Adding a 2nd return, plumbing & other questions

[Kemble]

The pool I purchased has the skimmer & return very close to each other, assuming most above ground pools do it this way. I plan on hard pluming the system about 30' away from the pool using 2" PVC.

1) I've been considering adding a 2nd return line on the opposite end of the factory return/skimmer location? Are there any cons to this? The pro I'm thinking would be increased water flow going in the direction of the skimmer.

2) I purchased a IC-40 SWG. I plan to fill up the first 2 inches of water from my house then calling the fire department to fill in the rest using the fire hydrant on my property. Once it's filled I need to add salt to my pool don't I? What type of salt do I need to get and where do I get it? My pool will be 10,000 gallons.

3) Winterizing: I live in Colorado and the ground frost line here is 36". I do not plan to bury the plumbing that deep and just plan to bury the plumbing into the ground about 10-12". I have a 175 PSI air compressor that I use to blow out my sprinkler system every winter which has a nozzle right on the control valve that I attach to. Do they make nozzles/fittings that you can connect to 2" PVC for the same purpose (pic)? How do I use/attach my air compressor to blow out the water that is in the 2" buried PVC piping ?

4) Winterizing: I have read a few people say to drain the water under the skimmer (how many inches below?) , others say it is not necessary if you plug the return and skimmer. Assuming this is personal preference? Or is there a reasoning to doing one or the other based on where in the country the pool is located?

5) Winterizing: Not knowing anything about the SWG system. Are you supposed to put any type of treatment/chemicals into the water before covering the pool for the winter?

6) I want to get a solar cover for my 15' x 30' oval pool. What do you recommend? Thoughts on one of those solar cover reels? Solar cover reels that go on an oval pool have to mount on the rails right before the pool starts to curve. Are those reels easily removable (with the solar cover on) for when we want to swim?

Many thanks !!

 

[JVTrain]

The pool I purchased has the skimmer & return very close to each other, assuming most above ground pools do it this way. I plan on hard pluming the system about 30' away from the pool using 2" PVC.

1) I've been considering adding a 2nd return line on the opposite end of the factory return/skimmer location? Are there any cons to this? The pro I'm thinking would be increased water flow going in the direction of the skimmer.

2) I purchased a IC-40 SWG. I plan to fill up the first 2 inches of water from my house then calling the fire department to fill in the rest using the fire hydrant on my property. Once it's filled I need to add salt to my pool don't I? What type of salt do I need to get and where do I get it? My pool will be 10,000 gallons.

3) Winterizing: I live in Colorado and the ground frost line here is 36". I do not plan to bury the plumbing that deep and just plan to bury the plumbing into the ground about 10-12". I have a 175 PSI air compressor that I use to blow out my sprinkler system every winter which has a nozzle right on the control valve that I attach to. Do they make nozzles/fittings that you can connect to 2" PVC for the same purpose (pic)? How do I use/attach my air compressor to blow out the water that is in the 2" buried PVC piping ?

4) Winterizing: I have read a few people say to drain the water under the skimmer (how many inches below?) , others say it is not necessary if you plug the return and skimmer. Assuming this is personal preference? Or is there a reasoning to doing one or the other based on where in the country the pool is located?

5) Winterizing: Not knowing anything about the SWG system. Are you supposed to put any type of treatment/chemicals into the water before covering the pool for the winter?

6) I want to get a solar cover for my 15' x 30' oval pool. What do you recommend? Thoughts on one of those solar cover reels? Solar cover reels that go on an oval pool have to mount on the rails right before the pool starts to curve. Are those reels easily removable (with the solar cover on) for when we want to swim?

Many thanks !!

1 - Another return would help circulation and skimming action. It can help you maintain a rotation all the way around the outside of the pool. One return could also then be pointed slightly downward to help deep circulation.
2 - You will need salt. Any product specifically labeled as "pool salt" will work. Before worry about getting your SWG working, use CYA and bleach to get those levels where they should be so there is some sanitation. Start with trying for 30 ppm CYA and see the CYA/Chlorine chart for how much FC to get to right away. Then add your pool salt and get the SWG going.
3 - To blow out with an air compressor, simply screw a quick connect fitting into the drain valve on your pump basket. The NPT fitting will fit right in. When blowing out lines, you want high volume, moderate sustained pressure. Only set your compressor line pressure for 30 psi or less.
4 - You can do either. I drain below my skimmer to avoid the small chance of ice cracking the skimmer mouth or skimmer. I pour RV antifreeze into the skimmer as well as a half-full gallon plastic jug to absorb any ice expansion on the long shot it freezes. You can close with the water level in the skimmer, but be sure to use either a gizzmo or put a bottle, half full of RV antifreeze in each skimmer.
5 - No different than closing any other pool. Pool School - Closing an In Ground Pool Some SWG manufacturers state that the SWG cell should be disconnected and brought inside. IIRC Pentair does not require this.
6 - Usually the cheapest, thinnest solar cover is the best value. 8 mil is all I ever buy as the thicker ones don't last much longer if at all and the thinner ones are easier to work with. I don't have experience with AG reels but there are plenty of threads talking about them if you use the search box to find topics.

Good luck!