My returns are roughly 14" below the water.
My main drain is 8 feet.

The guys that blew it out last year brought out one of these...http://www.poolcenter.com/winter_sup...mighty_vac.htm ....
Had the main drain blown out in a few seconds and threw the valve at the pump. so the drain line was air locked.

I believe my gas blower has less MPH than my neighbors electric one....but anyway.

I have a nice 25 gallon - twin cylinder 220 volt compressor. I will buy one of the above blowers if necessary. But I dont really want to spend that kind of money if I dont need to....
Surely someone has used both and can let me know what is best or what works.
I plan to try the compressor soon. I will hook up a regulator to the line and put a quick connect on a plug in my stand tube in the skimmer.

thoughts?