First Time Closing - Question

[JackDaniels07]

First I apologize for making yet another thread. I've read the ones on the board along with the closing information found here: Closing Pool for Winter - Further Reading. I'm just a bit nervous attempting this myself for the first time.

It was 8-9 years ago when I bought a house with a pool and this TFP has been a tremendous help. From keeping the water balanced to fixing my pool heater. I've learned so much but have always been afraid of closing the pool on my own. After years of watching it done, I decided to bite the bullet and purchased a cyclone. Before I start I just wanted to run the process by you all and make sure I don't mess up. I'll be draining the pool just down past the returns.

1. Remove the pump cover and inert hose from the cyclone on the suction side (yellow arrow). Blow out both skimmers, then turn the valve to the main drain. Allow the air to blow out for a bit then shut off the main drain. This should air-lock the main drain. Pour anti-freeze into both skimmer lines, and put the plugs in. In the past the guy who closed the pool used the one-gallon jugs for expansion - I'm gonna go with that for this year but pick up some gizmos.
2. Remove SWG. Insert the cyclone hose into the pressure side (red arrow). I have five returns - two at the steps, one in the shallow end, one in the deep end, and one on what I call a sun ledge (who knows). Allow the water to be pushed out and plug each return.
3. Drain all pool equipment.
4. Shut off the gas to the heater.
5. Install the cover

Am I missing anything? Sorry for the poor-quality picture. My iPhone camera decided to start shaking uncontrollably recently.

 

[Texas Splash]

I think you have it all basically covered. Keep all the drain plugs and accessories in the pump basket so you don't loose them, but you should be good. Put your MPV in the CLOSED position (or in between positions) as well.

Closing Pool for Winter - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[JackDaniels07]

I think you have it all basically covered. Keep all the drain plugs and accessories in the pump basket so you don't loose them, but you should be good. Put your MPV in the CLOSED position (or in between positions) as well.

Closing Pool for Winter - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

I've seen other posts talking about doing it all from the skimmer. Would that be leaving the pool equipment as is, then attaching my cyclone to one of the two skimmers and just blow air through all the equipment? I was worried it would have a problem making it through all the equipment or damage the pump somehow.

Thanks for the tip on the multiport valve.

 

[Texas Splash]

I've seen other posts talking about doing it all from the skimmer. Would that be leaving the pool equipment as is, then attaching my cyclone to one of the two skimmers and just blow air through all the equipment? I was worried it would have a problem making it through all the equipment or damage the pump somehow.

Some owners chose to push air that way (backwards) as opposed from starting at the pump pot and/or equipment pad itself. Personal choice I suspect based on plumbing, fittings, and space at the pad. I personally would prefer to connect a Cyclone at the pad and push towards the skimmer/ returns.

 

[Newdude]

+1. I disassemble my equipment and then it's easier to isolate each line. But not everybody is handy, has the ability to muscle the equipment or has unions to take it apart. And the more you disassemble, the more you have to put back together.

I suggested several people try the least invasive way of blowing it all out from the skimmer this year. Disassembly was then the backup plan.