Winterizing Autofill Box

[newpool129]

Previously worked at a pool company and know a good amount about the industry so I was planning to do my own closing. With that said- my pool has an autofill and I am confident in blowing out the lines but wanted to know what you guys do to winterize the actual autofill box. Do you just put an empty bottle and pour antifreeze into the autofill bucket? Feel free to let me know recommendations.

Thank you so much!

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

Put an empty plastic bottle to create a crush zone or cut up pool noodles in the autofill box.

@wireform @Lake Placid may share their techniques.

 

[Lake Placid]

I do pretty much what you describe. Blow it dry, plug it and load it up with antifreeze. I use whatever type of bottle will fit in the box capped and partially filled with air. Depending on the cover plate I seal the finger hole with tape to keep excess rainwater out.

 

[wireform]

You need to blow out the line and add some antifreeze and plug it. Autofill by me get plugged in 2 places. One is where the water supply comes from and also the hole in the wall between the pool and the autofill sump. I then add a third of a gallon antifreeze into the sump and also use a bottle filled 1/3 gravel and sealed well with its screw cap that fits the hole so the deck cover can be placed on top.