Hi Tomcat.

I would certainly listen to Al's advice!

I think a shop vac would allow you to vacate most of the water from the skimmers - especially if you'd used the pump to suck as much of the water out of the line before blowing them.

Whatever you use to blow them, apply air for ~ 5 seconds till the gush of water out of them becomes spray, and then wait ~ 10 seconds (so the water clinging to the pipes can puddle) before reapplying the air. If you do this a few times, you'll get the majority of the water out of the line. At that point, add a gallon or so of propylene glycol, to mix with any water left in the line, seal the port and protect the skimmer body from ice expansion.

The MD is a different story - if you'd like some advice on protecting it, simply ask and we'll proffer our advice.

Have a great winter! Ans I hope to see you here, if not over the winter, at least come next spring