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==Techniques to Air Lock the Main Drain== | ==Techniques to Air Lock the Main Drain== | ||
Winterizing the main drain, if you have one, depends on the way the main drain is plumbed into your system. | Winterizing the main drain, if you have one, depends on the way the main drain is plumbed into your system. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Valves=== | ||
| + | If your main drain has its own valve it should be air locked with the shut off valve and then the air compressor immediately shut off. | ||
| + | |||
| + | First shut off the main drain to clear skimmers. When done, close skimmers with valve and clear main drain. After bubbling, shut off main drain and then shut off the compressor to not create back pressure. | ||
===Foam Rope=== | ===Foam Rope=== | ||
If the main drain is connected to a hole in a skimmer you can push a 4’ piece of foam rope into the hole and be done with it.<ref> https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/air-lock-on-main-drain.194948/post-1718724</ref> It takes Patience and good fingers to push against the water pressure. Then plug the hole with the foam rope in. Hold the plug down with your pinky while using thumb and index to push the rope in. | If the main drain is connected to a hole in a skimmer you can push a 4’ piece of foam rope into the hole and be done with it.<ref> https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/air-lock-on-main-drain.194948/post-1718724</ref> It takes Patience and good fingers to push against the water pressure. Then plug the hole with the foam rope in. Hold the plug down with your pinky while using thumb and index to push the rope in. | ||
Revision as of 11:51, 11 October 2019
How to Close a Pool for the Winter
How to Close an Above Ground Pool
Closing your Above Ground Pool in TFP Pool School.
How to Close an In-Ground Pool
Closing Your In-Ground Pool in TFP Pool School.
The concept of closing an in ground swimming pool
Winterizing Paramount's In-Floor Cleaning System.
How To Use Polyquat 60 in Pool Winterization
How To Use Polyquat 60 in Pool Winterization?
Modified Pump Cover to Connect Blower for Closing Swimming Pool
A modified pool pump cover can be used to connect the air output from a blower to the plumbing. These modified covers are custom made.
Few tips when making your modified cover:[1]
- Go very slow or you will bind up.
- Clamp it down or it will go for a spin.
- If you order a new lid, use it for the pump and use old one for the modifications.
- Do not not use silicone unless absolutely necessary. The fittings that go thru the lid will have rubber gaskets that would seal it.
- Make sure you get the correct 6' hose.
Modified Cover for Hayward Super Pump for Closing Swimming Pool gives more details on the process.
Connecting Compressor to Pump Using Drain Port
A compressor can be connected to the 1/4” npt drain port of the pump to blow air into the suction and return lines.
You can then isolate the suction and return side with winter plugs. Plug the return side and work on the suction side. Then plug the suction side and work on the return side.[2]
Remove the lid and inside you will have the ports where the plumbing is attached, both suction and the return side. The suction (Main Drain and Skimmers are toward the shut off valve). The back is the return side. The plugs that will fit are either #8, #9, #10 or # 11. Plug the port inside the housing. Only plug the side you want air NOT to travel.
Or you can use the shut off valves to close off the air traveling towards the skimmers & main drain, but the winter plugs work best. No need to over tighten either, just snug as they are not going anywhere.
How Much Air is Required to Blow Out Lines?
Low pressure and high volume is best to blowing air through the lines. You only need 3.5 psi to clear a pipe 8 ft below water level. Bursting due to air pressure is a non-issue.
Typical 2" plumbing has a bursting pressure of 890 psi. Glue joints, if done properly should be just as strong if not stronger than the pipe itself because of the double thickness of the pipe wall at the joint.[3]
Techniques to Air Lock the Main Drain
Winterizing the main drain, if you have one, depends on the way the main drain is plumbed into your system.
Valves
If your main drain has its own valve it should be air locked with the shut off valve and then the air compressor immediately shut off.
First shut off the main drain to clear skimmers. When done, close skimmers with valve and clear main drain. After bubbling, shut off main drain and then shut off the compressor to not create back pressure.
Foam Rope
If the main drain is connected to a hole in a skimmer you can push a 4’ piece of foam rope into the hole and be done with it.[4] It takes Patience and good fingers to push against the water pressure. Then plug the hole with the foam rope in. Hold the plug down with your pinky while using thumb and index to push the rope in.
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/hayward-modified-pool-pump-cover-for-closing.194854/post-1717848
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/closing-from-the-pump-with-compressor-need-help-on-a-few-items-please.195129/post-1719869
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/blowing-out-main-drain-friendly-debate.107407/post-941666
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/air-lock-on-main-drain.194948/post-1718724
