Need to plug return and skimmer for repairs

[jstonemo]

I filled and opened my ABG pool, after which I noticed that the flexible hose is leaking at the bottom of the skimmer. I am tired of replacing these hoses, so I bought all of the parts to put in PVC.

Does anyone have a trick to plug the return and skimmer outlets so that I don't have to drain the pool below the fittings? Just need it plugged long enough to glue the pipes and fittings.

[Watermom]

Whenever we need to block ours, we just stuff a washrag down into the skimmer outlet and we have a little rubber plug that screws into the return outlet. (Looks like an old bathtub drain plug.) I wonder if there is one of the rubber plugs that would be the right size for my skimmer outlet, too? Hmmmm.

[matt4x4]

That's all I ever do, a dry terrrycloth towel yanked in there will give you at least 5 minutes or total dry work time before any moisture starts wicking through, matter of fact, just did that on Saturday since I had a leaking union - found out I'd put the wrong gasket in earlier this spring.

[NWMNMom]

While you are working on it is a VERY good time to put some valves in right there at the skimmer and at the return. That way, you can shut the hoses off with a twist of the wrist to work on whatever you need. We did that and it was the BEST decision to make like a whole lot easier during maintenance.

[b2001]

A pool supply store should sell very cheap plugs for both the inlet and skimmer - seems like less than $5 each.

The inlet piece is just a screw type cap.

The skimmer plug is just a rubber plug with metal washers at both ends and a screw with wingnut through it. You push it into the skimmer outlet and tighten the wingnut, which compresses the ends and expands the sides to where the skimmer is blocked.