Pool is closed, and water is still dripping out of return line

pfitz4

Bronze Supporter
Feb 26, 2018
95
North Alabama
I closed the pool today. In the past I've had help from a pool company, so I need some advice to make sure I've done everything right. Photo of my setup is attached.

I have two skimmers, two returns, a Polaris return, and a wall drain. I dropped the water level to below the skimmer. I put gizmos in the skimmers and plugged the 2 returns and Polaris return. I did not plug the wall drain. I turned off all equipment, removed all the drain plugs from the equipment, closed the ball valves from the skimmers/wall drain, and I removed the salt cell.

In past years, the pool company never blew out the lines because my pump system is downhill from the pool, and I'm guessing that usually causes the water to drain out of the lines. I live in Alabama - we do have freezing temps over the winter but usually nothing drastic.

1st question: After doing all of this, there was still some residual water in one of the skimmers. I put the gizmo in anyway, but that tells me there is water in the line. Is this a problem?

2nd question: Water is leaking out of one of the return pipes (the one where the salt cell attaches). What could be causing this? Is this a problem?
 

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I closed the pool today. In the past I've had help from a pool company, so I need some advice to make sure I've done everything right. Photo of my setup is attached.

I have two skimmers, two returns, a Polaris return, and a wall drain. I dropped the water level to below the skimmer. I put gizmos in the skimmers and plugged the 2 returns and Polaris return. I did not plug the wall drain. I turned off all equipment, removed all the drain plugs from the equipment, closed the ball valves from the skimmers/wall drain, and I removed the salt cell.

In past years, the pool company never blew out the lines because my pump system is downhill from the pool, and I'm guessing that usually causes the water to drain out of the lines. I live in Alabama - we do have freezing temps over the winter but usually nothing drastic.

1st question: After doing all of this, there was still some residual water in one of the skimmers. I put the gizmo in anyway, but that tells me there is water in the line. Is this a problem?

2nd question: Water is leaking out of one of the return pipes (the one where the salt cell attaches). What could be causing this? Is this a problem?
You should put a cap or something on that pipe to keep critters out of the lines. If your pool equipment is downhill from the pool, you may have water leaking in and getting past those shutoff valves.
 
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Would it also work to just put the salt cell back in place? (I have an old one I could use)
It would work to use the old cell.
Or would water still collect and possibly freeze?
If it's condensation it won't amount to much. If it's a leaky valve it will eventually fill the pipe.
 
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