Antifreeze

[bcool]

I bought some antifreeze to close my pool this fall. I was looking for propylene glycol and most of the plumbing antifreeze seems to contain ethanol instead. I saw that the gallon-size jug of Prestone contained propylene glycol and decided to go with the a 2 x 2 gallon package that was on sale. Having just opened the box, I see that the label states that it too contains ethanol.

Does it make any difference whether plumbing antifreeze contains propylene glylcol or ethanol for winterizing my lines? I am Ontario and have an in-ground pool.

 

[jblizzle]

You are looking at RV anti-freeze for plumbing and not the car engine stuff right? Is the Prestone meant for plumbing use?

I have never dealt with this, but now you have me thinking, most of the cars have switch to non-toxic anti-freeze I think, so I wonder if that is still different than the stuff used for RV water lines.

Someone more knowledgeable should come along and help.

Some reading:

RV Antifreeze - Not all Antifreezes are Created Equal

RV/Marine non-toxic antifreeze is probably the most misunderstood commodity in our industry today. There are currently three different varieties on the market at three very different prices.

Ethanol (alcohol) based: This type of antifreeze is most readily available in hardware stores and most RV shops it sells for approximately $3.00 - $4.00 a jug. However, this product is also extremely flammable and not to used around any sort of pilot flames or cigarettes. As well, this product has been known to taint certain RV plumbing systems and is only to be used with Quest or Pex plumbing lines. If you have ever used this product you will quickly remember how bad you water smelt and tasted the next spring. Furthermore, because this product is made from alcohol it works to dry out all the rubber seals readily found in your faucets and toilet. As a result we do not recommend or sell this product.

Propylene Glycol based: This product is only available at your local RV shop (and not every RV shop for that matter). It sells for approximately $5.00 - $6.00 a jug. Like the ethanol antifreeze, this product is non-toxic and safe for all RV plumbing. However, propylene glycol does not have the same fire safety warnings, nor the risk of tainting your RV plumbing system. Furthermore, propylene glycol is a lubricant and will actually work to extend the life of the seals in your faucets and toilets, unlike the ethanol based products. This is the only product we use on our own RVs and the only product we sell in our parts store. We have just received our first shipment of Propylene Glycol based anti freeze. We have it on sale at the following prices
Case Of 6 Gallons $23.94 (3.99 Gal)
$4.49 per gallon (each)

Propylene/Ethanol Blend: Again this product is non-toxic and completely safe for RV plumbing systems. It will cost more than $4.00 - $5.00 a jug. This may seem like a good idea, however, it is unknown how much ethanol is required to taint RV plumbing lines and dry out plumbing seals. For that reason we do not recommend this product.

Sounds like the ethanol could affect the PVC, but we do not drink the pool water, so maybe that does not mater???

 

[bcool]

Yes, I do mean plumbing and not automotive antifreeze. The label does mention pools and I've got both PVC Sch40 pipe and Tigerflex hose in my system.
http://www.recochem.com/en/products/out ... tifreeze1/