How to Blow Out Pool Lines Before Winter
The winterization process for pools in climates where water freezes in colder months should always include removing water from the plumbing. Commonly referred to as blowing out the pool lines, this ensures that water trapped within the lines doesn’t freeze and damage the plumbing. If this occurs, pool owners often won’t realize there’s a problem until they de-winterize the swimming pool at the start of the next swimming season. Because of the significant costs involved in not doing it right, pool owners need to know how to blow out pool lines properly.
A Comprehensive Guide to Blowing Out Pool Lines
Emptying water from a pool’s plumbing before the first freeze is crucial in any climate where freezes occur regularly in winter. Though it’s important to do it correctly, removing water from a pool’s plumbing isn’t all that difficult.
To blow out the pool lines properly, all other steps in the winterization process that require the pump to function must have been completed. After blowing out the lines, the pool pump shouldn’t be turned back on until it’s time to restart the pool for the next swimming season.
Cyclone winterizing blowers made explicitly for swimming pools are the best way to blow out the water lines. They provide low yet constant pressure and can more easily handle more air. These blowers can be used without lowering the pool’s water level. They’re also able to handle larger or smaller scale water lines, as well as deep ones. These portable air blowers are durable and can even vacuum pool liners.
Preparation for Blowing Out Pool Lines
Before starting this job, a few steps should be taken. The water level should be lowered, ensuring the water lines are all clear before the first freeze.
Two additional items are necessary for blowing out the water lines if using a cyclone blower. A small section of hosing measuring about 3 to 6 feet should be connected to the blower. Additionally, an adapter that can securely screw the hose into the bottom of the skimmer is needed.
Preparation should include:
- If the water level is to be lowered, it should be about 4 to 12 inches beneath the skimmer.
- The water should be drained from the skimmers, which can be achieved with a hand pump or drain.
- If the pool has a multiport valve, it should be set to the “recirculate” or “filter” position for the slide valves.
- The filter, heater drain plugs, and pump should be removed, drained of water, and loosely put back into position.
- Water should be removed from skimmers until nearly empty.
Connect a cyclone blower to the skimmer to use it. In-ground pool skimmers typically have two holes visible from above. The hole on the poolside is usually blocked, while the deck-side hole connects to the piping. Combination skimmers open both holes, linking the poolside hole to the bottom drain. Block the central drain hole with a winter pool plug and fit a hose adapter into the other hole leading to the pump.
An inch-and-a-half hose adapter should be threaded into the skimmer connecting to the pump. For skimmers with two-inch holes, plumbing adapters—threaded reducers—are available at hardware stores. This fitting, made from PVC pipe, allows a standard hose adapter to fit into the skimmer’s hole. Connect the inch-and-a-half hose to the hose adapter, with the other end attaching to the cyclone blower, which should be plugged directly into an outlet or using grounded extension cabling.
How to Blow Out Pool Lines in Three Simple Steps
Now it’s time for the main show! There are only three (relatively) simple steps left:
Step 1: The Suction Side
First, focus on the suction side, where all incoming water lines lead into the pump. This typically involves the main drain line and at least one skimmer, though some pools may have two. If there’s only one skimmer, blow air into the pump from that skimmer. For pools with two skimmers, blow air from one skimmer to the other, then blow out the pump connected to the second skimmer. To do this without moving the blower, close the pump’s valve or remove the pump lid and plug the inlet port. A fine mist from the blown line indicates sufficient clearing, usually after two to three minutes.
For the main drain, reposition the valves to keep the drain line open, while shutting off the skimmer lines. Air will flow through the main drain after adjusting the valves. If there are three-way valves, loosen the knob to turn the handle past the stops, blocking the pump’s entrance and redirecting water to the main drain from the skimmer. Allow air to rise through the drains for about ten seconds before closing the valve to the main drain line and sealing it. The air column will hold back the water. For cleaner lines, spa drains, or other suction lines, adjust the valves to blow air through each suction side pipe separately from the skimmer.
Step 2: The Equipment
The next step is more straightforward and involves blowing air through the pump, heater, filter valve, and other vital pool equipment. Drain plugs put in place during the previous step should be removed. Built-up air pressure within the pump is usually sufficient to push the water out.
The multiport valve should be set to recirculate. If the filter has a slide valve, it should be opened so air can be blown through it. This step isn’t needed if there isn’t a slide valve, though removing the filter drain plug is recommended. Once any remaining water has been pushed out, the drain plugs should be replaced, but only loosely. This should be repeated with the pool’s heater if there is one.
Usually, filters aren’t blown through the tank. For those with a multiport valve, handles should be positioned to recirculate. Air must travel through the filter, however, if it features a slide valve or cartridge filters. The filter drain plug should be removed and then replaced loosely, and diatomaceous earth filter grids can remain within the tank if air is through the filter tank. However, the air bleeder valve should be open while the tank clamp must remain tightly secured before blowing pressurized air through the filter tank.
Step 3: The Pressure Side
Once air pressure has been applied to the pump and other pool equipment, it can be sent back through the return lines into the pool. After a few minutes of blowing, the return line closest to the pump will blow first. These return lines should be monitored, while the one producing the most air bubbles should be plugged up first. Once tightly shut, each return line should be similarly plugged, tightening the wingnut until there are no more air bubbles.
Additional Steps for Blowing Out Pool Lines
These steps should be followed for spas, water features, cleaning systems, and other related water lines.
Spa Pumps
An attached spa with a spa blower should be turned on when the spa jets are blown. These blower lines often feature vertical PVC piping with a two-way valve, which should be closed while the blower runs and immediately shut off.
Water Feature Pumps
Fountains, waterfalls, and other water features typically get blown out by the pump. Sometimes, builders will even install a T-fitting that can connect directly to a blower. If this isn’t the case, removing the pump’s lid and blowing air in both directions is easy by placing the blower hose into the pump.
This requires pushing the hose into the piping that leads to the pump, which will cause the air to blow back towards the pool unless a one-way check valve isn’t connected. Once this is done, the pump basket should be removed and the air hose inserted into the pump’s impeller or volute housing, depending on the type of pump. Once sealed, the blower should be turned on, blowing out the water feature’s pressure side.
Like the pool, the blower should run until only the mist blows out. Any underwater lines should be plugged while the blower runs, though lines above the water level can be plugged without the blower running. The pipe outlets should also be plugged to keep rainwater out, which can also raise the pool’s water levels.
In-Floor Cleaning Systems
These lines should be blown out for pools with pop-up jets on the pool’s floor and steps. First, pinpoint the water valve, removing the clamp to reveal the piping leading to the jets. Each pipe should be blown out separately until bubbles appear in the pool, then quickly plugged with a winterizing pool plug. Wrapping the pipes and plate in plastic and keeping the head valve safely indoors for the winter is recommended.
Prepare Your Pool for Winter with Halogen Supply
Understanding how to blow out pool lines properly can save you hundreds of dollars annually in maintenance and repair costs. This process helps prevent water from freezing and causing damage to your pool’s plumbing during the colder months. To ensure you’re fully prepared for winter, knowing the proper techniques and tools is essential for this task. If you need help proceeding or want expert guidance, contact the knowledgeable professionals at Halogen Supply. We can provide valuable information and recommendations on the equipment necessary to effectively winterize your swimming pool and keep it in top shape for the upcoming season.
