Inground closing - drain below returns or not?

[richmgreen]

I have always drained my pool below the returns to blow out the lines for winter. Nervous about blowing them out and capping under water even though I do use antifreeze. Any thoughts on best practice ?

thanks
Rich

 

[Newdude]

search for duck plugs. They are one way valve plugs that you can blow through to kill 2 birds with one stone. I would use them with a solid cover and not have to drain as low. I have a mesh cover so I have to drain about 3 ft of rain/ melted snow each season. I do it at closing with 18 inches and mid winter for another 18 inches.

 

[TO116]

I blow out and cap the returns and skimmers, shut all the valves, remove all the drain plugs from equipment, and put a solid cover on. That’s about it, never used antifreeze or drained any water.