New here. I'll try to be brief but will fail.
Realize It's still early to think about closing, but thinking of closing myself this year to take a little more responsibility and maybe save some $$. Pool store has done 3 years since we moved in so trying to plan well ahead.
We have rectangular 18x36 (20x40?) pool. 1 skimmer, 2 returns. We have an auto-cover and live in Southern Indiana. Winters can be harsh (last year) or relatively mild. Done some research on what to do. Hoping for some help to make sure I know what I'm doing heading in. Included a picture of my pump/filter setup to help with answers.
#1. See no way for me to do this myself w/out shelling out $ for cyclone blower. My shop vac unlikely to work and doubt I can rig the leaf blower. Won't save me any $$ from pool store this year, but each subsequent year I will. Beginning to accept this fact.
#2. No idea what chemicals are needed for winterizing outside general balancing and algaecide.
#3. Outlined the (very long) detailed steps I'm planning to follow below. I've put items in red where I'm uncertain.
#4. Regarding the main drain, I've got 2 options I'm considering given my setup.
One other important note... In past winters, we've lost a pretty consistent 1/8" to 1/4" of water per week and would have to add water for the auto cover. New liner went in month back so hoping that was it. Still, concerned about main drain piping so I lean towards diving down and plugging main drain.
Thanks for advance for any advice you can provide.
Realize It's still early to think about closing, but thinking of closing myself this year to take a little more responsibility and maybe save some $$. Pool store has done 3 years since we moved in so trying to plan well ahead.
We have rectangular 18x36 (20x40?) pool. 1 skimmer, 2 returns. We have an auto-cover and live in Southern Indiana. Winters can be harsh (last year) or relatively mild. Done some research on what to do. Hoping for some help to make sure I know what I'm doing heading in. Included a picture of my pump/filter setup to help with answers.
#1. See no way for me to do this myself w/out shelling out $ for cyclone blower. My shop vac unlikely to work and doubt I can rig the leaf blower. Won't save me any $$ from pool store this year, but each subsequent year I will. Beginning to accept this fact.
#2. No idea what chemicals are needed for winterizing outside general balancing and algaecide.
#3. Outlined the (very long) detailed steps I'm planning to follow below. I've put items in red where I'm uncertain.
#4. Regarding the main drain, I've got 2 options I'm considering given my setup.
One other important note... In past winters, we've lost a pretty consistent 1/8" to 1/4" of water per week and would have to add water for the auto cover. New liner went in month back so hoping that was it. Still, concerned about main drain piping so I lean towards diving down and plugging main drain.
Thanks for advance for any advice you can provide.
- Add Algaecide to skimmer ~3-4 days prior to planned closing
- Balance Water
- Backwash filter
- Drain water level just below skimmer opening
- Shut off filter/pump
- Set filter to winterize
- Remove drain pot cap on filter
- Remove Pressure Guage
- Remove Air Bleeder w/ O-Ring
- Remove Water Bulb thing??
- Open Chlorinator/Drain
- Cover skimmer opening
- Remove return jet eyeballs
- Remove skimmer basket
- Suck out as much water from skimmer (shop vac)
- Blow Out Return Lines
- Open Return line past chlorinator
- Suck out some water first
- Plug closest return
- Blow air thru return lines
- Let farthest return bubble for a few minutes (Timing?)
- Plug/Screw In Plug on Farthest Return while air blowing.
- Unplug closest return
- Continue blowing for additional 30s or so
- Plug/Screw In Plug on Closest Return while air blowing
- Stop air
- Quickly screw back in the plug on return line
- Blow Out Skimmer Line
- Open pump, remove pump basket
- Close main line
- Blow air thru skimmer line
- Once blown, while air blowing, screw in gizmo threaded with nylon tape
- While air blowing, close skimmer valve
- Air Off
- Blow Out Main Line
- Option A
- Continuing from Step 17, leave skimmer line blocked, open main line
- Blow air thru pump to bubble from main drain for a bit (Time?)
- As air is blowing, shut valve to main drain
- Plug pump with rubber plug as backup.
- Dive down and place sand bag over main drain. (?)
- Option B
- Continuing from Step 17, leave skimmer line blocked, open main line
- Dive down and remove main drain grate
- Blow air thru pump to bubble from main drain for a bit (Time?)
- As air is blowing, dive down and plug main drain with rubber plug
- As air is blowing, shut valve to main drain
- Plug pump with rubber plug as backup.
- Option A
- Add Winter Chemicals (What?)
- Close Auto-Cover – Block front to avoid debris
- Cover pump/filter with tarp – leave motor exposed