Replacing Polaris Booster Front Housing

[pfitz4]

I have a leak on my Polaris booster pump. I found a hairline crack where the pipe connects to the front housing. I am ordering this replacement part:

Front Housing Volute with O-ring - PB4-60 New Style

Volute (Includes Drain Plug & O-Ring) For PB4-60's after serial number PB120111001 Polaris OEM: R0536300 Not sure if you have the new style or the old style booster pump? See our blog post to tell the difference here.

www.poolzoom.com

Here is my main question:
My pump equipment is downhill from my pool. Water siphons out when anything is disconnected. I have ball valves on the pipes for my skimmers and wall drain, but water still siphons out even when these are closed. I do not have ball valves on the lines for the returns or the polaris booster pump. I've attached a picture of my setup. How can I keep the water from siphoning out when the booster is disconnected, so I can replace the part?

Second question: what is the recommended sealant for the quick-connect threads - teflon tape or clear silicone? Will I also need to apply some type of sealant to the surface of the housing when it is reinstalled?

 

[ajw22]

Stick rubber plugs or potatoes in the returns and skimmer holes.

 

[pfitz4]

Would the gizmos work?

 

[JamesW]

You have valves on the suction that you can close.

Do you have valves on the Polaris and return lines that you can close?

 

[pfitz4]

No, I don’t have valves on the Polaris and return lines. Only on the skimmers and wall drain.

 

[ajw22]

Would the gizmos work?

No, Gizzmos are made for skimmer size holes which are smaller then the 1 1/2" return lines you need to plug.

 

[JamesW]

Skimmers are 1.5" or 2".

Gizzmos are 1.5" or 2" or 1.5/2" combo.

There are probably plugs somewhere that are used for winterizing. Have you looked for those?

 

[pfitz4]

Oh! Of course...I do have the return plugs. I don’t know what I was thinking when I mentioned the gizmos.

So I just turn of the pump and plug all the holes? Do I need to set the multi-port valve on the pump to a certain setting?

Any idea about the best type of sealant (if any) for the threads and/or housing?

 

[JamesW]

Turn off the pump at the breaker and any switches.

Close the suction lines, plug the return and Polaris line.

You can use teflon tape and thread sealant on the threads.