As the winter season approaches, it’s important to properly prepare your pool for the colder temperatures. One of the essential steps in this process is blowing out the pool lines to prevent damage from freezing water. By doing this task correctly, you can ensure that your pool remains safe and functional throughout the winter months.
If you’re new to pool maintenance or haven’t blown out pool lines before, don’t worry! With a little bit of guidance and some basic tools, you can easily accomplish this task on your own. In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to blow out pool lines so that you can be confident in completing this crucial step in winterizing your pool.
“By preparing your pool for winter weather conditions, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your pool in top shape come springtime.”
Not only will proper winterization help safeguard your pool from damage caused by cold temperatures, but it can also save you money in the long run. Repairing frozen pipes and equipment can be expensive, so taking preventative measures now will ultimately pay off later.
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to learn how to blow out pool lines like a pro. Your pool (and wallet) will thank you for it!
Table of Contents
Why Is It Important To Blow Out Pool Lines?
Prevent Freezing Damage
In colder climates or during winter months, pool owners need to take extra steps in protecting their pools from freezing temperatures. One of the most important practices is blowing out pool lines to prevent water from freezing inside them and causing costly damage to pool equipment.
If water freezes within your pool lines, it can cause them to expand and crack – leading to broken pipes, damaged pumps, filters, heaters, and other components of the pool plumbing system. Repairing or replacing these parts can be expensive, so taking preventative measures such as blowing out pool lines can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Extend Lifespan of Pool Equipment
A properly maintained pool will last for decades, but without proper care, even the best-made systems may break down sooner than expected. Blowing out pool lines helps keep the intricate network of pool pipes clear of debris, extending the lifespan of related pool equipment.
The less strain that is placed on your pool’s electrical and filtration systems, the longer they’ll last. By removing excess water trapped inside the pipes, you’re also helping to prevent corrosion caused by stagnant water. Over time, this practice could add years to the life of your pool equipment, saving you money on replacements or repairs.
Maintain Water Quality
By clearing out all traces of water from your pool’s plumbing system, you reduce the risk of contaminants affecting the water quality. Algae, bacteria, and other microbes thrive in warm, damp environments, and if left unchecked, can spread throughout your entire pool quickly.
In addition to maintaining proper chlorination levels, regularly cleaning skimmer baskets, and brushing the sides and bottom of the pool, blowing out pool lines is an essential step in keeping your water clear and free of harmful bacteria. It’s a critical process to keep your swimmers safe and healthy.
Save Money on Repairs
As previously mentioned, repairs to damaged pool equipment can be costly and time-consuming. By properly maintaining your pool with practices such as blowing out pool lines, you reduce the likelihood of expensive failures happening. Furthermore, if left unchecked, even small leaks could lead to more significant problems that might initiate additional repair bills.
Blowing out pool lines is a simple yet effective way to keep your pool running optimally and avoid unnecessary expenses. When all steps are taken for proper maintenance, you’ll also enjoy added peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected from regular wear and tear.
“Preventative maintenance is key when it comes to the longevity and safety of your pool environment.” – Kyle Nichols, Director of Service Operations for Hohne Pools
Create a plan: Make sure blowing out the pool lines is part of your routine pool closing protocol
Make necessary purchases: Prepare ahead of time by investing in the right tools or seeking help from professionals
Turn off all Valves: Turn off valves entering your pump and filter to ensure no extra water enters the system
Bronze fittings should be removed: Most typically used for heating systems, bronze fittings must be unscrewed so water completely drains out
Attach the blower: Connect the blower to one end of each line (including skimmer lines, vacuum lines), making sure plugs are secured tightly in any outlet ports not being blown out.
What Equipment Do You Need To Blow Out Pool Lines?
Air Compressor
In order to blow out your pool lines, you will need an air compressor. The reason behind this is that the water within the pipes can cause damage if left stagnant during colder months, especially in areas where temperatures drop below freezing point. An air compressor would be able to push all the water out of these pipes and prevent any damages from happening.
It is advisable that you rent or purchase a reliable air compressor with enough power to complete the job without straining it too much. A good rule of thumb for homeowners is to get one that has at least 6 gallons of air storage capacity and a maximum pressure output of around 90 PSI.
Blow Out Plug
Another necessary equipment needed when blowing out pool lines is a blow-out plug. It is necessary because the skimmer inlet will not allow all the water to escape the system. Some water could still remain trapped. With a suitable blow-out plug, you can thread it into a designated port on your pool’s plumbing system to ensure all water has been removed before winter sets in
There are different types of plugs available based on your pool configuration, some are screw-in while others have a rubber edge to secure them precisely; make sure to choose what suits your pool structure.
Ensure that the size of these plugs matches the diameter of your plumbing lines otherwise they may end up popping off under high pressure and render the whole process useless!
“An important step to avoid freeze damage in pools that are located in geographical areas with colder winter climates is to properly blow out the pool plumbing. This helps remove excess water which can freeze inside pipes and equipment causing costly repairs.” -Pool Engineering, Inc.
These two pieces of equipment play an essential role during the winterizing process of your pool. Assign professionals to do it if you don’t have relevant experience in plumbing work. This small investment towards maintenance can save you thousands down the road and help ensure trouble-free swimming every season.
How To Prepare Your Pool For Winter?
Balance Water Chemistry
In order to prepare your pool for winter, it is important to focus on balancing the water chemistry. This means testing and adjusting the pH levels, alkalinity, and calcium hardness of the water.
Your ideal pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.8. If your pH is too low, add soda ash or baking soda to increase it. If your pH is too high, add muriatic acid to lower it.
Alkalinity should be kept between 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm). If your alkalinity is too low, add baking soda or sodium carbonate. If too high, add muriatic acid.
The calcium hardness should be between 200 and 400 ppm. Test the level and adjust with a calcium increaser or decreaser if needed.
Remove Debris
Before closing the pool for winter, it’s important to remove any debris that may have collected in the water over the summer months. Use a skimmer net or vacuum to clean leaves, bugs, and other debris from the surface of the water.
Additionally, make sure to clean out the pump baskets and skimmer so that they are free from any debris before you shut down the system for winter. Any buildup in these areas can cause problems later down the road.
If there is excessive dirt, algae, or staining in the pool, consider using a shock treatment to help clean the water before shutting it down for the season.
Lower Water Level
One final step to preparing your pool for winter is to lower the water level below the pool skimmers. This ensures that no water will freeze and cause damage to the pipes or system over the winter months.
If you have an automatic pool cover, make sure to also lower the water level below the skimmers before closing the cover for the season.
The exact amount of water you need to drain will depend on your specific pool design and manufacturer recommendations. If you are unsure how much water to drain, consult a professional pool service company to assist you in this process.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Benjamin Franklin
By taking the time to properly balance the pool chemistry, remove debris, and lower the water levels, you can help ensure that your pool stays in good condition throughout the winter months. Be sure to follow these steps annually and contact a pool professional if you have any questions or concerns during the process.
Step-By-Step Guide: How To Blow Out Pool Lines?
If you live in an area with cold winters, you will need to prepare your pool for the frigid weather ahead. One important step is blowing out your pool lines to prevent freezing and costly damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to blow out pool lines:
Turn Off Pump and Heater
The first thing you need to do is turn off the pump and heater. This will prevent water from circulating through the system while you are blowing out the lines.
It’s important to note that if your pump has a winter setting or function, it can be helpful to use it. Check your owner’s manual to see if this is something that applies to you.
Attach Blow Out Plug
You will then need to attach a blow-out plug to one of the skimmer holes. Choose the hole closest to the equipment pad or pool pump to make the process more efficient.
A blow-out plug is essentially a rubber stopper with threads that fit into the skimmer hole. It prevents air from escaping the line while allowing you to connect an air compressor hose.
Connect Air Compressor
The next step is connecting the air compressor to the blow-out plug. You’ll want to connect it where you’ve unplugged the basket or skimmer plate located near the pool’s surface level.
To ensure the proper pressure, set the air compressor regulator to 50 PSI maximum and keep the relief valve at the same level to reduce further accidents.
Open Valves and Blow Out Lines
Now it’s time to open all the valves on the main drain as well as return points around the pool. By doing this, it will allow air to flow through each line and blow all the water out of them.
Once all valves are open and the right pressure is established, turn on the compressor. You should hear air flowing and see bubbles coming from your pool lines.
Go through each valve point one by one until there’s no more water. Be sure to do this as thoroughly as possible or else residual water can cause damage when freezing occurs.
“In order to keep your pool safe during winter season, you have to learn how to properly drain it.” -Rodney Peterson
Blowing out your pool lines is not a complicated process but requires careful attention to detail to prevent costly repairs. By following these steps, you can be confident in knowing your pool is ready for whatever winter throws its way!
What To Do After Blowing Out Your Pool Lines?
Add Winterizing Chemicals
After blowing out your pool lines, it’s important to add winterizing chemicals. This will help prevent algae growth and ensure that the water stays balanced throughout the off-season. Make sure to use a winterizing kit specifically designed for your type of pool.
The kit should include an algaecide, shock treatment, and a stain and scale inhibitor. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure that you’re adding the correct amount of each chemical based on the size of your pool.
Cover Pool
Once you’ve added the winterizing chemicals, it’s time to cover your pool for the off-season. A good quality winter cover is essential to keeping debris out of your pool.
Before covering your pool, make sure to remove any ladders or other accessories. You don’t want them rubbing against the cover during the winter months and causing damage.
Select a cover that fits your pool snugly and consider using a cover pump to prevent any standing water from accumulating on top of the cover and potentially damaging it.
Store Equipment
Maintaining your pool equipment is vital to ensuring its longevity. Before storing your equipment away for the off-season, make sure to clean everything thoroughly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If possible, store your equipment in a dry place, such as a shed or garage. Keep pumps and filters off the ground to prevent moisture from accumulating inside.
Remember to also take care of hoses, skimmers, and other tools. Store these items together so they are easy to find when you open your pool next season.
Plan for Spring Opening
Although it may seem far off, planning for your pool’s spring opening now will save you time and stress later on. Make sure to schedule your pool service ahead of time if you use one.
You can also start purchasing any necessary replacement parts or accessories so you’re ready to go when the time comes. Consider buying a new set of test strips and chlorine tablets to ensure that your water is clean and clear from the start.
“The earlier you plan for the reopening of your pool, the easier it is to budget your expenses.” -Aqua Magazine
By following these steps after blowing out your pool lines, you’ll help ensure that your pool stays in great shape throughout the off-season and is ready to use as soon as the weather warms up again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need to blow out my pool lines?
To blow out your pool lines, you will need an air compressor, a rubber plug or expansion plug to seal the lines, and a blower attachment to connect to the compressor. You may also need a pressure gauge to measure the air pressure and a wrench to tighten the plugs securely. Make sure to choose the correct size plugs for your pool lines and have all the necessary equipment before starting the process.
What is the best time to blow out pool lines?
The best time to blow out pool lines is before the first freeze of the season. Depending on your location, this could be in late fall or early winter. It is important to blow out the lines before any water freezes inside, causing damage to the pool equipment. If you wait too long, it may be too late to prevent any damage. Check your local weather forecast and plan accordingly to ensure your pool is properly winterized.
How do I drain my pool lines before blowing them out?
Before blowing out your pool lines, you will need to drain the water from the lines. To do this, turn off the pool pump and filter and open any drain valves located on the pool equipment. Next, use a submersible pump or a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water from the skimmer and return lines. Once the lines are drained, you can proceed with blowing them out to prepare for winter.
What pressure should I use to blow out my pool lines?
The recommended pressure to blow out pool lines is between 30 and 50 PSI (pounds per square inch). This pressure is sufficient to remove any remaining water from the lines without causing damage to the pool equipment. However, it is important to consult your pool manufacturer’s instructions or a professional to ensure you are using the correct pressure for your specific pool system. Using too much pressure can cause damage, while using too little may not effectively remove all the water.
How do I know when all the water has been blown out of my pool lines?
To know when all the water has been blown out of your pool lines, you can listen for the sound of air coming out of the lines. You may also feel resistance when blowing air into the lines, which indicates there is still water inside. Another method is to use a pressure gauge to measure the air pressure in the lines. If the pressure remains steady for a period of time, it is likely that all the water has been removed.
What should I do after blowing out my pool lines?
After blowing out your pool lines, you should remove the plugs and clean the pool equipment. Store the plugs and blower attachment in a safe place for future use. Next, add winterizing chemicals to the pool water to prevent any algae growth or damage to the pool surface. Finally, cover the pool with a winter cover to protect it from the elements. With proper winterization, your pool will be ready to use again in the spring.