For more details, check out this video where Rox Cox explains How to Use an Air Compressor to Blow Out Pool Lines. Preparation To Blow Out the Pool Lines: Lower the water level 4-12″ below skimmer, depending on your pool cover type. So there you have it! That’s how we blow out the lines for an inground swimming pool winterization!
I hired some folks to close it for me, and I watched the whole process – asking questions. They used a compressor to blow out the lines and a shopvac to vacuum up the water in the skimmer. Some say a 6 gallon pancake compressor doesn’t contain the volume required to completely empty the lines, and you need something more in the range of 20+ gallons.
The air compressor is a more reliable tool for removing water from lines, especially when blowing out the main drain. Drain water level in pool to 3 or 4 inches below all return lines and skimmers. At least three return lines should be located near the pump: one for water that returns to the pool at the stairwell, one for a main return line, and likely one for an automatic cleaning device.
Here I’ll explain what it means to blow out your pool lines for the winter, why you should, when you should blow them out, and how-and what to do if you don’t quite feel ready to take it on alone. Make sure that you’re blowing out your lines after you’ve already brushed your pool with a easy-to-use brush like the Blue Torrent 360 Degree Pool Brush, vacuumed your pool with a powerful cleaner like the Blue Torrent MyBot In Ground Robotic Cleaner, made sure you have the perfect chemical balance with winterizing chemicals, shocked your pool, partially drained your pool, and cleaned or backwashed your pool filter. How to Blow Out Your Pool Lines-In Ten Steps Most pool companies will tell you that you need one of their pool blowers to properly blow out your lines, but in my experience a Shop Vac works just fine.
Remove the drain plugs from the pool filter, pool pump, and pool heater. Once you’ve completed these 3 steps, you’re done! Your pool is ready to be closed for the winter. If you have any questions about this process or trouble winterizing your pool yourself, contact the experts at Pool Works! We can blow out the lines for you or walk you through the process so that you can confidently tackle it yourself next year.
best air compressor for closing pool Related Question:
What size air compressor do I need to close my pool?
For most pools, the lines will not be that long and if you don’t include the filter or other equipment, then it should not take more than 10 minutes in most cases, even with a 1 CFM compressor, which is about as slow as compressors get. Most compressors will do at least 2 CFM at low pressure.
Can you use an air compressor for a pool?
It’s your safe bet and you don’t even have to hunt for a mechanic. For a bigger pool, you might need a home air compressor that comes with a tank. This one is a powerful source and can fill the air in the pool within no time. Make sure you don’t over-inflate it as it can easily damage the construction of the pool.
How do you close a pool with a shop vac?
Put the shop vac on exhaust and place the hose on the valve and blow out the line until only air is blowing out at the skimmer. Then turn the power on and off a few times to make sure all the water is out. The blowout extension acts as a plug and will prevent the skimmer from breaking.
How many psi should my pool float be?
Deluxe Electric Pool Float Pump Specs: Power: 50HZ | Voltage: 120V | Air Pressure: 1.5 to 1.9 PSI.
When should you close your pool?
It is best to close your pool when the temperature of the water is consistently below 60 degrees. Once the water temperature drops below 60 degrees, microorganisms and algae cannot grow and become dormant for the winter season.
Can you snake pool pipes?
Also, do not try using a plumber’s “snake.” A snake typically doesn’t work on pool pipes because pools use 90-degree elbows and house plumbing uses 90-degree “sweeps,” which allow the snake to round the corners. Also, a sewer-line snake should not be used on a pool for sanitary reasons.
Can you snake a pool skimmer?
Quickly remove the ball, and hopefully you’ll see debris coming out. If not, you can try snaking out the pipe. If you run a snake down the skimmer, you likely won’t be able to grab the obstruction, since it will probably be either a clump of leaves or a rock that you sucked up while vacuuming.
