Closing without a liner

[rspowelljr]

We needed to replace your liner but ran into problems where the liner company came out. They stated we needed to redo the floor and walls due to groundwater and that my steps shifted prior to us owing the pool. Needless to say its been covered and today I wanted to winterize as i normally due. I blew the lines out and my only concern is the main drain. I was able to get the bubbles running and able to shut the valve to hopefully to get the airlock. My concern is the ground water level. I would guess it will all freeze around the main drain since the water is so low.

Further more anyone have recommendations on a repair company in South Jersey since the one given to me hasn't returned my calls.

 

[swimcmp]

The vermiculite pool base material will not survive the freeze and thaw of winter. It will just flake apart by spring and you will have to do the entire floor most likely. Blowing your returns as you usually do should be okay. Not sure on the main drain as that is different than we do here

 

[borjis]

I'd wait until spring time and have it all done then.

 

[Catanzaro]

I blew the lines out and my only concern is the main drain.

You have to work backwards. Can you drain all the water in the pool? If so, then remove the main drain covers and blow air towards to the pump. Close with a black winter plug and you will have no water in the line, just like your returns, or very little water. You are not concerned about trapped air or an "air lock", but more in line of removing the water as it will freeze in the winter. You may be able to siphon some water out with a shop vac, and then you can reverse the procedure and blow the lines up to remove some water. You can actually try using another shop vac and siphon water out as you are clearing the lines from the main drain area.

How old is the pool? Walls are rusty. Has any of the rust gone completely through, and are or will there be any patching up? If so, please explain and eventually upload some pictures. Thanks!

Has the pool company provided you any information on the structural integrity of the pool walls, concrete, surrounding areas, etc. When you redo the whole base, try to use Portland cement and a sand mix, not vermiculite as it is a stronger base. Also, have them apply foam to the walls before any liner installation.