Just finished closing my pool and this is the first time I’ve it myself. I’m confident I blew all the lines out, including the main drain. I did invest in a Cyclone blower which works amazing!
Great explanation! Thanks! The problem is, I really have no good access to my main drain line other than where it enters my pump. In my area, the installers usually tie the skimmer and main drain lines together and then feed straight into the pump. Everything is hard PVC, so no way to get into the main drain line except for inside the pump. I guess I could try to make some sort of fitting that I could hold inside the pump filter casing that goes straight into a 90, that I can put my blower into. I’m ready not sure of any other way.
Just make sure that valve is good and throw a rubber plug in there because after a couple months that air will slowly leak out because most valves arent air tight once they are more than a couple years old
If you can airlock the main drain this way, couldn't you air lock all of your pools inlets and outlets if they all have individual ball valve shut offs? All of my pool returns and drains as well as skimmer plumbing lines are all ran individually to the pump pad and immediately above grade have an isolating ball valve on each line. This would work on all, no?
Hi, I live in Montreal Canada and we get freezing temperature in winter. I can’t seem to be able to blow the main drain pipe for winterizing the pool. My shop vac does not seem to be making bubbles. For now, I put one gallon of antifreeze in main drain pipe, would that be ok for winterizing the main drain pipe? Thanks in advance
For main passive main drains not connected directly to the pump you can follow the advice in this video: ua-cam.com/video/QBVEFH6Vy48/v-deo.html&ab_channel=SwimmingPoolSteve
Steve, what about if you blow the line and the valve does not seal? I hear hissing when I put my ear to it and it's a very slow leak. Eventually the line just fills back up with water. They are Pentair valves... new pool construction this year. Any recommendations?
If the valve is not holding then the air lock will not work. I would lube the gasket with silicone based Oring lubricant. That solves at least half of valve leaks. Good luck!
I just discovered that my Pentair diverter leaks air after I airlock. I replaced the part that blocks the line and it still leaks. So frustrating. Also, that probably means this has been happening for years and I didn't know it.
Maybe i'm lucky but since 10 whole years i never make a airlock for winter. The first year the technician told me that its unecessary because the water into that pipe follow the level of the water into the pool by gravity. (they are both at same level) So since the water level is low then the water pipe level is low as well.. maybe an its aditionnal safety. I'll do it next year.
Hey Steve it’s me Tye . We worked together doing partials together at total tech pools in Oakville. I have my own pool business now. Would love to connect.
For knuckleheads like me, you’re the first person who clarified that. Thank you.
Just finished closing my pool and this is the first time I’ve it myself. I’m confident I blew all the lines out, including the main drain. I did invest in a Cyclone blower which works amazing!
Great explanation! Thanks! The problem is, I really have no good access to my main drain line other than where it enters my pump. In my area, the installers usually tie the skimmer and main drain lines together and then feed straight into the pump. Everything is hard PVC, so no way to get into the main drain line except for inside the pump. I guess I could try to make some sort of fitting that I could hold inside the pump filter casing that goes straight into a 90, that I can put my blower into. I’m ready not sure of any other way.
There such thing as a return on the bottom of pool?
Just make sure that valve is good and throw a rubber plug in there because after a couple months that air will slowly leak out because most valves arent air tight once they are more than a couple years old
If you can airlock the main drain this way, couldn't you air lock all of your pools inlets and outlets if they all have individual ball valve shut offs? All of my pool returns and drains as well as skimmer plumbing lines are all ran individually to the pump pad and immediately above grade have an isolating ball valve on each line. This would work on all, no?
Hi, I live in Montreal Canada and we get freezing temperature in winter. I can’t seem to be able to blow the main drain pipe for winterizing the pool. My shop vac does not seem to be making bubbles. For now, I put one gallon of antifreeze in main drain pipe, would that be ok for winterizing the main drain pipe? Thanks in advance
What is the main drain is connected to just the skimmer? Obviously I know, but others might be set up this way.
For main passive main drains not connected directly to the pump you can follow the advice in this video: ua-cam.com/video/QBVEFH6Vy48/v-deo.html&ab_channel=SwimmingPoolSteve
Steve, what about if you blow the line and the valve does not seal? I hear hissing when I put my ear to it and it's a very slow leak. Eventually the line just fills back up with water. They are Pentair valves... new pool construction this year. Any recommendations?
If the valve is not holding then the air lock will not work. I would lube the gasket with silicone based Oring lubricant. That solves at least half of valve leaks. Good luck!
I just discovered that my Pentair diverter leaks air after I airlock. I replaced the part that blocks the line and it still leaks. So frustrating. Also, that probably means this has been happening for years and I didn't know it.
Very helpful thnx
I had my valve freeze and break doing that last year
below grade pump?
Maybe i'm lucky but since 10 whole years i never make a airlock for winter. The first year the technician told me that its unecessary because the water into that pipe follow the level of the water into the pool by gravity. (they are both at same level)
So since the water level is low then the water pipe level is low as well.. maybe an its aditionnal safety. I'll do it next year.
Hey Steve it’s me Tye . We worked together doing partials together at total tech pools in Oakville. I have my own pool business now. Would love to connect.