As the winter season approaches, it’s essential to properly prepare your swimming pool for the cold weather ahead. One critical step in winterizing your pool is blowing out the pool lines to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of safely and effectively blowing out your swimming pool lines for winter.
Why is it Important to Blow Out Pool Lines?
Water expands when it freezes, and if water remains in your pool lines over the winter, it can cause the pipes to crack or burst. By blowing out the pool lines, you remove any remaining water, preventing costly damage and repairs come springtime. Properly winterizing your pool will also extend the life of your equipment and save you time and money in the long run.
Materials Needed
Before you begin the process of blowing out your swimming pool lines, make sure you have the following materials on hand:
- Air compressor
- Winterizing plug or Gizzmo for skimmers
- Plugs for return jets and cleaner lines
- Wrench
- Teflon tape
- Blowout plug or cone
Credit: teampoolworks.com
Credit: m.youtube.com
Steps to Blow Out Pool Lines
Follow these step-by-step instructions to properly blow out your swimming pool lines for winter:
- Turn off the Pump: Before starting, turn off the pool pump and make sure the power supply is disconnected to prevent any accidents.
- Drain the Pool: Lower the water level in the pool below the skimmer and return jets to prevent any remaining water from freezing and causing damage.
- Close Valves: Close any valves leading to the pool to prevent air from escaping during the blowing out process.
- Attach the Compressor: Attach the air compressor to the blowout plug or cone and connect it to the skimmer line. Make sure the valve on the compressor is set to a low pressure to avoid damaging the lines.
- Blow Out the Lines: Turn on the air compressor and blow out the lines one by one, starting with the skimmer line, then the return jets, and finally the cleaner line. You will know the lines are clear when only air is coming out.
- Plug the Lines: Once the lines are clear, insert winterizing plugs or Gizzmos into the skimmer and return jets to prevent any debris or critters from entering the lines over the winter.
- Repeat the Process: Repeat the blowing out process for all the pool lines to ensure that no water remains in the system.
- Final Checks: Check all connections and plugs to ensure they are secure and airtight to prevent any air leaks over the winter.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to ensure your pool lines are properly blown out for winter:
- Use Teflon tape on the threads of the plugs to create a tight seal and prevent air leaks.
- Consult your pool’s manual for specific instructions on winterizing your pool lines.
- If you are unsure about the process, consider hiring a professional to blow out your pool lines.
Conclusion
Properly blowing out your swimming pool lines for winter is a crucial step in winterizing your pool and protecting it from damage. By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your pool lines are clear of water and ready for the cold winter months ahead. Remember, investing the time and effort now will save you from costly repairs and headaches in the future.
Enjoy a worry-free winter knowing that your swimming pool is properly prepared for the season!
