Air Compressor Chosen/OK???

[Mendy48]

The rental is a $500 unit. Better parts/motor/regulator etc. You won't be using it on a commercial scale (often) so it probably doesn't matter.

So maybe I should return the pancake one I bought and just use the Home Depot one? I’m thinking. It’s just that I’ve noticed that everyone on this thread uses different kinds of compressor that works best for them.

Someone recommended a pancake compressor and then some don’t like pancake compressors. Some people like CFM of close to 5, while others say CFM doesn’t matter. LOL.

So I’m trying to read between the lines. It may just be best to return the compressor I got and use the home depot one.

 

[Mendy48]

There is an output regulator to control the output pressure.

Just turn it down to 10 psi.

What reference says that the compressor is going to burn up with regular use?

For blowing out a pool system, the run time is not that much.

So I got a good one?

 

[JamesW]

So I got a good one?

I don't know how good it is.

In my opinion, it will work just fine for what you want to do.

 

[JamesW]

Deleted.

 

[JamesW]

It's nice to have a compressor for other things like keeping your tires inflated.

A compressor should work just fine.

 

[Newdude]

So maybe I should return the pancake one I bought and just use the Home Depot one? I’m thinking. It’s just that I’ve noticed that everyone on this thread uses different kinds of compressor that works best for them

I was really hoping at the start that somebody had a current model to vouch for. Sorry that we are all just debating the unknown variables.

HF says they will refund you for any reason if you aren't happy. You have nothing to lose by trying the one you bought. If it works, awesome. If it doesn't then its still awsome because you can just return it.

 

[Mendy48]

LOL… gosh I need to update that quickly …. Like now.

 

[Mendy48]

I was really hoping at the start that somebody had a current model to vouch for. Sorry that we are all just debating the unknown variables.

HF says they will refund you for any reason if you aren't happy. You have nothing to lose by trying the one you bought. If it works, awesome. If it doesn't then its still awsome because you can just return it.

Yeah! I’m a bit more confused than when I started the thread. LOL. I think I’m going to keep what I got. Before I open it, I’ll call HF first to make sure they’ll take it back (they should). If it doesn’t work, then I’m back to square one. But then again, how would I know that it doesn’t work? I guess if I don’t see bubbles coming out of the main drain (meaning no air is coming through) then It’s not working.

Oh! This compressor I got is not continuous at all. It only holds 6 gallons of air. So I’m thinking I can blow out air from a 6ft pool main drain line in two minutes or less.

Ugh… lots of questions…. I guess I need to try it to see if it works for me.

 

[JamesW]

It only holds 6 gallons of air.

That's for the tank.

As the tank pressure goes down, the compressor starts working to fill it back up.

I have used a small compressor many times and it works just fine.

 

[JamesW]

On a related note, a recent study on inflation finds that compressors are one of the top ten things that cause inflation.

 

[Newdude]

I open it, I’ll call HF first to make sure they’ll take it back (they should)

At first glance, the policy seems awesome. The more you read the worse it gets.

RETURNING ITEMS PURCHASED IN STORE​

If for any reason you are not satisfied with an item purchased from Harbor Freight Tools, you may return the product within 90 days for a full refund or replacement, whichever you prefer. The limited warranty term is 90-day beginning on the date of invoice. You must provide the original receipt to receive an exchange or refund.

Things to Know:​

• Proof of purchase is required for all returns and exchanges
• Merchandise may be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund or exchange in the original tender – check and debit card purchases may be refunded in cash
• A valid government-issued photo ID and/or other identifying information must be presented at the time of return and a copy may be recorded and retained
• Shipping and handling charges are non-refundable
• For safety reasons, items cannot contain oil or gas in them at the time of return or exchange
• For safety reasons, certain products cannot be returned if opened – please call Customer Service at 1-844-416-9141
• Some items are subject to a re-stocking fee – please see an associate for details
• The manager has the right to refuse returns of any item, at any time, for any reason, regardless of receipt
• For your convenience, you do not have to exchange or return the item to the store from which it was originally purchased
• We maintain a database of consumer activity and other information collected in connection with a purchase or a return, which we use to authorize returns and may share with third parties that provide fraud prevention services

RE-STOCKING FEES​

A 20% re-stocking fee may apply to an item being returned. Items with a 20% re-stocking fee are subject to change at any time. See an associate for details or call Customer Service at 1-800-444-3353.

The re-stocking fee will be waived if any of these conditions are met:

• Item is unopened and in new condition
• Item is exchanged for an upgraded product in the same category
• Item is replaced under an Extended Service Plan
• Item is replaced under manufacturer Warranty

 

[Mendy48]

At first glance, the policy seems awesome. The more you read the worse it gets.

Yeah! That’s why I need to call them first.

 

[Mendy48]

Merged threads - TFP Mod.
Hello!!!

So I’ve followed all directions and was ready to blow out my lines. I start with the main drain and no air comes through (I.e no bubbles coming out of main drain). Same for skimmer and same for return jets. I’m at my wits end.

I don’t think this air compressor will work for me. Any suggestions??? I don’t know what I could be doing wrong.

I don’t think this air compressor is good for my pool at all. Ugh

 

[ajw22]

I don’t think this air compressor will work for me. Any suggestions???

 

[JamesW]

Do you have video or pictures of what you are doing?

It will work, you just have to do things correctly.

 

[JamesW]

Increase the outlet pressure to about 15 psi.

 

[TexEdmond]

Your tank has pressure but the outlet doesn't. Turn the knob in between the two dials and see if you can get some pressure to the tube.

I've had a pancake compressor for years, never used it for much more than trim carpentry and tire inflation. It's got a slow leak in the pressure regulator and it needs to run for several minutes just to get up to pressure every time I use it. I never notice it smelling hot or any other indication other than normal wear.

a recent study on inflation finds that compressors are one of the top ten things that cause inflation.

Also it's important to point out that four out of five dentists agree that the other guy's an idiot.

 

[JamesW]

Make sure that you know what you are doing and don't create a situation where you are over-pressurizing a line.

How are you trying to connect the compressor to the system?

 

[Mendy48]

Increase the outlet pressure to about 15 psi.

Yeah! we slowly increased the outlet pressure and it didn't work. There was air coming out of the air compressor for sure... so we attached the air compressor and NOTHING. no bubbles for the main drain..nothing for the return jets and nothing for the skimmer.

Then ext step would be to put the drain plugs back on the pool equipment. Maybe there's not enough pressure or something. Not sure. This is the step I used ...then the air compressor just won't work after that...
REMOVE PLUGS

• Take plugs out from the sand filter, pump filter, heater, chlorinator and also remove site glass, pressure gauge and hose fittings from the multivalve section.
• Shut off gas line for heater.
• Temporarily plug return jets so you can blow out main drain and skimmer with more pressure.
• AIR COMPRESSOR
  
• Plug air compressor into the pressure gauge site. Note: there is a 1/4 pressure gauge opening.
• Verify that your lever is set on main drain.
• Set psi between 5-10 on air compressor, and turn on air compressor. This will blow air into the main drain pipeline until you see water bubbles coming out of the main drains in the pool. BUT NOTHING.

• Your tank has pressure but the outlet doesn't. Turn the knob in between the two dials and see if you can get some pressure to the tube.

  Did that and nothing. I didn't want to over pressurize, so we stopped at 20. we don' want to over do it. We should have gotten something between 5-10.
  

  How are you trying to connect the compressor to the system?

  We are connecting it to where the gauge used to be. That's what the pool store often did for 4 years. When the air compressor is connected to the gauge opening, you open up the main drain, skimmer, RR etc and air blows out. But it's not working right now.

 

[JamesW]

Leave the system set up like normal with all plumbing lines open and all system plugs in.

As a line bubbles, plug that line and then the next line will bubble and so on.

The main drain will be the last to bubble and you close the valve to trap air in the line and then you immediately shut off the compressor.

Then remove the plugs from the equipment.