First time DIY pool closing with many questions

[Yunfeng]

Hello everyone,

I am probably on the last bus to close the pool in IN area. I have watched many videos and posts on how to close the pool yet still have a lot questions when I found out my pool equipment are different from all those in videos! Please bear me to post the questions one by one here.

First, what is the white pipe for as in picture 1 and picture 2? It has a square-shape plug screwed in one end and a thread in another end. There are four of them left by previous pool-owner. Are they needed for pool winterizing?
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Second, I know it is a gizmo in picture 3 and it should be plugged in the skimmer, but the little lid on its top is free to take off or put on. Does it look right? Should I seal it with glue?
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[Yunfeng]

Q 3. I will blow air to the suction pipeline. To my understand, to blow the water out of the skimmer lines, you can do it at either end, skimmer or pump end, does it have any difference? For the main drain pipe water, I have to blow it from the pump end. What are the plugs for as in the red circle in the picture? I remembered the pool guy did something to them when the pool was opened, but I don't remember what it was. Should I take them off and blow air to the pipes from here? What should I do with them during the winterizing procedure?

 

[Yunfeng]

Q4. My pool also has a fountain pipe line. To my understand, I will do the same air blowing as same as other returning pipes and air lock it after pour the antifreeze. Anything else should I pay attention to?
Q5. If the underground pipes will be protected by antifreeze, what should we do with the upground pipes? Just leave them there empty during the whole winter?
Q6. The heater. I noticed a drain plug on the heater. Is it enough to drain all the water in heater by just taking off the plug?

So many questions for a new pool owner like me and many thanks to your help.

 

[jarcher89]

Hey!
We will be new pool owners next year and will have lots of closing questions as well. I do not have any answers for you, I just wanted to say Hi bc we are in IN as well. Good luck and I hope you find all the answers to your questions.

 

[Yunfeng]

HI! Nice to meet you, too. I am in West Lafayette!

 

[Hootz]

Hello everyone,

I am probably on the last bus to close the pool in IN area. I have watched many videos and posts on how to close the pool yet still have a lot questions when I found out my pool equipment are different from all those in videos! Please bear me to post the questions one by one here.

First, what is the white pipe for as in picture 1 and picture 2? It has a square-shape plug screwed in one end and a thread in another end. There are four of them left by previous pool-owner. Are they needed for pool winterizing?
View attachment 87929View attachment 87930
Second, I know it is a gizmo in picture 3 and it should be plugged in the skimmer, but the little lid on its top is free to take off or put on. Does it look right? Should I seal it with glue?
View attachment 87931

- - - Updated - - -

View attachment 87932View attachment 87933View attachment 87934

I

Most likely the white pipes would thread in to the returns after the eyeballs are removed; although not a conventional approach, the curve of the pipe suggests that the previous owner used them to extend the return openings above the water surface for closing the pool (most do not drain below the returns). The gizzmo type fixture appears to be a blowout version that can be used to clear the line of water with a blower after being screwed into the skimmer bottom. As long as the top of the gizzmo is well above water and the cap has a slight interference that should be good.

 

[Hootz]

Q 3. I will blow air to the suction pipeline. To my understand, to blow the water out of the skimmer lines, you can do it at either end, skimmer or pump end, does it have any difference? For the main drain pipe water, I have to blow it from the pump end. What are the plugs for as in the red circle in the picture? I remembered the pool guy did something to them when the pool was opened, but I don't remember what it was. Should I take them off and blow air to the pipes from here? What should I do with them during the winterizing procedure?

These plugs would certainly allow you to blow out these lines individually but it would depend on what method you will be using to clear the lines. Are you planning on using a blower or compressor?

 

[Hootz]

Q4. My pool also has a fountain pipe line. To my understand, I will do the same air blowing as same as other returning pipes and air lock it after pour the antifreeze. Anything else should I pay attention to?
Q5. If the underground pipes will be protected by antifreeze, what should we do with the upground pipes? Just leave them there empty during the whole winter?
Q6. The heater. I noticed a drain plug on the heater. Is it enough to drain all the water in heater by just taking off the plug?

So many questions for a new pool owner like me and many thanks to your help.

Unless the above ground lines have twists and turns or loops to hold the water, blowing them out will remove the water and leave mostly air in the line. Antifreeze is extra protection for excess water left in the line. That should be sufficient to prevent line freezing.

Draining the heater should remove most of the water. If you have unions close to the heater in and out plumbing you can disconnect the unions and blow air through the heater pipes. If your heater is free standing and has some give in the supply or electrical lines some like to tip the heater to remove excess water.