Closing first for the first time… a bit nervous

[Laziebun]

Need help. I purchase RV antifreeze and have a cyclone blower.

In ground pool
Sand filter.
Auto cover
18k gal
Vinyl liner
Cyclone blower
1- skimmer
1- Main drain
4- return jets

From what I’ve read…
1. For the returns- I don’t need to drain below the jets. Use cyclone to push all water out, and then cap

2. Skimmer- drain below skimmer and blow out. Pour gal of anti free and put gizmo

3. Main drain- blow out, add gal of antifreeze and airlock… how do I airlock.

Here’s we’re I need help. Now sure where in my grouping of pipe to blow from. Could anyone provide guidance?

 

[Newdude]

1) put MPV in recurculate
2) move valve between 1 and 2 to seal main drain off
3) shove cyclone hose in skimmer and blow, using valves 3 and 4 to alternate blowing returns.
4) plug appropriate returns once empty.
5) with returns all capped move valve between 1 and 2 to open the main drain 100% and blow. When bubbles blowing from drain, close valve to 'airlock it'
6) pull all drain plugs from equipment
7) add 1 gallon antifreeze to cleanout plugs at both returns (3 and 4) and whichever of 1 or 2 is the skimmer. There is no reason to add antifreeze to the main drain line. It's open on the other end and will ooze out.

 

[Laziebun]

1) put MPV in recurculate
2) move valve between 1 and 2 to seal main drain off
3) shove cyclone hose in skimmer and blow, using valves 3 and 4 to alternate blowing returns.
4) plug appropriate returns once empty.
5) with returns all capped move valve between 1 and 2 to open the main drain 100% and blow. When bubbles blowing from drain, close valve to 'airlock it'
6) pull all drain plugs from equipment
7) add 1 gallon antifreeze to cleanout plugs at both returns (3 and 4) and whichever of 1 or 2 is the skimmer. There is no reason to add antifreeze to the main drain line. It's open on the other end and will ooze out.

Thanks for the reply for input.

does the cyclone have enough horsepower to blow out the full system from the skimmer?

Say it does, once the returns are blown out, meaning nothing but air comes out the returns I can cap off the jets and close valves 3&4.

I can now move forward to the valve between 1&2. How do I get antifreeze in main drain?

 

[Newdude]

does the cyclone have enough horsepower to blow out the full system from the skimmer?

It does. Especially on a basic setup as yours. Some folks have a dozen pipes each going to the spa andin floor cleaners.

once the returns are blown out, meaning nothing but air comes out the returns I can cap off the jets and close valves 3&4.

Exactly

How do I get antifreeze in main drain?

You would use that clean out plug by the valve for it, but, you don't antifreeze any open lines such as the main drain as nothing keeps it in the pipe and it oozes out into the pool.

 

[Laziebun]

What about adding antifreeze in the pool lights? I know there’s water in there.

 

[Newdude]

It's open on the light end. The same as the main drains, if you were successful getting any down there it would just ooze out. Plus, lights are usually deeper than the ice will freeze.

 

[sande005]

It's open on the light end. The same as the main drains, if you were successful getting any down there it would just ooze out. Plus, lights are usually deeper than the ice will freeze.

Well, mine freezes to the bottom! But in the olden days, with an incandescent light, I always had to unmount it and take it out of the water. Usually put it under the diving board, with the cord running to it's niche in the pool. side. Very cold work in the late fall/early spring. Many warnings from pool companies that the ice could break the glass/bulb. Now with a modern LED, I've been multiply reassured that ice is no issue, and so just leave it.