Closing pool, quick question on draining lines before plugging, inground pool

[tim86]

my question is is there anyways i can blow all water out of the return line to where know for fact there is no water left that can damage lines and cap it, without draining water below the return, theres about 30-35 feet of 1 1/2 in pvc from pump to return line, in northern indiana so get extremly cold winters, first time doing it and last owner said he just drained it below return, blew out lines, capped it, and then refilled to 6 inches below the skimmer,

 

[tim86]

and just to note, do not have a air compressor but do have a large shop vac,