I've been closing my pool for 10 years and every year I would struggle to remember how to do it. This was an excellent clear video on the process luckily having an almost identical setup. Thanks!!
1.) Clean Pool 2.) Drain below skimmer using main drain/backwash--Once running filter water is clear, switch to waste. 3.) Blow lines dry, first remove all return fittings, drain plugs and skimmer baskets., set valve to "re-circulate" change source to skimmer. shop vac the skimmer waste water out-plug it once dry. then plug the return lines. change source to main drain line after a few minutes of bubbles from the bottom quickly move it back to off (not skimmer or main.) 4. add winterizing chemicals. 5. cover. and lock safety gates. 6. Enjoy a well-earned beverage.
A couple opinions I have after doing this for 20 plus years. I live in the upper Midwest and it gets cold with large snow loads. I do not use antifreeze and have never had an issue. If you blow out the lines correctly you will have no problem as long as you are using a gizmo in the skimmer. Winterizing chemicals are a money grab. Assuming the water chemistry is correct and the pool Is clean when closed, it will be the same when opened. With the proper cover completely blocking sunlight there is no need to add more chemicals. You can waste money and put more chemicals in your water but there is no need.
Hi, I was reviewing your step by step list, When blowing out my pool lines, do I attach my air compressor and use the "front" drain plug port on the pump to blow out air "backwards" to the skimmer and the "side/back" drain plug port on the pump to blow air forward to the discharge jets?
Hi Matt - Great video! Two quick questions. 1) Would it be better to keep the drain plugs in to keep it air-tight while we blow the lines? 2) When & how do we add the anti-freeze? Through the skimmer right before we plug the gizzmo in?
I've seen some people add antifreeze in the skimmer after it's empty of water. And also they add antifreeze into the skimmer after they plug it so water won't freeze
I know I'm 3 years late, but I have separate feed valves from my skimmer and floor drain, so I lower my water below the skimmer with the skimmer valve closed, then open the valve to suck the water out of the skimmer and line. Then I blow it back from the skimmer to the pump with a shop vac. Way more effective. I also don't add chemicals after blowing out the lines. Add them before so they fully dissolve and the chemistry balances out before testing. If you can't circulate the water, there's no way your chemicals will circulate and your readings will be off. Most people will not get bubbles out of their floor drain. That's OK as long as you pressurize the line enough to push the water below the frost line and close the valve on the drain line while still under pressure. That way you get an air lock in the line that will prevent the water from coming back up above the frost line.
I was wondering about blowing out the lines.. how do you keep the water out of the main drain without plugging it up? Wouldn't gravity just pull the water back into the line? It's deep underground, so I also wonder if it would be ok...
Thank you. I purchased the Swim U. Pool Winterization Course and this is a good companion to it. Wish you guys would put links or more illustration videos in your course. Thanks again!
Thanks for the video, quick question about the main drain. I saw bubbles coming up from the main drain, but after a short time no more bubbles, does that mean the airlock has engaged? should I be seeing bubbles coming up from there for as long as I have the air-compressor running ?
Came across your video while trying to find instructions about blowing out the main drain for winter. I am confused how my pool plumbing is setup. I connected air compressor to blow out all my lines. I was able to blow out my 2 skimmers and all the returns. But I am not able to do this for the main drain. I have tried so many things but just can't figure this out. No matter what lever I change....I just do not see bubbles coming out from main drain. Any idea what is going on?
When blowing out my pool lines, do I attach my air compressor and use the "front" drain plug port on the pump to blow out air "backwards" to the skimmer and the "side/back" drain plug port on the pump to blow air forward to the discharge jets?
Shop vac worked fine on skimmers and returns but when I try to use it for main drain line, it moves the debris on top of main drain but no bubbles come up?
Why can't I get air bubbles out from my main drain? I blew the main drain out with s shop vac but although all other pipes were blown out I couldn't get the main drain line to blow out air bubbles
I used a compressor to blow out my main drain lines. Bubbles were not coming up equally from both pipes. A lot more on one of the two and a bit on the other. Is this going to cause me some issues? Or, as long as bubbles come out means that water was pushed out. Thanks!
My skimmer line and main drain line both go into the pump but just one valve to open and close the line. I tried to blow out the lines yesterday with an air compressor and i saw some bubbles come out from the main drain and it just bubbled out of the skimmer but did not shoot out like a fountain and there is still water in the skimmer line. Was I supposed to close the valve first? Or do I feed air in and then close the valve to create a pressure seal and then continue to push air through? Also, do you have to blow out the suction first and then returns or does it not matter which order? I blew out the returns first and then tried to do the skimmer/main. Thank you!!
I have a Jacuzzi sand filter and there is no recirculate setting on this older filter. What setting should be used when blowing the lines out on a Jacuzzi. I have filter, rinse, winterize, whirlpool, backwash, test and drain. I tried with the whirlpool setting and no air came out of the bottom of the pool drain port. Switched to the filter setting and was able to see air coming out, but would still like to know what setting should be used when blowing air out. Thanks
It's better to not drain the pool and to maintain the water level IMO, the exposed plaster can be damaged. But in the skimmer you'll want to use an expandable plastic plug and/or bottle partially filled with pool antifreeze and/or a styrofoam pool float for expansion.
Roy McLean SR. That sounds like total BS. You shouldn't need to do anything to light fixtures. They usually are a few feet below the water level where it's less likely to freeze over and is safer.
Another video I saw said it's the same thread as the air compressor. So i think 1/4" or 3/8" NPT female on the pump. So you'll need a male pipe thread of the type, which is fairly standard for most air compressors. You'd have to check the plug on your pump to confirm. I'm sure you can find it in the manual or online.
Thanks for the great video. I used a compressor and blew out the return lines. But, I cannot clear the line from the skimmer to the pump. I have a feeling it is pulling from the deep end drain as well as the skimmer??? However, I cannot get air to come out of the deep end drain when I compress the system and plug the skimmer drain. I keep getting a never ending supply of water refilling the skimmer from the drain. Any advice would be appreciated.
Video says set the filter to recirculate but the website tutorial says to put it on filter. Recirculate didn't work for me, but filter did. Curious though, why do they say two different things?
i did everything you said pulled all the plugs put compressor to the bottom of the basket by the filter but no bubbles before i drained the filter bubbles where coming out but not anymore
I am brand new to pool ownership and I apologize for the stupid question: I have a Hayward sand filter and there is a line going into the top of the filter from the pump and another line going out and into the concrete, which I assumed was the return line. How do you ensure this line is blown out? I know you can't blow air through the filter, do you need to take it apart to blow it out or are you blowing it out backwards and everything is ok? Again, I apologize for the stupid question.
All you’re doing when blowing out a main drain is blowing all the water in that pipe from the pump to the bottom drain so there’s no water in the actual pipe. And while the blower/compressor is still running you close the valve to the main drain and this air locks that pipe. So water won’t pass back up that pipe. With pump lid open and main drain valve closed, listen if you can hear any hissing around. If you do, this means your main drain valve is leaking and you should put a plug in like they show in this video
You only need to winterize a pool if it's going to be exposed to near or below freezing temperature (32 degrees) during winter months where you live, unless you have a heating source. For Vegas weather you don't need to winterize, but if you plan on not using the pool you should still keep the chemicals balanced and run the pump at least a few hours a day, replace/flush the filter, etc. if you care about an easier/cheaper opening.
M vD: I understand. It may be too late for you. The cleaner you put it away, the easier it will be to "bring it back to life" in the Spring. Maybe next year. We used to put ours away a little dirty, but now, with a little more preparation, we can get to enjoying it sooner.
We are having our pool professionally winterized and they insist the pool lines don’t need to be blown out if the equipment is higher than the pool. (Ours is 5 feet higher). Is there truth to this?
What I do with my sand filter is set multiport valve to rinse. I leave the backwash hose on and blow out the filter. My blower starts from the pump basket housing. Once most of the water leaves the filter, I shut off the blower and take off the backwash hose then turn it back on and let is blow out even more until I am satisfied it's finished. Once done, I put valve to winter setting. I think Matt will agree with this.
Sarah Thomas I guess it depends on your winter temperatures which can probably vary greatly in a big state like yours. We have hard freezes in New England so it's a no brainer. Sarah, I would suggest you call a local pool service company or even a local pool store and inquire as to what is routinely done in your area and go from there.
I understand why you blow the water out of the lines but was wondering if you could just lower the water below the jets then turn on the pump to blow out the lines instead of using a compressor. Everything else you mentioned would be the same. Thanks
never run a pool pump without water, you will most likely blow the pump. Some apparently have a safety that will shut them off if they sense they have no or too little water. But it is way too expensive of an item to risk ever running it without water. It is the same reason you never change filter settings with the pump on, you risk breaking it.
I tried the shop vac and getting an air compressor and neither worked because I don't know what kind of a hose to use to get down to the size valve that will fit into the pump drain plug. I looked at the Cyclone pool line blowing machine and it doesn't look like it arrives with all necessary equipment either. Any advice? It's starting to get cold.
Go to your local Home Depot or Lowes and you will find a rather large kit with all of the fittings you will need. Then buy a 25 ft air compression hose that has 1/4 inch ends on it. The fittings kit at Home Depot is Store SKU #603867. If you can't find this stuff, ask a Home Depot robot to help you with it. You are going to need to hook one end of the hose to the 1/4 inch drain hole on your pump, and the other end to the air compressor. Be VERY careful not to use too much pressure on your pool lines or you could blow them apart. You really shouldn't be using more than 10 PSI to blow them out. I hope this helps, and if you still feel unsure, please don't be afraid to call a local pool professional in your area for advice. I'm sure there's at least one good professional in your area who will talk to you without charging you, but just don't expect a house visit for free.
We followed your instructions for winterizing our (20 x 42) inground swimming pool. I like your videos and was wondering what the price range is for a safety pool cover. In the spring we are considering having a safety cover measured and purchased. Does Swim University do this type of work?
Yes pools are a money pit ! Nice to use but a pain to own ! Go Live in a nice gated community where they have a nice pool taken care of so much better just get in get out go home and never think about it ahhhh that's the best way !
In that case you just need to blow the air out the returns and then close the return valve under pressure... it causes a siphon on the line so the water doesn't get to the higher points in the pipes where you're at a greater chance of freezing the line.
Great video, but I do have a question. Many newer pools are made with non-freezing lines (I know I'm saying that wrong, but you get my drift ;) so there is no need to blow any of the pool water out of the lines. Do you have a video that is for those types of pools? Thanks
You forget to mention if you use a air compressor have a regulator on it and set it to 15 psi I believe ? You probably blew out a bunch of peoples pvc pipes lol you didn't specify And Again didn't specify not good pool expert !
Why the hell should I clean my pool so much just before it goes to hell for the winter ? Its been neglected for the last 2 to 3 weeks. Im not going to pretend its spring and clean it all up just to shut it down. Unless someone gives me a good reason to.
+M vD Is this your first year with your pool? I only ask, because I laughed so hard at your response and you did say, "unless someone gives me a good reason to?" I have.....Oh about 8 years of reasons for closing this beast and a ton of $$$$ spent from *not* closing it!!! O-O
So it doesn't take you two months to get rolling next season. Really just depends on when you feel like doing all the work but you'll save yourself a Ton if time if you close it properly
OR, you can have a 2 stage pump and just have it on low for the winter(or at least the below freezing days) and not have to worry with all this. It is especially easy if you are in the south and do not get a lot of winter. In fact I would NEVER do all this if you life in the south. Waste of time.
When do you close your inground pool for the winter?
Second last week of October. I am in Toronto, Canada
I’m in Virginia. I’m still working on it. Hence looking up the video
I've been closing my pool for 10 years and every year I would struggle to remember how to do it. This was an excellent clear video on the process luckily having an almost identical setup. Thanks!!
Here i am again for the past 5-6 years watching the same video for closing my pool. Thanks again for the info
1.) Clean Pool 2.) Drain below skimmer using main drain/backwash--Once running filter water is clear, switch to waste. 3.) Blow lines dry, first remove all return fittings, drain plugs and skimmer baskets., set valve to "re-circulate" change source to skimmer. shop vac the skimmer waste water out-plug it once dry. then plug the return lines. change source to main drain line after a few minutes of bubbles from the bottom quickly move it back to off (not skimmer or main.) 4. add winterizing chemicals. 5. cover. and lock safety gates. 6. Enjoy a well-earned beverage.
Once again used this video to close my pool, thanks! Starting to feel like you’re here with me, we closed my pool!
This is by far the clearest video I've ever seen for closing a pool. Thank you!
Just wanted say thanks, I use this video each year to close my pool!! I owe ya a couple beers!
Glad to help!
I got my first closing next month, this video really helped alot
Basic things like which drain on the pump and a psi range would've made this more useful. Thanks for other info.
A couple opinions I have after doing this for 20 plus years. I live in the upper Midwest and it gets cold with large snow loads. I do not use antifreeze and have never had an issue. If you blow out the lines correctly you will have no problem as long as you are using a gizmo in the skimmer. Winterizing chemicals are a money grab. Assuming the water chemistry is correct and the pool
Is clean when closed, it will be the same when opened. With the proper cover completely blocking sunlight there is no need to add more chemicals. You can waste money and put more chemicals in your water but there is no need.
Hi, I was reviewing your step by step list, When blowing out my pool lines, do I attach my air compressor and use the "front" drain plug port on the pump to blow out air "backwards" to the skimmer and the "side/back" drain plug port on the pump to blow air forward to the discharge jets?
@@theshadow2171 Hello, did u ever get an answer to this question? I too am wondering. Thanks.
I come back to this video every year! Thank you
Hi Matt - Great video! Two quick questions. 1) Would it be better to keep the drain plugs in to keep it air-tight while we blow the lines? 2) When & how do we add the anti-freeze? Through the skimmer right before we plug the gizzmo in?
you mean in the pump end? Please explain?? Did he ever get back to you on Anti Freeze??
I've seen some people add antifreeze in the skimmer after it's empty of water. And also they add antifreeze into the skimmer after they plug it so water won't freeze
Another year of using this video!!!
I know I'm 3 years late, but I have separate feed valves from my skimmer and floor drain, so I lower my water below the skimmer with the skimmer valve closed, then open the valve to suck the water out of the skimmer and line. Then I blow it back from the skimmer to the pump with a shop vac. Way more effective. I also don't add chemicals after blowing out the lines. Add them before so they fully dissolve and the chemistry balances out before testing. If you can't circulate the water, there's no way your chemicals will circulate and your readings will be off. Most people will not get bubbles out of their floor drain. That's OK as long as you pressurize the line enough to push the water below the frost line and close the valve on the drain line while still under pressure. That way you get an air lock in the line that will prevent the water from coming back up above the frost line.
What is the point of balancing water and adding the winterizing kit? After 6-9 months heavy rain and thawing ice will dilute everything...
That was an excellent presentation. I am having my pool closed professionally but next year is another story. Thanks.
how has closing it by yourself go?
So how do you build up pressure if you remove all the plugs before blowing the lines?
Thanks! Step by Step! Straight to the point!!!
I was wondering about blowing out the lines.. how do you keep the water out of the main drain without plugging it up? Wouldn't gravity just pull the water back into the line? It's deep underground, so I also wonder if it would be ok...
Quick n to the point.
What kind of air compressor is best to use? Recommended psi?
Thank you. I purchased the Swim U. Pool Winterization Course and this is a good companion to it. Wish you guys would put links or more illustration videos in your course. Thanks again!
Thanks for the video, quick question about the main drain. I saw bubbles coming up from the main drain, but after a short time no more bubbles, does that mean the airlock has engaged? should I be seeing bubbles coming up from there for as long as I have the air-compressor running ?
Yes you should. Also I would not blow out the return lines or skimmers this way if you live in an area that the temperature drops below freezing.
This was perfect, thanks !
Well done, thanks for being succinct.
Came across your video while trying to find instructions about blowing out the main drain for winter. I am confused how my pool plumbing is setup. I connected air compressor to blow out all my lines. I was able to blow out my 2 skimmers and all the returns. But I am not able to do this for the main drain. I have tried so many things but just can't figure this out. No matter what lever I change....I just do not see bubbles coming out from main drain. Any idea what is going on?
Great vid! Very well done and concise similar to my set-up, was a big help.
What if my pool doesnt have a drain on the floor? Where would it be ? And what would I do for that part?
you said air compressor OR shop vac. how would i blow out the lines with a shop vac?
What about Antifreeze in pipes or compression safety measures like those gizmos or pool noodles etc?
I live in the East Bay area California, should I winterize my pool?
I always thought that they put antifreeze in the lines after blown out but I guess not!
Very good..how much would this cost typically
When blowing out my pool lines, do I attach my air compressor and use the "front" drain plug port on the pump to blow out air "backwards" to the skimmer and the "side/back" drain plug port on the pump to blow air forward to the discharge jets?
You guys post great videos on pool Care but you don't have many views But great job
What psi should I set the air compressor at? I have a PORTER-CABLE Oil-Free Pancake 6 gallons 150 psi max.
alaglo1 No more than about 30 psi
Shop vac worked fine on skimmers and returns but when I try to use it for main drain line, it moves the debris on top of main drain but no bubbles come up?
Do you not need to put the other plug back in the pump while blowing out main drains?
What if you don’t have a valve for the skimmer. We don’t have the option to change it from skimmer to main line.
I have like 5 valves. How do I know which one to turn for the air compressor step
i need to plug up on of the returns I am not using do you know of a product thats better than great stuff spray?
Can i run my motor on pass under the spa jets til i have the
right water level to get in and work on my light fixture comfortably? Thanks.
Why can't I get air bubbles out from my main drain? I blew the main drain out with s shop vac but although all other pipes were blown out I couldn't get the main drain line to blow out air bubbles
I usually shock my pool before I close it to prevent the water from turning black (it becomes transparent greenish).
Is a de filter different to close?
I used a compressor to blow out my main drain lines. Bubbles were not coming up equally from both pipes. A lot more on one of the two and a bit on the other. Is this going to cause me some issues? Or, as long as bubbles come out means that water was pushed out. Thanks!
My skimmer line and main drain line both go into the pump but just one valve to open and close the line. I tried to blow out the lines yesterday with an air compressor and i saw some bubbles come out from the main drain and it just bubbled out of the skimmer but did not shoot out like a fountain and there is still water in the skimmer line. Was I supposed to close the valve first? Or do I feed air in and then close the valve to create a pressure seal and then continue to push air through? Also, do you have to blow out the suction first and then returns or does it not matter which order? I blew out the returns first and then tried to do the skimmer/main. Thank you!!
I have a Jacuzzi sand filter and there is no recirculate setting on this older filter. What setting should be used when blowing the lines out on a Jacuzzi. I have filter, rinse, winterize, whirlpool, backwash, test and drain. I tried with the whirlpool setting and no air came out of the bottom of the pool drain port. Switched to the filter setting and was able to see air coming out, but would still like to know what setting should be used when blowing air out. Thanks
How do you hook the shop vac to the pump like the air compressor?
This isn't cutting it. I don't have all these valves. I vsnt figure out how to flush the return pipes.
Great video, thanks!
Thanks Matt
Question - if I have a equalizer hole in my skimmers, do I need to plug those also?
What if you don't have a recirculate option on your filter?
what about if the filter is in side the house and what about anti freeze in the skimmer??
thanks MAtt. Yeeeah
It's better to not drain the pool and to maintain the water level IMO, the exposed plaster can be damaged. But in the skimmer you'll want to use an expandable plastic plug and/or bottle partially filled with pool antifreeze and/or a styrofoam pool float for expansion.
Someone said I should allow the light fixture to float in the water during the winter is that true and why
Roy McLean SR. That sounds like total BS. You shouldn't need to do anything to light fixtures. They usually are a few feet below the water level where it's less likely to freeze over and is safer.
What is the part used to connect the air compressor to the pump for blowing out the lines?
Another video I saw said it's the same thread as the air compressor. So i think 1/4" or 3/8" NPT female on the pump. So you'll need a male pipe thread of the type, which is fairly standard for most air compressors. You'd have to check the plug on your pump to confirm. I'm sure you can find it in the manual or online.
My pool company has never drained my water below the skimmer box since I’ve had it.
why the plug in the pump? is the drain plug is removed from the pump........
What is the air fitting that goes into the pump basket drain hole?
Thanks for the great video. I used a compressor and blew out the return lines. But, I cannot clear the line from the skimmer to the pump. I have a feeling it is pulling from the deep end drain as well as the skimmer??? However, I cannot get air to come out of the deep end drain when I compress the system and plug the skimmer drain. I keep getting a never ending supply of water refilling the skimmer from the drain. Any advice would be appreciated.
Video says set the filter to recirculate but the website tutorial says to put it on filter. Recirculate didn't work for me, but filter did. Curious though, why do they say two different things?
i did everything you said pulled all the plugs put compressor to the bottom of the basket by the filter but no bubbles before i drained the filter bubbles where coming out but not anymore
Put it in the stand pipe
Can’t I just cover it and leave the water in the lines ?? We r in California. Water never freezes
I am brand new to pool ownership and I apologize for the stupid question: I have a Hayward sand filter and there is a line going into the top of the filter from the pump and another line going out and into the concrete, which I assumed was the return line. How do you ensure this line is blown out? I know you can't blow air through the filter, do you need to take it apart to blow it out or are you blowing it out backwards and everything is ok? Again, I apologize for the stupid question.
Thats your backwash/drain line
I drained my pool this fall and don't plan on refilling iy till next year. So now that it is empty what else do i have to do?
do you need to put anti-freeze? if so, how/where? Winter cold here.
That is his missing step.
Hey you didn't put any anti freeze in the lines or drop the water below return lines ???
Anit-freeze is simply an insurance if you think you didn't get all the water out and there's a risk of water freezing in the pipes.
How does the water stay out of the main line?
All you’re doing when blowing out a main drain is blowing all the water in that pipe from the pump to the bottom drain so there’s no water in the actual pipe. And while the blower/compressor is still running you close the valve to the main drain and this air locks that pipe. So water won’t pass back up that pipe.
With pump lid open and main drain valve closed, listen if you can hear any hissing around. If you do, this means your main drain valve is leaking and you should put a plug in like they show in this video
What is the point of balancing water and adding the winterizing kit? After 6-9 months heavy rain and thawing ice will dilute everything...
True, but for 6-9 months you’ll have balanced water which is better for your equipment, not to mention easier to balance again when opening.
That's how we do it son! Lol
+Ray Rzy Right?!?! I didn't know I was going to be "Entertained" while watching "a how to close my pool" video!!
POOL'S CLOSED
I live in Las Vegas nv, should I close my pool for the winter? Keep in mind Vegas winter days are around 70 to 80 degrees days.
You only need to winterize a pool if it's going to be exposed to near or below freezing temperature (32 degrees) during winter months where you live, unless you have a heating source. For Vegas weather you don't need to winterize, but if you plan on not using the pool you should still keep the chemicals balanced and run the pump at least a few hours a day, replace/flush the filter, etc. if you care about an easier/cheaper opening.
M vD: I understand. It may be too late for you. The cleaner you put it away, the easier it will be to "bring it back to life" in the Spring. Maybe next year. We used to put ours away a little dirty, but now, with a little more preparation, we can get to enjoying it sooner.
Are there extra steps you must take when you close your in ground pool if you have a heater?
No. We get harsh winters so i do unhook and put my heater in my garage. Most ppl just unhook and cover.
Antifreeze?
We are having our pool professionally winterized and they insist the pool lines don’t need to be blown out if the equipment is higher than the pool. (Ours is 5 feet higher). Is there truth to this?
Never heard that before. Doesn’t make sense. Water freezes and can burst the pipes underground. Find a new professional who will blow out your lines.
Great Video!! Quick question: what happens to the water inside the filter? How do you drain that?
What I do with my sand filter is set multiport valve to rinse. I leave the backwash hose on and blow out the filter. My blower starts from the pump basket housing. Once most of the water leaves the filter, I shut off the blower and take off the backwash hose then turn it back on and let is blow out even more until I am satisfied it's finished. Once done, I put valve to winter setting. I think Matt will agree with this.
pharman100 We live in California, is it necessary to drain the lines, filters, etc...?
Sarah Thomas I guess it depends on your winter temperatures which can probably vary greatly in a big state like yours. We have hard freezes in New England so it's a no brainer. Sarah, I would suggest you call a local pool service company or even a local pool store and inquire as to what is routinely done in your area and go from there.
+HePE27 every filter has a drain plug , its usually located in the back side of the filter. just undo the plug and the filter tank will drain
+Sarah Thomas if you get freezing temperatures then yes you must blow out the lines. but if your winter months are above freezing then no
Lol pay them with beer he says. 😆😆
I understand why you blow the water out of the lines but was wondering if you could just lower the water below the jets then turn on the pump to blow out the lines instead of using a compressor. Everything else you mentioned would be the same. Thanks
never run a pool pump without water, you will most likely blow the pump. Some apparently have a safety that will shut them off if they sense they have no or too little water. But it is way too expensive of an item to risk ever running it without water. It is the same reason you never change filter settings with the pump on, you risk breaking it.
I tried the shop vac and getting an air compressor and neither worked because I don't know what kind of a hose to use to get down to the size valve that will fit into the pump drain plug. I looked at the Cyclone pool line blowing machine and it doesn't look like it arrives with all necessary equipment either. Any advice? It's starting to get cold.
Go to your local Home Depot or Lowes and you will find a rather large kit with all of the fittings you will need. Then buy a 25 ft air compression hose that has 1/4 inch ends on it. The fittings kit at Home Depot is Store SKU #603867. If you can't find this stuff, ask a Home Depot robot to help you with it. You are going to need to hook one end of the hose to the 1/4 inch drain hole on your pump, and the other end to the air compressor. Be VERY careful not to use too much pressure on your pool lines or you could blow them apart. You really shouldn't be using more than 10 PSI to blow them out. I hope this helps, and if you still feel unsure, please don't be afraid to call a local pool professional in your area for advice. I'm sure there's at least one good professional in your area who will talk to you without charging you, but just don't expect a house visit for free.
Also buy some Teflon tape. You will need to wrap the ends of the hose with it before you screw on the fittings.
what size air compressor do you need.
You didn't mantion anything about adding pool antifreeze. when do you add that?
+Cheryl Harrison if you blow out all the lines correctly and plug them nice and tight. you really dont have to add antifreeze
what about the light? its not removable so do i just drop it to the bottom of the pool or leave it where it is? i live in michigan
The light is not a problem. you don't have to do anything with it
If it's not removable, how do you "drop it to the bottom?"
We followed your instructions for winterizing our (20 x 42) inground swimming pool. I like your videos and was wondering what the price range is for a safety pool cover. In the spring we are considering having a safety cover measured and purchased. Does Swim University do this type of work?
Since he never replied and this is 9 yrs old I'm probably too late but you looking at $3500 to $4500
Yes pools are a money pit ! Nice to use but a pain to own ! Go Live in a nice gated community where they have a nice pool taken care of so much better just get in get out go home and never think about it ahhhh that's the best way !
Matt - I only have 3 returns and they are located on the bottom at about 3, 5 and 9 ft depths with no way to plug. Suggestions?
Air lock or you'll have get wet if you don't have valves for that
In that case you just need to blow the air out the returns and then close the return valve under pressure... it causes a siphon on the line so the water doesn't get to the higher points in the pipes where you're at a greater chance of freezing the line.
“Just about a few inches below skimmer”? What does this mean? Show us a picture of water level at skimmer mouth once drained.
I usually drain my water so its below my “skimmer square” about 4-5 inches. You want to remove all water going into skimmer, pump and filter.
You skipped the winter chemicals part!
Hi I need help
Great video, but I do have a question. Many newer pools are made with non-freezing lines (I know I'm saying that wrong, but you get my drift ;) so there is no need to blow any of the pool water out of the lines. Do you have a video that is for those types of pools? Thanks
Rofl there is no such thing.
Is antifreeze necessary?
Not if you blow out the pipes correctly. We have a video all about it.
Красавчик!!!
why does the pool have to be clear before you close it
To minimize organic growth (algae) over the off-season.
So it doesn't take you two months to open it
Can you eat corn on the cob through a picket fence?
No but your mother can
No good for cold winter climates.
You forget to mention if you use a air compressor have a regulator on it and set it to 15 psi I believe ? You probably blew out a bunch of peoples pvc pipes lol you didn't specify And Again didn't specify not good pool expert !
Why the hell should I clean my pool so much just before it goes to hell for the winter ? Its been neglected for the last 2 to 3 weeks. Im not going to pretend its spring and clean it all up just to shut it down. Unless someone gives me a good reason to.
+M vD Is this your first year with your pool? I only ask, because I laughed so hard at your response and you did say, "unless someone gives me a good reason to?" I have.....Oh about 8 years of reasons for closing this beast and a ton of $$$$ spent from *not* closing it!!! O-O
So it doesn't take you two months to get rolling next season. Really just depends on when you feel like doing all the work but you'll save yourself a Ton if time if you close it properly
@@melissaluvsplease1664 I guess it just depends on how many and how bad you would like your stains .
OR, you can have a 2 stage pump and just have it on low for the winter(or at least the below freezing days) and not have to worry with all this. It is especially easy if you are in the south and do not get a lot of winter. In fact I would NEVER do all this if you life in the south. Waste of time.
Why did you watch this video?
Glad they are not closing my pool👎🏽. They must be in FL