Fall closing skimmer question

[nisqu]

My son and I closed our 42000 IG pool today. I have a vinyl liner and water goes to the filter through 2 skimmers, I have no lower drains. One of my skimmers has a normal inlet that runs to the pump and another hole, same size , same threaded fittings, but not connected to the pump, just goes down 2 ft and through the pool wall back into the pool. What is this tube for and do I need to winterize it. It's outlet is ver low and I cant see a way to blow it out. Anyone help out? Thanks

[CarlD]

Ouch!

I think you have to close off the skimmer--and fill the pipe with anti freeze. Or you can plug the low return, and then disconnect the pipe so the water drains out of it, and cover the skimmer so it can't get water into if. If you can't seal off the skimmer from the pool, then fill the skimmer with lots of foam--you can cut up a noodle and put the pieces in vertically--to keep ice expansion from splitting the skimmer. Standing water will expand when frozen and split your pipes.

That's my best guess.

[nisqu]

Thanks, buy I've got all that done, I'm just wondering about this open tube that runs from the skimmer to near the bottom. The bottom opening is still below the waterline and the top is about 22" below ground. I'm not sure what to do about this one pipe. Again, it's not connected to anything, just an open pipe. Thanks

[waste]

Hey there, good to see you posting!

What you have is a "balance line" - it's supposed to keep the pump from running dry, if the water gets too low in the pool (long story short, they don't work well )

When I run into these, I make up a pipe to screw into the port in the skimmer that will be above the water level, then blow it out with a vac/ blower. While the vac is running, I plug the port in the pool, add some antifreeze and put an expandable rubber plug in the top of the pipe. If you need details on how to make one, I'll gladly tell you

Whoever plugs the in pool port WILL GET WET! It helps if the person blowing the lines 'backs off' a little once it starts bubbling (maintain an airflow, but not full strength).

[nisqu]

Exactly what I needed THANKS!!! I'm going to plug the lower hole, draw the water out with vac tool, add antifreeze and plug the top. Thanks again