Tried the tire pump method mentioned a couple years ago for clearing the main drain. No go. Am fairly certain that even if I did initially clear it, water re-entered it when I opened the valve to try again.

I still don't know what the deal is with the fountains or how to blow them out.

Pool people were scheduled for tomorrow and I needed to cancel 24 hours in advance. So, I guess I'll just have to let them come and do it since I'm now inside that window and I can't get it figured out here. The bummer is that I can't even be here to watch them because I'll be out of town.

Maybe next year...

I would still like to see if you can help me answer my questions from a few days ago though. I will help in my understanding, hopefully, for next year.