Another Southerner caught and taught by a hard freeze

[ajw22]

, I'm reading on some other threads that folks have a "recirculate" setting on a multi-valve. It seems that this vavle would allow for bypassing the filter/heat pump so output of pump would run directly to returns.

An MPV is only used on some DE and sand filters.

RECIRCULATE setting on an MPV only bypasses the filter, not any heater or other devices downstream of the filter.

 

[wireform]

I'd blow through the heat pump to minimize any water hanging around the cv due to the bypass. Don't forget to blow through the bypass too.

 

[Cetanorak]

I'd blow through the heat pump to minimize any water hanging around the cv due to the bypass. Don't forget to blow through the bypass too.

That’s an idea that I could implement without any pvc modification…assuming that I can figure out a hose adapter to insert the cyclone hose into the pvc pipe (2” I think) that can be disconnected from the heat pump outlet.

 

[Cetanorak]

While imagining the sequence of events that I listed above, when it comes time to start blowing with the cyclone into the suction side, I will have drained the equipment pad and attached the cyclone hose to the pump basket inlet. I have to then open the suction side vavles, which would mean water returning to the pump under the force of gravity. To counteract that, am I too turn on the cyclone which would initially be blasting air into a suction-side manifold with all valves closed and then start opening valves? Would the cyclone hose just blast out of the pump basket housing due to build up of back pressure? Is this a two person job....start the cyclone while simultaneously opening a suction side vavle? Thanks, yet again!

 

[wireform]

On your system I would just disconnect the bump via both unions and simply slide the pump out of the way and then blow both ways from there easily. I've done very similar on a pool this past winterizing season. Works perfectly.

 

[Newdude]

I have to then open the suction side vavles, which would mean water returning to the pump under the force of gravity.

The gizzmos in the skimmers will be above the water level so the pool won't flood the pad.

Would the cyclone hose just blast out of the pump basket housing due to build up of back pressure? Is this a two person job..

Having two people sure helps. It's easy work that even a younger kid could help with. They could hold the hose into XYZ while you turned valves.

 

[Homebrewale]

It gets some unnecessary extra concern IMO also.

For the southerners attempting any of this, they really only need to push the water down a foot or so at the pad, just to be free and clear of a couple inch frost line. (Like 1.5 inches ).

But if we have a blower out there to do that, well then Heck, just empty the dang pipes and don't worry if a little was enough when the forecast gets worse or stays longer than they though.

With my equipment pad about 3' higher than the pool, I don't worry about pipes underground freezing. I do close my pool every year but I don't worry about blowing out lines and antifreeze. Our frost line is not deep. Only reason I close the pool is that it gives me a few months of not worrying about checking the pool equipment.

 

[Cetanorak]

The gizzmos in the skimmers will be above the water level so the pool won't flood the pad.

Ah, that's right! So the skimmer valves can be open when I start the cyclone and then I can move on to opening the main drains once the air is blowing.