First time closing

[tangoshoes]

I want to make sure I've got all the steps right before I start. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

• Clean and shock pool
• Backwash and rinse filter
• Drain pool 4” below returns.
• Attach air compressor on pump drain port. (Do I keep the main drain open or partially/fully close?)
• Blow out lines until no water is coming out at all.
• Screw in skimmer Gizmo and plug returns.
• Close main drain?!?!
• Remove drain plug on filter and remove air compressor. Place plugs in pump basket for storage.
• Cover pool.

When do I close the main drain or do I need to? Do I need to add antifreeze or any other chemicals? Am I forgetting anything?
What air compressor attachment do I need. I know think one side should be a threaded ¼” or ½” (I have a standard Hayward pump)? The other side I’m assuming needs to match the coupling system I have for my air compressor hose. Can I find this attachment at Lowe’s or home Depot?

A few more details about my pool. All of my equipment is indoors. I have two valves before the pump. One for main drain and one for the skimmer. I have a hole in my liner at the bottom of the shallow end. It's been patched but if anything touches it it bubbles so I know the patch isn't very secure. Doesn't leak on it's own though. Thanks everyone!!!

 

[Catanzaro]

Tango shoes:

Antifreeze is your call. Please read over this post and its links as you will gain insight. Working with an air compressor should be fine with an NPT fitting. Keep all areas isolated to create extra volume of air. Pressure should be 20-30 psi and no more.

The concept of closing an in ground swimming pool

A lot of information that you are seeking should be covered in the above post. No need to drain 4" below the returns. You could drain below the returns if you are not successful with the air compressor in clearing out the lines. If you can not clear the returns & skimmers, you will not have any luck with the main drain.

 

[tangoshoes]

Thanks! I read the post. I'm not sure what our air compressor stats are but its Much bigger than a pancake. Quick question I didn't think of before... What setting should I put my filter on when blowing out the return lines? Thanks!

- - - Updated - - -

Modified plan:

• Clean and shock pool
• Backwash and rinse filter
• Drain pool 1” below skimmer
• Close skimmer and main drain ports.
• Attach air compressor on pump drain port.
• Blow out and plug returns.
• Open skimmer port with filter side plugged from inside pump and blow out while shop vac water out of skimmer.
• Screw in skimmer Gizmo.
• Close skimmer and open main drain. Once it starts to bubble wait 60 seconds and turn off port while turning off air compressor.
• Remove drain plug on filter and pressure gauge. Place plugs in pump basket for storage.
• Cover pool.

Missing anything? If I can't get the main drain to bubble, that's when I must put in antifreeze?

 

[Catanzaro]

What setting should I put my filter on when blowing out the return lines? Thanks!

It was in my post, but recirculate is fine or filter. I use recirculate. Make sure you winterize the filter as well. As long as the main drain bubbles for a little while, you will be fine. In the post, there was a person who use a compressor that was successful.

 

[tangoshoes]

Thank you! Sorry I missed the filter option. I've read about 50 posts now. I've been trying to keep good notes but it's becoming a bit jumbled in my mind. That's why I wanted to start this thread. This is my first year as a pool owner. Had a lot of problems on start up but it helped me get to know my pool very well.

 

[Catanzaro]

Thank you! Sorry I missed the filter option. I've read about 50 posts now. I've been trying to keep good notes but it's becoming a bit jumbled in my mind. That's why I wanted to start this thread. This is my first year as a pool owner. Had a lot of problems on start up but it helped me get to know my pool very well.

Do not worry. A learning process. At the end of the day, you have to figure out what is best for you and what works.