Is it safe to blow backwards through pump?

[dleonard1122]

Last year was my first year closing. I got by with a large air compressor and air valves threaded into the drain port on my pump. This year I invested in the Cyclone Blower, so I'm trying to figure out how I want to hook that up to blow out the system.

I remove my SWG and bring it inside for the winter, so my first thought is using that opening into the system to adapt the Cyclone blower to. The return side will be easy, but I'm unsure of how safe it is to blow out my suction side by pushing air back through the filter and the pump in the opposite direction that water usually travels. I don't know a reason why this would be an issue, but it doesn't hurt to ask so here I am.

 

[PoolStored]

This is great!!! Yes, you can blow through pump (see video)...If you can turn off the suction side, then you can blow out the returns the same way...

Just need to get another clear lid to drill out...or drill out the one you have and get a new one in the spring...

Lid is part number 350091

Amazon.com

 

[dleonard1122]

Here's what my equipment pad looks like. I was hoping to take the SWG out and blow towards the returns (to the right) and backwards towards the filter, pump, skimmers and drain (to the left.)

@PoolStored that's interesting. I'd have to get a second pump lid to be able to make that work. I'm not sure how readily available they are at local pool stores though, so if I can accomplish it without having to buy more parts for this winter I'll probably do that.

 

[PoolStored]

Here's what my equipment pad looks like. I was hoping to take the SWG out and blow towards the returns (to the right) and backwards towards the filter, pump, skimmers and drain (to the left.)

No need. Turn off the suction side valves, blow the returns. Close off the filter valve, blow out the suction side.

@PoolStored that's interesting. I'd have to get a second pump lid to be able to make that work. I'm not sure how readily available they are at local pool stores though, so if I can accomplish it without having to buy more parts for this winter I'll probably do that.

Just drill the one you have and get a new lid in the spring...

Lid is part number 350091

Amazon.com

 

[PoolStored]

This method also means that very little water to drain from the filter... it goes out the returns!...a big plus when you have a pad without a drain!

 

[PoolStored]

Better yet, you can take the same part and mount to the filter valve. Close the pump side blow out the returns, close the return side blow out the suction.

All you would need is a 1 1/2" hose adapter (HD/Lowes has them).

Amazon.com

a 1-1/2 inch threaded female to 1-1/2" SLP. The SLP will glue into the filter valve.

Amazon.com

Glue the SLP into the valve on the filter. Thread the hose adapter into the threaded female/slp. Then hook up your cyclone!!!

 

[PoolStored]

As always validate the size of the SLP on your filter. Likely 1.5" inside ID and 2" OD. You can glue to either in or out.

Have the hose adapter will allow you to connect hose in the future to pump to waste! Just hook your house up!

 

[dleonard1122]

Better yet, you can take the same part and mount to the filter valve. Close the pump side blow out the returns, close the return side blow out the suction.

All you would need is a 1 1/2" hose adapter (HD/Lowes has them).

Amazon.com

a 1-1/2 inch threaded female to 1-1/2" SLP. The SLP will glue into the filter valve.

Amazon.com

Glue the SLP into the valve on the filter. Thread the hose adapter into the threaded female/slp. Then hook up your cyclone!!!

Just for clarity, you're talking about blowing out from the black Jandy 3 way valve in front of my filter, right?

 

[Newdude]

The cyclone will blow the whole dang thing from the skimmer.

Close everything but the 2 skimmers and blow skimmer to skimmer. Then Close the 2nd skimmer and blow skimmer to main drain. Then air lock that and blow all 2 returns.

I bring my pump inside too because it's electronics aren't cheap either. I know both pump/SWG can handle the elements but it's easy enough so why leave it out in the cold ? The added bonus is having direct access to both directions. You can blow it all right from the pad and not go back and forth to turn valves. Even if you don't bring it inside, pull the pump to make it easier. Then no lid adapter is needed.

 

[dleonard1122]

The cyclone will blow the whole dang thing from the skimmer.

Close everything but the 2 skimmers and blow skimmer to skimmer. Then Close the 2nd skimmer and blow skimmer to main drain. Then air lock that and blow all 2 returns.

I bring my pump inside too because it's electronics aren't cheap either. I know both pump/SWG can handle the elements but it's easy enough so why leave it out in the cold ? The added bonus is having direct access to both directions. You can blow it all right from the pad and not go back and forth to turn valves. Even if you don't bring it inside, pull the pump to make it easier. Then no lid adapter is needed.

Can you link the adapters I'd need to connect up to the Pentair unions at the pump?

I still think the easiest thing for me to do would be to connect to the unions at the SWG. Just not sure what parts I'd need to do that yet.

 

[Newdude]

Can you link the adapters I'd need to connect up to the Pentair unions at the pump?

I just tape the hose to the pipe. When you have CFMs to spare, a little leakage no problem.

Closing with shop vac.

Today was the day for closing and it went great with a 6HP shop vac. I hooked my blower up for fun after, and there really wasn't much left but some spray. Anywho I wanted to do a write up for all the folks wondering if they could save a chunk of change and tackle their own closing...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[MostlyCanuck]

Can you link the adapters I'd need to connect up to the Pentair unions at the pump?

I still think the easiest thing for me to do would be to connect to the unions at the SWG. Just not sure what parts I'd need to do that yet.

It’s way simpler than you think. All you need is this $10 piece that you attach to your vac hose coming from the cyclone and it sticks (and creates suction) in any 1-2” pipe and union. I use it to blow through the cyclone from several spots. (Learnt about it from local pool guys I watched doing closings!)

This thing here!