Final steps in closing - air seals

pgershon · Monday at 3:28 PM

My pool pump sucks from a 4 -way split with individual levers to turn each off (main drain and 3 skimmers). I blow my cyclone with main drain valve open and the three skimmers closed, then after blowing for a bit, close off the main drain to seal. But then do I leave the valves for the skimmers open or closed when I pour in the antifreeze from the skimmers? I cannot remember what I have done the last 3 years. Does it matter? I think I want them open so the anti freeze can get into the pipes without an air lock, but then do I close afterwards? I know to insert gizmo and noodles in skimmer after pouring in the anti freeze, but I am unsure what is best procedure on the other end by the pump-side pipe. East leave valve open or closed for winter - whatever is best.

Thanks

Newdude · Monday at 4:17 PM

The skimmer valves don't matter if they're open/closed. You can't air lock those legs or the returns because they have 'up pipe' to the openings.

I dump antifreeze straight in the skimmer pipe and use a bendy funnel to get it in the returns. (Just did today too. :cheers:

)

Chris_Porter · Monday at 10:23 PM

When you pour in the antifreeze from the skimmers, leave the skimmer valves open so the antifreeze can flow into the pipes without airlocks. After you've poured in the antifreeze, close the skimmer valves to seal the lines. Leave the main drain valve closed for winter, as you sealed it after blowing out the main drain. The valves for the skimmers should stay closed for winter.

wireform · Monday at 10:39 PM

Valve for main drain should and needs not to be disturbed till after the winter but skimmer valves can remain open and no, they don't air lock like main drains.

Final steps in closing - air seals

pgershon

Newdude

Chris_Porter

wireform