Antifreeze yes or no and how

[saabmob]

I have watched several videos and read the TFP article on winterizing. Being in Michigan, I feel it's something of a must to add antifreeze since there's already a small leak on the suction side. Assuming I could airlock the skimmer and main drain inputs using the homeowner's shopvac, how would I then add antifreeze without losing my airlock?

 

[Newdude]

Welp. A leak will ruin any airlock. And you can only airlock a main drain because the last section from the pool wall to the drain is down pipe. Once the drain is airlocked there is no need for antifreeze and if you could somehow get antifreeze in there, It would likely seep out the open end anyway.

For the skimmer line, antifreeze is strictly insurance once the pipe is empty. If there is a leak, it may dilute the antifreeze beyond the 50/50 solution the manufacturers reccomend.

Assuming I could airlock the skimmer and main drain inputs using the homeowner's shopvac,

A large shop vac barely has the volume to empty the skimmer and return legs. It won't blow a drain line. Rent or buy a cyclone.