In the past, when I ran a company that offered pool service I worked for, we had a few clients we only saw every year. They were extremely involved, DIY clients who had their pools completely shut and would call us to provide blow-only services in order to winterize their underground lines.
Cyclone pool blower and vacuum blowing out the lines isn't too difficult. Anyone can accomplish this with the proper equipment.
The best equipment for the task, in this instance it will be that of the Cyclone Pool Blower, shown right. A good alternative for purging the pool line would be the powerful Vac 2-in-1 Blower as well as Vacuum.
Common Questions about Pool Plumbing Winterization
Can You Blower out Pool Lines By Using An Air Compressor?
Yes, you can make use of a suitable compressor to blow out the pool lines, however, the possibility is to pressurize your fittings and pipes using the help of a compressor. Compressors have high air pressure, but they have low air flow. Cyclone pool line blowers in contrast are low and constant pressure and have a good amount of air volume. For more information look into this video in which Rox Cox explains how to Utilize the Air Compressor to blow out Pool Lines.
Are You Able to Blow the Pool Lines With the Shop Vac?
Maybe. Large canisters with 5 HP or more ought to be able to deal with the water's resistance. Some wet/dry vacuums allow air pressure to rise when they encounter high resistance, but they may still be capable of blowing out return lines and skimmers. The main issue is that most of these will not blow out the main drain line. This is also true for air compressors in a variety of models.
Are You Able to Blow out the lines of your pool using the Leaf Blower?
It's logical to think to me that it might be effective. However, I've tested it on a whim using quite robust leaf blowers that run on gas. We had fun, and used many duct tape but had only a few successes. It could work well for shallow return lines as well as skimmer lines after lower the level of water. But don't expect great results for more demanding jobs.
What's the Best Solution?
The Cyclone Line Blower can blast main drains, without needing to lower the level. There's no issue with large lines, shallow lines or huge lines. Cyclone air blowers are mobile, robust and simple to use. Did you not know the fact that Cyclone air blowers could also be utilized as a vacuum cleaner to set the pool liner? If you think about it, you could utilize this Cyclone to blow up lawn sprinkler systems as well!
Let's say we're making use of this Cyclone Pool Blower to blow out the lines of our plumbing for our pool will we?
The Preparation to Blow Out The Pool Lines:
- Reduce the water level to 4-12 inches below the skimmer according to your style of the pool cover.
- Remove the filter, pump or heater drain plugs in order to drain the water. Replace loosely.
- Hand pump, drain or scoop the water from the skimmer(s) until it is almost empty.
- Adjust the valve's multiport setting on "Recirculate," or to the "Filter" position for slide valves.
Then, connect your Cyclone to the Skimmer
adapter for pool hoses You'll need to possess two additional things that I've been unable to talk about until this point. The first is 3 or 6 feet. section of hose that you can attach to your Cyclone. Then, you'll require an adapter that screws the hose tightly into the bottom part of the Skimmer.
The majority of inground skimmers have two holes at the bottom when you gaze down. The hole in the pool is typically blocked, and the hole on the deck is connected with the pipe. If both holes inside the skimmer are in use and you are able to use what is commonly referred to as a "combo Skimmer." In this instance, the hole on the bottom is connected to the drain at the bottom of the pool. Likewise, the one on the deck is connected to the pipe for the skimmer. In the case of the combo, skimmers connect the drain hole in the main with a winter-time plug and then connect your hose adapter through the second hole, which connects to the pump.
Connect the 1.5' adapter for hoses into the bottom hole of your skimmer, which is connected to your pump. If your skimmer is equipped with two holes of a '' at the bottom, then you can utilize a plumbing adapter at any hardware shop, known as a reducer made of PVC. 2x1.52' 1' x 1.5'' threaded reduction. This PVC fitting has threads on both sides, both in and out so that the standard hose adapter be fitted to a skimmer with a 2'' hole.
Connect a 1.5-inch pipe to the adapter for hoses and the other end is connected to the Cyclone blower, then plug your blower into a connected extension cord that is grounded or into an outlet. Now, you're ready to blow the plumbing lines in your pool!
Blowing the lines in the pool is a 3 step process
1. Blow the Suction Side Out
The suction side of the pump is comprised of every line coming into the pump. Most pools have one or 2 skimmers as well as the main drain line that is to the suction port of the pump. They are pipes which join and connect to the pump.
If you own an additional skimmer, it is possible to move airflow from the one to the second skimmer. To move the air to the other line of the skimmer without the need to move the blower, there is a second step. You'll need to shut off the valve on the pumps, or take off the lid of the pump and then plug the port into the pump.
Skimmer stick attachment If you have a second hose as well as a vacuum line that can be connected to your other skimmer it will stop you from getting into the skimmer to plug it as it sprays like a fountain. Blower air through the lines of the skimmer until a small mist is blown away, which should take around 3 to 5 minutes. Right, are an example of the PVC pipe rig we use to blow the water out of secondary Skimmer pipes.
setting the pool valves Now, set the valves for your main drain. Adjust your valves so that they blow air back into the drain main. If you have 3-way valves, loosen the knob until you are able to move the handle beyond the stops. This blocks access to the pump and allows water to flow from the skimmer into the main drain.
When you can see the enormous mass of air rising from the drains, let that to blow out for approximately 10 seconds before closing off a valve that seals positively (like the Jandy valve) on the main drain line. This will keep the water back using an air column similar to a finger at the straw's end.
If you have other suction lines like one for cleaning or a spa drain, you can turn the valves to send all the air coming from the skimmer to each one of the suction side pipes in a separate manner.
2. Bloss Out the Equipment:
Then we'll blast into the pumps and the valve for filtering. The drain plugs must be removed from the pump, and let the air force any water remaining out. Install the drain plugs in a loose manner. If you own heaters make the same change to two drain plugs for the heater on each side.
Filters do not typically flow by the tank. If you have a multiport valve put the handle in "Recirculate." In the event that you are using an a-slide valve or cartridge filter, the air has to pass via the filter. The drain plug of your filter must be removed If you haven't already done it, then replace it with a loose plug if you're there is a flow of air in the filter tank.
There is no need to remove filter cartridges and DE grids for filtering in the tank when you're blowing air through the tank. For safety reasons, you should open the valve for air bleeders and ensure that the tank clamp band is secure and secure prior to the time when the blower is able to pressurize the tank.
3. Blame your Pressure Side
After all the water from the skimmer has gone through the filter, pump and heater, it is now possible to return it to the pool using returning lines.
#7 winterization plug for the pool The return lines that are closest to the pump are likely to start to blast first. After about 3 minutes, the lines will blow. Plug in the wall return line that is most bubbling and then plugs the remaining return lines. Create a secure, tight seal with the pool plugs. Turn the wingnut until no bubbles are visible.
If you also have pressure lines that are not connected, like an automated cleaner line or spa return line blow them out on their own. If you have a spa blower in an attached spa, switch off the blower as you blow and plug it into the spa's jets. Blower lines usually feature a valve that can be used in two ways located on the vertical PVC pipe. Shut this valve when the blower is running and then, in a flash, shut off the blower.
Additional Steps
Water Pumps for Feature Water
Fountain and waterfall pumps typically have a blower installed through the pump. The builder may have fitted a tee fitting that connects to a blower. If not, lift the lid off of the pump and secure the blower hose while blowing air both ways.
In order to do that, insert the hose through the pipe to the pump. The air will then be blown back to the water pool (provided there isn't a one-way check valve in place). Then, take off the basket from the pump and insert the air hose inside the impeller housing or volute. Secure it with a strong seal and switch on the blower. The blower will then blast any pressure in your feature.
Keep the blower on until the mist has started to blow out. If the lines are under water you can plug them in as the blower continues to run. For lines above the water line, it is possible to turn off the blower, before plugging the pipes. Make sure to plug any outlet on the pipe to stop rain water from entering or rising levels of pool water.
In-Floor Cleaner Systems
If you have pop-up jets positioned on the floor and steps in your swimming pool find your head unit or water valve, then remove the clamp band, exposing the pipes of 5 or 6 that connect directly to pop-up jets. Blower each pipe until you can see bubbles appear in the pool. Then plug it in with a suitable size winter pool plug typically a #7 or a #8. Cover a plastic bag with the pipe and the plate and then store the head valve in a safe place.