Hi All,
I've read lots of pool closing threads and took them into account when putting my plan together. I think what I have done is good, but would like a quick double check from the experts. That way if I did something wrong, I can straighten it out this coming weekend. I am located in Norther KY, so we do get some cold / freezing weather and a little snow.
Pool: 17000 gal FG
Pentair Intelliflow
Pentair IC40
Cartridge filter
Raypack gas heater
2 skimmers, main drain
3 returns
Coverstar autocover
Pentair Intellicenter
My process:
1) Adjust pH to 7.5, adjust FC to SLAM, check CH and TA
2) Clean out all leaves, brush pool, run Dolphin to do one last cleaning, then remove
3) Water level is set at 1/2 way up the skimmers to support the auto cover (obviously this is above the returns)
4) Turn off pump & breaker for pump in Intellicenter panel
5) Drain cartridge filter, remove cartridges - clean cartridges offline, reinstall drain plug for blow out process
6) Install Gizzmo's in skimmers with blow out plugs removed
7) Remove eyeballs jets at each return, install banjo fittings until o-ring is well seated (this was a little concerning for me, I ended up using a pair of channel locks and just got them "snug" as I didn't want to damage the o-ring or the plastic)
8) Remove IC40, unplug from Intellicenter, store inside. I used the connection points for the IC40 as the place where I connected my Cyclone blower due to easy access.
9) Connect Cyclone to the output side of the IC40 connection (to the returns). I used my pool vacuum hose and some duct tape to connect the blower to the 2" PVC
10) Run Cyclone until all returns blow out (I don't have the ability to split the returns, they are all on 1 line), close the valve and shut off the Cyclone
11) Disconnect Cyclone from return side, and pour 2 gals RV antifreeze down the pipe (open valve to returns to allow it to flow to returns), then close valve
12) Next connect the Cyclone to the "input side" of where the IC40 mounts (this goes back through the heater, filter, pump, then on to the skimmers and main drain). Use duct tape again to hold the hose in place
13) Run Cyclone with skimmer valves closed but main drain open. Allow it to run until there is good bubble action from both drains, then close the valve to air lock the line and shut off the blower. Remove the handle from the main drain valve to prevent accidental opening.
14) Run Cyclone on each skimmer (one at a time) until all water blows out of the Gizzmo in each case by opening the respective valve. Close the valve to each skimmer when empty (no more fountain coming from the Gizzmo). Shut off blower.
15) Disconnect Cyclone and install intellichlor "blanking cell" pipe.
16) Turn off gas to heater.
17) Pour ~1 gal RV antifreeze down each Gizzmo, then replace the caps on the Gizzmo's
18) Remove the drain plugs from the cartridge filter housing, pump basket, and chlorine puck feeder. Put all small parts in the strainer basket of the pump.
19) Close autocover - call it a day!
Did I miss anything? My biggest concern of course would be anything that could cause freeze damage.
I attached an old photo for reference on my equipment pad (from the pool company closing last year - don't mind the guy using an air compressor connected to the filter housing - I DID NOT use this method this year).
Thanks all!
Marc
I've read lots of pool closing threads and took them into account when putting my plan together. I think what I have done is good, but would like a quick double check from the experts. That way if I did something wrong, I can straighten it out this coming weekend. I am located in Norther KY, so we do get some cold / freezing weather and a little snow.
Pool: 17000 gal FG
Pentair Intelliflow
Pentair IC40
Cartridge filter
Raypack gas heater
2 skimmers, main drain
3 returns
Coverstar autocover
Pentair Intellicenter
My process:
1) Adjust pH to 7.5, adjust FC to SLAM, check CH and TA
2) Clean out all leaves, brush pool, run Dolphin to do one last cleaning, then remove
3) Water level is set at 1/2 way up the skimmers to support the auto cover (obviously this is above the returns)
4) Turn off pump & breaker for pump in Intellicenter panel
5) Drain cartridge filter, remove cartridges - clean cartridges offline, reinstall drain plug for blow out process
6) Install Gizzmo's in skimmers with blow out plugs removed
7) Remove eyeballs jets at each return, install banjo fittings until o-ring is well seated (this was a little concerning for me, I ended up using a pair of channel locks and just got them "snug" as I didn't want to damage the o-ring or the plastic)
8) Remove IC40, unplug from Intellicenter, store inside. I used the connection points for the IC40 as the place where I connected my Cyclone blower due to easy access.
9) Connect Cyclone to the output side of the IC40 connection (to the returns). I used my pool vacuum hose and some duct tape to connect the blower to the 2" PVC
10) Run Cyclone until all returns blow out (I don't have the ability to split the returns, they are all on 1 line), close the valve and shut off the Cyclone
11) Disconnect Cyclone from return side, and pour 2 gals RV antifreeze down the pipe (open valve to returns to allow it to flow to returns), then close valve
12) Next connect the Cyclone to the "input side" of where the IC40 mounts (this goes back through the heater, filter, pump, then on to the skimmers and main drain). Use duct tape again to hold the hose in place
13) Run Cyclone with skimmer valves closed but main drain open. Allow it to run until there is good bubble action from both drains, then close the valve to air lock the line and shut off the blower. Remove the handle from the main drain valve to prevent accidental opening.
14) Run Cyclone on each skimmer (one at a time) until all water blows out of the Gizzmo in each case by opening the respective valve. Close the valve to each skimmer when empty (no more fountain coming from the Gizzmo). Shut off blower.
15) Disconnect Cyclone and install intellichlor "blanking cell" pipe.
16) Turn off gas to heater.
17) Pour ~1 gal RV antifreeze down each Gizzmo, then replace the caps on the Gizzmo's
18) Remove the drain plugs from the cartridge filter housing, pump basket, and chlorine puck feeder. Put all small parts in the strainer basket of the pump.
19) Close autocover - call it a day!
Did I miss anything? My biggest concern of course would be anything that could cause freeze damage.
I attached an old photo for reference on my equipment pad (from the pool company closing last year - don't mind the guy using an air compressor connected to the filter housing - I DID NOT use this method this year).
Thanks all!
Marc
Thanks