Preparing your inground pool for the winter months is crucial to protect it from potential damage caused by freezing temperatures. One essential step in winterizing your pool is blowing out the pool lines to prevent water from freezing and causing costly repairs. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of how to properly blow out inground pool lines for winter.
Why Blow Out Pool Lines?
When water freezes, it expands, which can lead to cracked pipes, damaged equipment, and costly repairs. By blowing out the pool lines, you remove all the water from the pipes, preventing them from freezing during the winter months. This simple step can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle in the long run.
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Tools and Equipment Needed
Before you begin the process of blowing out your inground pool lines, you will need the following tools and equipment:
- A powerful air compressor
- Air hose and fittings
- Plugs or caps for the skimmer and return lines
- Wrench or pliers
- Goggles and gloves for safety
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to properly blow out your inground pool lines for winter:
- Turn off the Pool Equipment: Start by turning off the pool pump, heater, and any other equipment connected to the pool.
- Drain the Lines: Remove drain plugs from the pump, filter, and heater to allow any remaining water to drain out.
- Prepare the Air Compressor: Connect the air hose to the compressor and set the pressure to around 50-60 psi, ensuring it is not too high to avoid damaging the pool lines.
- Close Main Drain Valve: Close the main drain valve to prevent air from escaping through the drain and ensure it goes through the pool lines.
- Blow Out Skimmer Lines: Insert a plug or cap into the skimmer line at the pool equipment to prevent air from escaping and attach the air compressor to the line at the skimmer.
- Blow Out Return Lines: Remove the eyeball fittings from the return lines and insert plugs or caps to seal them. Connect the air compressor to each return line to blow out the water.
- Repeat the Process: Repeat the process for each return line until you see only air coming out of the lines and no water.
- Check Pressure: Monitor the pressure gauge on the air compressor to ensure it stays within the safe range while blowing out the pool lines.
- Inspect and Secure: After blowing out all the lines, inspect each connection point and secure any plugs or caps to prevent air from leaking out.
- Winterize the Pool: Once all lines are blown out, you can proceed with other winterizing steps such as adding winter chemicals, covering the pool, and protecting equipment.
Tips for Successful Winterization
Here are some additional tips to ensure a successful winterization process for your inground pool:
- Start Early: It’s best to start the winterization process before the temperatures drop significantly to prevent any potential damage.
- Use Teflon Tape: When sealing plugs or caps, use Teflon tape to create a tight seal and prevent air leaks.
- Label Connections: To make it easier to reconnect the pool lines in the spring, label each connection point before blowing out the lines.
- Store Equipment Properly: Store all equipment, such as plugs, caps, and tools, in a safe place for easy access next season.
- Consult a Professional: If you are unsure about the winterization process, consider hiring a professional to ensure it is done correctly.
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Conclusion
Winterizing your inground pool is essential to protect it from the harsh winter conditions and prevent costly damage. Blowing out the pool lines is a crucial step in the winterization process to ensure that no water is left in the pipes to freeze and cause potential damage. By following the step-by-step guide and tips provided in this article, you can effectively blow out your inground pool lines for winter and enjoy a stress-free pool opening in the spring.
