of us, you visit the site year- round)

 

[compass123]

welcome to TFP!!

You can always hook up the vacuum to get the extra water out

Can you elaborate on how it is done?

 

[JasonLion]

Setup for vacuuming as usual before the water level goes below the skimmer. If you have more than one skimmer, turn off all of the skimmers other than the one with the vacuum. Leave the vacuum head near the bottom of the pool, and pump away.

Using this approach you will tend to lose prime after a while, but it should be fine for what you want to do. To increase the odds of maintaing prime you can run a small pump (say a cover pump) pumping water into the skimmer to prevent any air leaks.