Help with DIY pool closing

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SuddenPool

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Oct 24, 2016
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West Lafayette, IN
I saw another thread on a similar topic, but since the setup is different, figured a new thread makes sense.

I have a mesh safety cover installation, and am preparing to do a DIY closing for the first time. (Well I had kind of done it once before, but since then my equipment has been upgraded to a different filter and plumbing).

Here is a picture of the setup:

IMG_20181103_134643.jpg

The two suction lines are on the left (front), however only the one on the left is active for the main drain. My skimmer line has a leak in it and therefore I never used it for the whole summer. It has been closed since last fall and I never opened that line (even in the skimmer itself). I figure that doesn't need blowing anyway.

Pump and then cartridge filter (with a valve just before the filter entry that I use for draining water sometimes). The return line is the rightmost pipe.

What would be the best sequence of steps for blowing out this setup?

Thanks.
 
Re: Help with DIY pool closing

(Well I had kind of done it once before, but since then my equipment has been upgraded to a different filter and plumbing).
Click to expand...

Considering you have done this before, what type of blower did you use, and exactly where did you hook it up to? You can work from the pump (NPT fitting). You can use blow-thru plugs. You can disconnect the unions and work from there. Or you can even remove the 3 caps (blow out ports) and work from there. However, the main drain can not be "air locked" as the shut off valve is before there. For the main drain, you will have to work before the shut off valve.
 
Re: Help with DIY pool closing

Thanks. For the main drain, I have a valve on the blow out (you can see it in blue on the left most vertical). I was going to use the Cyclone blower at that point and then turn that blue valve off.

All that while keeping the valve between the vertical and the pump closed.

But I'm not sure how to handle the filter and pump. Can they be exposed to the blower's pressure?

For the returns, I was thinking of using the blowout simply.

The main confusion is about how to handle the filter and pump themselves.

Thanks.
 
Re: Help with DIY pool closing

When the PB did my closing (also in IN), they used the exact same flex hose to seal the returns as shown Picture4.jpg in Yunfeng's thread.

If I remember correctly, they unscrew the square cap from the hose which was now open at both ends. Then they screwed in the hose in the pool at the return inlet (which was just below the water surface) such that the hose flexed above the water line. So basically the hose was attached at the return point in the pool.

Then they blew the lines from near the filter pad. This led to the residual water in the return lines flying out of the flex hose like a fountain. Once it was all out, they turned off the air, then screwed the square cap back onto the open end of the hose (which was above water). And then twisted/tightened the hose at the return inlet such that the flex went below the water line (the better for covering).

I plan to do the same this time. Does this sound ok?
 
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Re: Help with DIY pool closing

Can they be exposed to the blower's pressure?
Click to expand...

Yes, the Cyclone only produces 3.5 PSI, which is nothing. You are not using 30 PSI or greater through the system, but very little. Remove the cartridges in the filter while performing the closing. I am assuming you will just use the 1.5" as it is flexible to tuck into the pump suction side and return side after you remove the pump lid. My friend has the same pump and this is how we closed his pool. Cyclone was very powerful. The previous years he had a Hayward super pump, and I used my modified cover. I was not going to the extreme of producing another cover.

After you are done, winterize the filter and pump. Remember that you can also work from the union on the suction side to clear the skimmers and main drain and then the opening on the return side. For the suction, no big deal as you are not touching any parts of the pump, it is just a line coming from the skimmers/main drains. The return side would go through impeller-pump, and if you want to bypass, then remove the cap, use the hose only, or create some sort of adapter that fits the 1.5' hose.
 
Re:  Help with DIY pool closing

Catanzaro said:
Yes, the Cyclone only produces 3.5 PSI, which is nothing. You are not using 30 PSI or greater through the system, but very little. Remove the cartridges in the filter while performing the closing. I am assuming you will just use the 1.5" as it is flexible to tuck into the pump suction side and return side after you remove the pump lid. My friend has the same pump and this is how we closed his pool. Cyclone was very powerful. The previous years he had a Hayward super pump, and I used my modified cover. I was not going to the extreme of producing another cover.

After you are done, winterize the filter and pump. Remember that you can also work from the union on the suction side to clear the skimmers and main drain and then the opening on the return side. For the suction, no big deal as you are not touching any parts of the pump, it is just a line coming from the skimmers/main drains. The return side would go through impeller-pump, and if you want to bypass, then remove the cap, use the hose only, or create some sort of adapter that fits the 1.5' hose.
Click to expand...

I think I follow. However, here is my constraint. The union on the suction side is very tight and I have been unable to open it in the past. Hence I was intending to leave it in place and use a two-step process instead. One for the main drain, and the other for the return.

For the main drain, I have a blue valve add-on on the suction-line vertical (i.e. before it gets to the pump). I intend to close the red valve connecting this vertical to the pump, and use the blower on the vertical, and then turn off the blue valve after creating the air lock (I guess).

For the return, I was hoping to use the return-line vertical (i.e. downstream of the filter). But you seem to be saying that I need to open the filter and remove the cartridges (maybe this is good practice regardless of line-blowing preference).

Here are a couple more clarifying questions - thanks for your patience with this:

1. If I remove the pump lid, are you saying I can fit the blower hose into the pump return side and directly blow in there? This may be a very basic question :)
2. While I do the above, should the filter be closed/sealed? Or should I leave some air vent somewhere?
3. Also, do I need to drain the filter first?
 
1. If I remove the pump lid, are you saying I can fit the blower hose into the pump return side and directly blow in there? This may be a very basic question
2. While I do the above, should the filter be closed/sealed? Or should I leave some air vent somewhere?
3. Also, do I need to drain the filter first?
Click to expand...

Yes, the hose fits in the pump return side. You can literally work on both the suction and return side just with the hose as this works like a charm. Remove the cartridges only, and do not open up any drain plugs or drain anything. The air will take care of everything. Once you are doing with the return side, the suction side (skimmers - Gizzmo's), main drain - "Air Lock", then proceed to remove all drain plugs and pressure gauge.

Close off main drain while clearing skimmers. Once you are done with the skimmers open up the main drain and allow it to bubble for 30 seconds, close the valve and shut off Cyclone (quickly). You are done with this side.

Look at my closing thread (first post) as there are pictures.

Concept of closing an IG Swimming Pool

The concept of closing an in ground swimming pool
 
InkedIMG_20181104_094227_LI.jpg Got it. Btw, here is a better picture of my setup.

(1) is the permanently closed skimmer line which I never use.
(2) is the weird main-drain blowing solution using this blue valve.
(3) is where I was intending to connect the Cyclone for the return lines, but your idea of using (4) is better.
 
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