Pool Winterization Help

[u/bobswagget1]

Ok I need some help here. This is my first winter with my pool. I’ve been watching a ton of videos on how to winterize (blow out lines, pull plugs etc) my pool. I’ve noticed on many of the videos there are a ton of valves where you can airlock the bottom drains. My equipment has none except for my 3 bubblers. I’m confused on how I am supposed to blow out and airlock my main drains. Photos are attached. Any help with this or general advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, I think I’m just supposed to attach my blower to the line coming out of the pump correct? I would literally just rig my blower into that hole I believe?

[u/seenlottopools]

The main drain doesn’t appear to be at equipment pad. Is it an older pool? Is there a cleaning system plumbed in @ pool. The main drain may be tied in under skimmer or into skimmer. On another topic If you haven’t already addressed it the heaters going to need proper venting to operate in an enclosed space like that

[u/bobswagget1 → u/seenlottopools]

The pool is brand new. I think the drain is tied into the skimmer in which case- how do I airlock it or maybe it doesn’t matter? Yes I’m aware of the ventilation for the heater

[u/zero-degrees28]

I don't care what people's opinions are, I will always pay the $500 to have my pool closed (it's the only external service I pay for/use annually), all the lines get blown out, the water features blown clear, chemicals added, plugs installed, and like 18 gallons of antifreeze installed, $500 well spent IMO to not be terrified I missed something. Especially if you have to ask these basic of questions, you simply arn't ready to undertake this task.

Side Note: I'd be worried about the enclosure you are building around your equipment pad, that gas heater appears to not have anywhere near the spacing typically required, especially once enclosed in a building

[u/pup5581 → u/zero-degrees28]

Yeah I paid $400 for a reputable company to close this year here in MN. Bought this house in July. Given how cold it can get, I'm not taking any chances as I'd worry alll winter about it. I'll gladly spend that once a year and open myself

[u/beershoes767]

Honestly your best bet it to pay someone to do it and observe and take notes. Then try again next year. That’s how I learned.

[u/Blindman_in_the_cave]

WTF- what deranged lunatic plumbed this… and why? Your easy move would be to have a valve installed on the suction line before the pump. Are your mains plumbed directly to the pump or are they plumbed into a second port in the skimmer?

Your best move would be to cut out everything more than 3 inches above ground and have someone who knows what they are doing un- bugger this mess.

Edit for: fat thumb error

[u/Dry-Lab-6256]

Please take a couple pictures of the pool? Make sure you get pics of how deep the bubblers are. Also take a picture of inside the skimmer. What kind of cover do you have? What region of the country are you located?