I recently purchased a cyclone and have the water level down past the skimmers but still above jets I have 2 of rack and 2 main drains. Pool people broke the line to the 2 skimmers that I could and each had their own valves and replaced it with one that open or close them both at the same time. Can I use the cyclone in the skimmer (closest to the equipment) to blow those lines? Is the skimmer valve opened and the main drain valve closed when I do that. Next how do I blow the returns? Most videos are saying to put the multiport on recirculate and blow them from the side where the pump is? Correct? It can’t be done from the skimmer? And are all the lines blown after you remove all the drain plugs and the multi port is set to recirculate until the jets are plugged and then set in between settings for winter? Sorry for so long but really confused after reading and seeing videos. I can send pics of my equipment if that would help
Explicit directions need to closing and blowing line using a cyclone
- Thread starter mattsonwd
- Start date
I think I may have confusing info in the first ? Sorry 2 skimmers, 2 jets, 2 main drains. After blowing skimmers how do I blow the jets.
- Jun 24, 2021
- 15,605
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
I think the below would work best for you. I'd like to have pictures of the equipment pad so I can confirm.
First, I would make your life simpler with this rig. Get a spare lid for the pump and build the following to connect the cyclone to the pump (see pic).
Parts:
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
You will need a hole saw to cut the hole for the fitting in the spare pump basket lid.
Completed fixture for Cyclone.
Now, as to blowing out the lines, after you have hooked the cyclone up to the pump. Unfortunately, the pool guy only put one diverter on the skimmers. It really helps to have two, so you can blow out each skimmer separately. So, your best bet is to a) close the valve on the filter (I'm assuming you have an MPV), b) plug one skimmer hole, blow out the other skimmer, c) put the plug in the other skimmer and blow out the other skimmer.
I would recommend that you get "Gizmos" for the skimmers. Not strictly necessary, but they have plugs that allow you to plug them or open them to accomplish the same as the last paragraph, without using plugs. The also act as a safety protection from water getting in the skimmers and protect the skimmers. I'd also cut up some pool noodles and put them next to the gizmos and in the skimmer mouth to protect the skimmer from freezing water. I let the blower blow for 5-10 minutes until there is almost no mist left.
Once the skimmers are done, I'd put in 1/2 gallon of antifreeze into the skimmer lines through the gizmos. Use pool antifreeze.
Then, close the valve to the skimmers, open the valve to the main drains, blow them out for a fair amount of time, then close the valve to the mains to air lock them while the cyclone is blowing, then turn the cyclone off once the valve is closed.
Then, put the MPV into recirculate, and blow out the returns and plug.
First, I would make your life simpler with this rig. Get a spare lid for the pump and build the following to connect the cyclone to the pump (see pic).
Parts:
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
You will need a hole saw to cut the hole for the fitting in the spare pump basket lid.
Completed fixture for Cyclone.
Now, as to blowing out the lines, after you have hooked the cyclone up to the pump. Unfortunately, the pool guy only put one diverter on the skimmers. It really helps to have two, so you can blow out each skimmer separately. So, your best bet is to a) close the valve on the filter (I'm assuming you have an MPV), b) plug one skimmer hole, blow out the other skimmer, c) put the plug in the other skimmer and blow out the other skimmer.
I would recommend that you get "Gizmos" for the skimmers. Not strictly necessary, but they have plugs that allow you to plug them or open them to accomplish the same as the last paragraph, without using plugs. The also act as a safety protection from water getting in the skimmers and protect the skimmers. I'd also cut up some pool noodles and put them next to the gizmos and in the skimmer mouth to protect the skimmer from freezing water. I let the blower blow for 5-10 minutes until there is almost no mist left.
Once the skimmers are done, I'd put in 1/2 gallon of antifreeze into the skimmer lines through the gizmos. Use pool antifreeze.
Then, close the valve to the skimmers, open the valve to the main drains, blow them out for a fair amount of time, then close the valve to the mains to air lock them while the cyclone is blowing, then turn the cyclone off once the valve is closed.
Then, put the MPV into recirculate, and blow out the returns and plug.
A cyclone is likely capable of blowing the whole system from the skimmers. You'd obviously have to cycle the legs to get them all if the plumbing is home run'd to/from the pad.
For example, my 2 skimmers each have a leg. I'd blow one straight through the system, emptying the return in the process, then seal that leg and blow the 2nd skimmer which would refill the return momentarily before draining it again. Then I'd have to isolate the main drain (or any other legs) and blow those too. So I'd blow the skimmers and return, cap the returns and then air could only escape the main drain, which i'd airlock under pressure once bubbles were flowing out the drain.
With the returns already capped, and everything now empty, I'd install gizmos in the skimmers and stuff them full of cut up pool noodles.
I'd also add a gallon of antifreeze to each skimmer pipe before the gizzmos, and uncap the returns to add a gallon each with a bendy funnel then recap them.
For example, my 2 skimmers each have a leg. I'd blow one straight through the system, emptying the return in the process, then seal that leg and blow the 2nd skimmer which would refill the return momentarily before draining it again. Then I'd have to isolate the main drain (or any other legs) and blow those too. So I'd blow the skimmers and return, cap the returns and then air could only escape the main drain, which i'd airlock under pressure once bubbles were flowing out the drain.
With the returns already capped, and everything now empty, I'd install gizmos in the skimmers and stuff them full of cut up pool noodles.
I'd also add a gallon of antifreeze to each skimmer pipe before the gizzmos, and uncap the returns to add a gallon each with a bendy funnel then recap them.
- Jun 24, 2021
- 15,605
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
- May 27, 2021
- 1,253
- Pool Size
- 17000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I’ll go out on a limb and suggest the blue handled valve is your main drain, and the 3-way diverter is your two skimmers. If this is not the case ignore everything hereafter.
When blowing out the suction side close the main drain (blue valve) first. Adjust the diverter valve so the lowest pipe in the picture is closed. Blow the middle skimmer pipe until it’s dry. Next adjust the 3 way diverter so the middle pipe is closed and blow the lower pipe skimmer until dry. After it’s dry, close the diverter to both skimmers. Then open the blue valve and blow your main drain. Once the mains are bubbling for a couple of minutes, with the cyclone still running, shut the blue valve air locking the main drain.
Then proceed to blow the return side dry.