Closing for the First Time

[Arcpool13]

Hello all,

Like many others, we are attempting our first pool closing on our own.

2 returns, one skimmer. Picture of pool equipment and plumbing:


Questions:

- can we use our 3.5 hp shop vac to get the job done to blow the lines through the pump without disconnecting the union from the pump?
- if so, how? E.g., do we stick the vacuum hose into the hole in the actual pump tank where the pump basket is currently?
- if not, should we just get a cyclone blower? Or an air compressor?
- is it okay to leave our pump out during the winter?
- anyone have a list of things to get if someone recommends a modified pump lid (and if anyone knows can you just buy these things already pre-made)?

Many thanks.

 

[Newdude]

can we use our 3.5 hp shop vac to get the job done to blow the lines through the pump

That might be a tad too small.

- if so, how?

My shop vac hose was a perfect fit for the skimmer pipe.

if not, should we just get a cyclone blower?

The cyclone pays for itself the first year, doubly so in my case with $700 something for closing, and lasts a generation or more. It'll cost you peanuts per year over its lifespan and remove all doubts if you cleared enough water.

anyone have a list of things to get if someone recommends a modified pump lid

@PoolGate has a nice write up about it.

How To: Modify (Drill) Your Pump Basket Lid to Accept a Blower

I finished this video in case anyone wants to know how to do this.

www.troublefreepool.com

I tried my shop vac just to see if it would work, but it's a bigger one.

Closing with shop vac.

Today was the day for closing and it went great with a 6HP shop vac. I hooked my blower up for fun after, and there really wasn't much left but some spray. Anywho I wanted to do a write up for all the folks wondering if they could save a chunk of change and tackle their own closing...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Arcpool13]

That might be a tad too small.

My shop vac hose was a perfect fit for the skimmer pipe.

The cyclone pays for itself the first year, doubly so in my case with $700 something for closing, and lasts a generation or more. It'll cost you peanuts per year over its lifespan and remove all doubts if you cleared enough water.

@PoolGate has a nice write up about it.

How To: Modify (Drill) Your Pump Basket Lid to Accept a Blower

I finished this video in case anyone wants to know how to do this.

www.troublefreepool.com

I tried my shop vac just to see if it would work, but it's a bigger one.

Closing with shop vac.

Today was the day for closing and it went great with a 6HP shop vac. I hooked my blower up for fun after, and there really wasn't much left but some spray. Anywho I wanted to do a write up for all the folks wondering if they could save a chunk of change and tackle their own closing...

www.troublefreepool.com

Thank you for taking time to answer. I have been reading other people's experiences as well, so appreciate the wealth of knowledge here.

What are your thoughts on an air compressor through the drain plug to blow out water? Cyclone still better?

Noted on the value of the cyclone. One downside in my view is just that it seems to only serve one purpose. But, maybe assurance of blowing out all the water is worth it.

 

[Newdude]

What are your thoughts on an air compressor through the drain plug to blow out water?

I do not like compressors. Most aren't up to the task and the ones that do still leave most of the water in any horizontal pipes. The air will travel along the top 1/8(?) Inch and not push the water. And if there is any minute leak in the system at all, which all of us have to a degree, it loses its PSI and doesn't work.

Cyclone still better?

Than anything. Any day of the week. It'll also do sprinklers so it's a two trick pony.

I'm this // close to getting one because I'm disappointed in the 27 gallon compressor I bought just for that when my sprinkler guy broke $250 per blowout.

But, maybe assurance of blowing out all the water is worth it.

It is. And if it lasts 20 years, which it should, that's well under $20 each for fast and easy EMPTY pipes.

 

[Arcpool13]

I do not like compressors. Most aren't up to the task and the ones that do still leave most of the water in any horizontal pipes. The air will travel along the top 1/8(?) Inch and not push the water. And if there is any minute leak in the system at all, which all of us have to a degree, it loses its PSI and doesn't work.

Than anything. Any day of the week. It'll also do sprinklers so it's a two trick pony.

I'm this // close to getting one because I'm disappointed in the 27 gallon compressor I bought just for that when my sprinkler guy broke $250 per blowout.

It is. And if it lasts 20 years, which it should, that's well under $20 each for fast and easy EMPTY pipes.

Thank you for your quick answers. This gives me peace of mind at least with the cyclone. We will try the shop vac to see and have the cyclone on deck just in case. thanks again!

 

[PoolGate]

Thank you for your quick answers. This gives me peace of mind at least with the cyclone. We will try the shop vac to see and have the cyclone on deck just in case. thanks again!

Where in md are you?

 

[Arcpool13]

Where in md are you?

Frederick County

 

[Arcpool13]

Thank you for your quick answers. This gives me peace of mind at least with the cyclone. We will try the shop vac to see and have the cyclone on deck just in case. thanks again!

Question re Polyquat 60. I've read different things on this blog about if you want to do it, you can.
- what if anything is left in the pool after you to the Polyquat 60?
- I believe our pool temp should be below 60 when we close, so does that mean Polyquat 60 unnecessary?
Question re the hose attachment for the cyclone and into the pump. It looks like it would be 2 inches, do I get a 2 inch hose, or a 1.5 hose and get adapters? If so what adapters?

 

[Newdude]

Question re the hose attachment for the cyclone and into the pump. It looks like it would be 2 inches, do I get a 2 inch hose, or a 1.5 hose and get adapters? If so what adapters?

With a simple setup, I'd blow the whole system by shoving the hose right down each skimmer.

You would need This fitting for the cyclone and 6 (?) ft of 1.5 inch hose.

Or you can MacGyver it with other fittings/hose, or duct tape the smaller hose to the larger pipe like I do mine.

I believe our pool temp should be below 60 when we close, so does that mean Polyquat 60 unnecessary?

IMO it's not necessary when closing late and opening early. Some others like it.

 

[Arcpool13]

Wanted to update we closed today, took a while, but to be expected the first time doing this on our own. Cyclone blower worked great. Putting the cover on was the longest and most difficult part -- figuring out which side went where. Thanks for all the help. I will post what I did. Hope the lines are okay, will find out in the spring I guess!

 

[Arcpool13]

Wanted to update we closed today, took a while, but to be expected the first time doing this on our own. Cyclone blower worked great. Putting the cover on was the longest and most difficult part -- figuring out which side went where. Thanks for all the help. I will post what I did. Hope the lines are okay, will find out in the spring I guess!

Actually, whoops, I did have one question. So most people take the drain plugs off of the pump and store them in the filter basket. Should I put some cloth in the drain holes, to prevent rodents, etc from getting into the pump over winter? Should I apply anything to the holes (it is plastic, not metal)?

Also, did we put enough antifreeze in? We split one jug of antifreeze between our 2 return lines (dont think we even used the whole jug). We used a whole jug for our skimmer line and think we actually filled the whole pipe. Should there be antifreeze in the simmer after the gizzmo is in screwed in?


Thanks!

 

[Newdude]

Should I put some cloth in the drain holes, to prevent rodents

There's nothing for anything to damage in there. Just the impeller, shaft and shaft seal. The rest is all molded plastic. Those holes are tiny anyway (3/8?)and not much besides ants would fit in there.

did we put enough antifreeze in? We split one jug of antifreeze between our 2 return lines

Half a gallon each is plenty, although I use a full gallon.

When using the cyclone, as you saw, those pipes are e-m-p-t-y empty. Like no drops left even. Lol The antifreeze is really just in case of a leak.

Should there be antifreeze in the simmer after the gizzmo is in screwed in?

Some add a little but I don't because with my mesh cover, any skimmer antifreeze will just wash back into the pool as it fills back up.

Wanted to update we closed today, took a while, but to be expected the first time doing this on our own

Exactly. You had to experiment. If you did it again tomorrow, you'd be WAY better at it already. After the second try to tweak what works best, it'll be second nature and bing bang boom.

Well done.