Yallyalla:
Welcome to TFP and please add your signature!
The pictures you uploaded are not in your post. You ask questions, but there is not enough information for any type of assistance. Pictures usually help. Regarding your closed line, chances are that a pipe was broken or there was a leak so the return was closed off.
Below is some information that I put together that will help. Please tell us what type of equipment you have and pictures also help. Thanks!
This question comes up a lot. I feel that there are several factors that play into whether or not a
compressor or shop vac will be efficient enough to accomplish the task of blowing out all the lines properly. It is not pressure that is needed, but more volume.
...The distance and size of your plumbing to each return, skimmer and main drain are items to consider.
... Lowering water below the skimmer and returns make a huge difference in blowing out these areas. If
water is lowered, one can literally vacuum most of the water out of the lines first and then blow the
remaining water out.
... Having the appropriate shut off valves in where one can isolate each section is important as well.
... Where you are blowing the air from and if the elevation of the area is higher or lower than return jets
and skimmers.
Below, please find a thread (Post # 10) which describes the experience a member has had with a
pancake compressor and how to work more efficiently!
Closing: blosing out lines, water level and then some
I would assume that an air compressor that can produce 10 cfm may be sufficient to move the water
below the frost line. There is also a difference of the hose involved. The 1.5" hose creates a lot more air
than your standard air compressor hose.
Please take a look at post # 15 and this describes the amount of CFM needed and for what. If one can
isolate each area when closing, the task is accomplished a lot easier. This also assumes 2" plumbing,
which creates less resistance. Some pools have 1"-1.5", which may require more cfm. The information is
from another member on the forum, but I can not recall who wrote the post as it was copied.
Problem blowing out pool lines
Winterizing your Sand Filter (same as other sand filters with multi-port) DE and Cartridge Filters work different
Interesting to note: Hayward Manual for the S244T 24" 300# sand filter, states only this in their instructions for winterizing:
WINTERIZING
1. Completely drain tank by unscrewing drain cap at base of filter tank. Leave cap off during winter.
2. Depress Vari-Flo control valve handle and rotate so as to set pointer on valve top between any two
positions. This will allow water to drain from the valve. Leave valve in this "inactive" position.
winterizing with a sand filter
