Closing pool - how do I winterize the main drain?

[mr_gunite]

Hi,

Can someone please explain to me how to prepare the main drain for the winter? Or don't I have to worry about that?

I'll be closing my pool before the end of this month, and this is my first time closing. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[JVTrain]

You want to force air through the line that leads to the main drain until you get lots of bubbles for 30 seconds, then close the valve. I'm thinking of getting a large expandable plug to plug all the drain lines inside the pump basket for insurance. I haven't heard of a reliable method to get any RV antifreeze into a main drain line...

 

[mr_gunite]

I don't actually have a shutoff valve for the main drain though. I only have the black plastic ball valve that switches between main drain and skimmer drains.

Do I just forget about clearing water out of the main drain then?

 

[uncfan1573]

If you can post a pic of the valve.

 

[Drsafety]

I have been wondering the same thing. I have a three way valve (Jandy). Full skim, full main drain or half of each.


20 x 44.5 single roman end, ~33,000 gallons, 10 feet deep, garrett vinyl liner, Hayward SwimClear Cartridge Filter, Hayward 2 HP Pump, Cirrcupool RJ60 SWG, Hayward 140k BTU Heater, Polaris 380 with Booster Pump

 

[uncfan1573]

So when you go full skimmer that will shut your main drain off.

 

[uncfan1573]

Which means when blowing out the main drain, after you see the bubbles coming out you turn the valve to turn the main drain off. This airlocks the drain

 

[JVTrain]

If you only can have either main drain or skimmer (or balance both), set to main drain only first. Blow it out for 30 seconds of full bubbles. Then with blower still going, quickly swap to skimmer only. Blow out skimmer. Then pour RV antifreeze in skimmer line. Cap skimmer line, them more RV antifreeze on top of skimmer with some torn up pool noodle pieces.

 

[CandyCrusher]

Hi,

I have a main drain that leads to the skimmer how do I blow that out? I don't have a valve for the main drain.

Thanks

 

[uncfan1573]

I make a temp valve out of pvc that can screw into the port inside the skimmer. I tried this last year on a customers pool and worked really good.

Make sure you thread tape the threaded piece that you screw into skimmer

 

[CandyCrusher]

I make a temp valve out of pvc that can screw into the port inside the skimmer. I tried this last year on a customers pool and worked really good.

Make sure you thread tape the threaded piece that you screw into skimmer

Thats a pretty good idea I will try it out.

But normally what would you do with the drain? Pour antifreeze and stick foam down it?

 

[uncfan1573]

Honestly I don't see to many plumbed in that way in ky. In used to blow through it and have a rubber plug ready and remove the blower at the same time plugging it as fast I could. That worked but I wanted a more secure way of doing it.

 

[mr_gunite]

Thanks for the help guys. I'll be using your advice today on my first closing. Wish me luck.

I think before I open next year I'm going to be installing some much needed plumbing changes to make this stuff easier.