IG pool closing questions

[gogolion]

I have read the sticky and still have questions. In particular, the pool discussed in the sticky does not have a main drain so that is not discussed at all. I have a main drain. Also, my plan was to lower my water level to below the returns, but the sticky info is for those who do not lower their water level.

My plan was to lower my water level to below the returns, disconnect and store the pump, disconnect and drain the filter and put anti-freeze in the lines.

- how do I keep the main drain line from freezing without completely emptying the pool?
- Anything else I need to do?

[Watermom]

Bumping this up to see if someone can answer it for you. I do not have a main drain and cannot advise you. Sorry.

[CleBeavis]

Blow out the main drain line w/ a compressor (or possible a shop vac) and close the valve to the drain, air-locking it. If you don't have a valve to isolate the main drain then, uh, I dunno what to do.

Here is a plug with an air valve if that would help; never saw it before but I just googled it http://www.poolweb.com/Home/Other-Product/9-5-Blow-Thru-With-1-3-4-Washer

Other suggestions http://lmgtfy.com/?q=pool+air+lock+main+drain

[gverntz3]

I have a main drain and skimmer. I've been closing my own pool for the past 10 years. What I do, is put my filter in waste position and attached my Mighty vac blower to the waste pipe which blows air in reverse direction into the pool. Within about 20 seconds the bottom drain begins to enrupt with a 3 foot gieser of bubble water. Then, I slowly turn the gate value to close off the air going into the line. Once closed the water can't back into the bottom line.

Mighty vac is here: http://www.poolsupplyworld.com/poolsupplies/replacementpoolparts/products/80275.htm?ecmpid=awosm_osm_80275&XZM7=1&gclid=CImJmfWr4LICFROe4AodJVQAiQ

[ImpalaRob]

I just closed my pool with 2 main drains. The main drains were the last I closed....... for no other reason other than I thought they were going to give me problems. I blew out the lines until I saw the air bubbles gurgling at the surface...... then waited a few minutes at which point I "air locked" the mains by closing the main drain control valve. As I understand, this "air lock" will prevent the water from filling the pipe provided there are no pipe/valve leaks.

I feel confident with my pool closing in that I've spoken with friends and co-workers who close their own pools and state they can't even get their mains to gurgle, they just hope they pushed the water in the pipe down below the freeze line, then air lock.

[PJM361]

What I do, is put my filter in waste position and attached my Mighty vac blower to the waste pipe which blows air in reverse direction into the pool. I tried this but, the water geyser came out of the the 1st skimmer. So I use a gizmo then did the same on the second skimmer. Then I waited and I didn't see air bubbles in the 2 main drains or the return lines. Also tried closing off the valve going to the pump & still no air bubbles. What am I doing wrong? pump & filter are about 60" away & I'm using detachable blower from a very strong 6 HP shop vac.

[PJM361]

New problem , I used my air compressor to blow out the 4 return lines. After I capped the last one then the main drains started bubbling. It seems that my two Jandy 3 way valves are not airtight because I was still seeing bubbles with all valves closed. Also after I removed the t-cell from the return line in front of the valve I could hear air leaking back. So I'll buy a couple of 2" caps to air lock the lines.

[PJM361]

Couldn't find screw on caps that would fit so I used plugs instead. The valve going back to the returns stopped leaking but, not the other coming from the skimmer & main drains. Even with a plug in I couldn't get a perfect seal so I added duct tape on top of that plug.