I've never had so much trouble before. No matter how many times I try to blow out the lines and put the winterization plugs in the returns - inevitably bubbles start to get by the plugs once I'm done (or even while still blowing the lines). IF the bubbles would stop once the compressor is turned off, I'd be less concerned, but they keep coming. My thinking is - if bubbles are coming into the pool, likely water is also going back into the lines. I must have tried it 20 times today and just can't get it. Even bought new plugs. My two returns are a #6 plug and then I have a double plug for the skimmer / drain that has 2 #9 plugs. Even with that plug, something seems to have changed. I'd usually have to tighten the wing nut a bit at the top of the double plug (compresses both plugs since the whole thing is just the two plugs on a long threaded shaft with brass spacers in between everything), but today it seems like the bottom plug is too tight going into the drain line without even tightening the wing nut at all. The way I use the double plug is that I put it in partway until the drain blows, then push it down the rest of the way to plug the skimmer. Then, to double check that the drain line is locked, I suck all the water out of the skimmer pot and if none comes back up from the drain, I figure I'm good to go. I don't like the play that I'm noticing when I just push the double plug in. Something just doesn't seem right. And the return line plugs (at least the one) just doesn't seem to go into the line like it used to. What could have changed with regards to the relationship between the plug and the diameter of the pipe (my returns are 1-inch PVC - not threaded though - that's why I use the plugs).
I use an air compressor attached right to the top of the filter tank - same as I've always done. I did buy one of these new pancake compressors before closing last year since my old Sears Craftsman 1 HP compressor bit the dust. Quite honestly I'm not sure this one works as well for me. With the knob that controls the tank regulation, it just seems harder to keep a steady air pressure. Also it seems to be putting too much air into the system. It's like a geyser at the return jets when I go to put these plugs in, so that's probably not helping matters altough I got the job done last year with this same compressor. Using the regulator knob is a fine line between either too much air or not enough. Still, it should work. The one plug just does not seem to fit into the pipe. I know they really have to go in on a pretty sharp angle, but I've done it so often with success. I am calling a local pool contractor to see if he can come over to help. How frustrating to apparently not be able to do something you're done successfully the past 28 years!
One thing I've noticed...nearly every time I buy new rubber winterizing plugs, they always come with a fairly wide plastic wing nut. I always take the plastic ones off and put on my old (smaller) metal nut. I guess I'm just not sure that the plastic holds up as well with exposure to the pool chemicals? Probably a silly worry. Perhaps i should put on the plastic tomorrow to try and get more leverage on the plug? My fingers are killing me from so many times of cranking down on the small metal wing nuts!
Any advice appreciated....
I use an air compressor attached right to the top of the filter tank - same as I've always done. I did buy one of these new pancake compressors before closing last year since my old Sears Craftsman 1 HP compressor bit the dust. Quite honestly I'm not sure this one works as well for me. With the knob that controls the tank regulation, it just seems harder to keep a steady air pressure. Also it seems to be putting too much air into the system. It's like a geyser at the return jets when I go to put these plugs in, so that's probably not helping matters altough I got the job done last year with this same compressor. Using the regulator knob is a fine line between either too much air or not enough. Still, it should work. The one plug just does not seem to fit into the pipe. I know they really have to go in on a pretty sharp angle, but I've done it so often with success. I am calling a local pool contractor to see if he can come over to help. How frustrating to apparently not be able to do something you're done successfully the past 28 years!
One thing I've noticed...nearly every time I buy new rubber winterizing plugs, they always come with a fairly wide plastic wing nut. I always take the plastic ones off and put on my old (smaller) metal nut. I guess I'm just not sure that the plastic holds up as well with exposure to the pool chemicals? Probably a silly worry. Perhaps i should put on the plastic tomorrow to try and get more leverage on the plug? My fingers are killing me from so many times of cranking down on the small metal wing nuts!
Any advice appreciated....