Question about water in the skimmer well...

[Splaker]

Hello,

I am in the process of closing - water has been blown out of jets, falls, equipment.. I still have an annoying issue with water in the skimmer well. It comes up from what I believe is the drain hole. The hole that sucks water (skims) refills after I blow it out from water that comes up from the drain hole (see pic). The hole that I have circled in the pic is where water comes up from. It refills the well to about the 3" mark without fail every time I blow out the skimmer line (I'm doing this from the pump area). Is it okay to have some water down there (we get well below zero and freeze throughout the winter). If I dump plumber anti-freeze and use a sacrificial lamb will this ensure that I won't have freeze damage? Or do I need to get that water out? In past years (where I've had help or had a company close it) I am sure the well was dry. Thoughts? Thanks.

 

[SJPoe]

Water flows down, so if it's refilling, it's filling from somewhere 'above' the skimmer (or you've tapped into an artesian spring!).

I'd suspect a line isn't empty.

 

[Newdude]

When you blow from the pad does water shooting out the other hole in the skimmer ? Either the one which fills goes to a drain or other opening, or its tied in with another drain or opening below the skimmer and it's equalizing to the pool water depth.

 

[Splaker]

When you blow from the pad does water shooting out the other hole in the skimmer ? Either the one which fills goes to a drain or other opening, or its tied in with another drain or opening below the skimmer and it's equalizing to the pool water depth.

Yes, water will shoot out of the skimmer when I am blowing from the pad.. eventually, it slows and when I stop blowing out water, it will refill from that drain I've identified above. If it's "equalizing the pool water depth" I have no idea what is meant by that... Either way, do I have something to be concerned about? Will this water freeze and potentially damage my skimmer well (even if I put antifreeze down in the well).

 

[Newdude]

Yes, water will shoot out of the skimmer when I am blowing from the pad

But from which hole? Many setups utilizing both holes have one go to the pad and the other to the main drain. So you're likely blowing one and the other (to a drain) is filling it back up to the pool level height through the drain line. (Equalizing).

 

[Splaker]

But from which hole? Many setups utilizing both holes have one go to the pad and the other to the main drain. So you're likely blowing one and the other (to a drain) is filling it back up to the pool level height through the drain line. (Equalizing).

I am pretty certain that the hole that goes to the pad(water is drawn into this hole then sent to the filter/pad) is the one that is being blown out only but I will have to confirm this with someone who can watch this happen as I am doing this solo (can't be both places at once!). I will do this when I get home. The hole that it identified with a circle is the main drain hole. So is the "Equalizing" effect to be expected and harmless? Or am I doing something wrong?

Thanks again to both of you for your help!

 

[Newdude]

The hole that it identified with a circle is the main drain hole.

Then you can't blow that one from the pad without a U shaped pipe connecting them.

The other pipe goes to the equipment pad and that's what you're blowing. Here's a great way a member made the ability to blow the drain line inside the skimmer and be able to airlock it.

I'm going to blow-out my pool lines via the skimmer. Questions.

My method in the past has been to screw 2" pipe into the skimmer and main drain threads. If I put my cyclone blower directly into the skimmer to blowout the lines, should the filter and pump be plugged or unplugged while blowing? It seems I should keep things plugged to make sure the water is...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[mas985]

The second skimmer line that refills the skimmer is likely going to a Main Drain or Wall port. You can use a Gizmo to blow it out and seal it:

 

[Newdude]

You can use a Gizmo to blow it out and seal it:

You'd need to get the blower off and the cap twisted on almost instantaneously in order to airlock the drain line. I know I'm not that quick, and my large hands fumble badly under pressure.

 

[mas985]

As long as water level in that line is below the frost line, that line should not freeze.

Which means you could also drop the pool level to below the frost line.

 

[Newdude]

As long as water level in that line is below the frost line, that line should not freeze.

Oh yeah. And if one was to fumble through the removing the blower and capping the gizzmo, the cap would slow the water rise in the pipe as it was being twisted. So long as the pipe was sealed before the water rose to the frost line, all would be well.

But again I'm a big dude who is not graceful on a fours with two hands, a blower hose and a gizzmo cap in a tight hole in the ground, when 2 seconds might matter. My hands will perform with the dexterity of cinderblocks if I was to try. I'm certain of it.

And depending on where in Canada OP is from, the frost line is probably 5+ ft so an airlock done under pressure would be the best practice to minimize the risks.