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Because there's Soooo many different types of pools and setups, it's hard to cover everything in one video that fits your situation. I've done several videos and several different ways of closing a pool. Have any questions? Please comment below.
@Faizur Piuli I won't use the pumps drain plug to blow the lines out. I don't use air compressors because I found I need a big tank to be rolling around all over the country. If you have one that can run at about 20psi or higher for a few minutes, then you have the right compressor. When blow the lines from the pump to the filter, you will need to move that top dial to recirculate or whirlpool.
@@VIPPoolsandSpas In another video I saw that they were able to use the 1/4 in air hose directly into the drain. I couldn't find a way to connect the hose that you use in the video to the air compressor. Also, the water heater we have is also a raypack but the on / off switch seems to have fallen in, how can I make sure it stays off? Edit: I tried opening the panel but there's no switch anywhere And do I need to lower the water level of the pool? I saw in another video you lowered it below the skimmer but above the jets.
@@FaizurPiuli turn the gas off for the heater. There are so many different pool setups and styles. Some pools I can leave all the water in and some pools I have to drop the water. It all depends on your fittings and the age of the pool. Blowing from the pumps drain plug would be an issue if you can't stop the air going to the filter and then stop it from going to the pool. Plus. Your forcing the pump impellor to spin and heating up the pump seal. Your pump seal needs the water to cool it.
@@VIPPoolsandSpas is there any way I can connect the hose to the air compressor? Then I would be able to connect the hose the same way that you did in this video
I would say that the Hayward valves with the diverter gasket built into the key assembly (like that one) last much longer than valves with a standard spider gasket. They all do fail eventually though. The Law of Diminishing Utility.
Really helpful - thanks! I'm trying to close my above ground (permanent) pool alone for the first time ever this year and no one services these in my area. Just wondering - is there a reason to blow out the lines before you lowered the water level?
Most of the pools I close will have a duck plug. I can blow the lines while I drop the water. Only on a sand filter. I put it on backwash and then hook up my blower on the output going to the returns. I don't have water going to the pool because it's going out the backwash hose.
hello, I'm looking to close my pool for the first time and am confused about where I should insert my shop vac attachment to blow out the return line. My hayward pump/sand filter setup is like the one in the video where there the hose is attached via a clamp and there is no place to disconnect. If I don't cut the hose like you did, what are the alternatives? Can I feed my shop vac attachment into the other end of the pump or the backwash waste port? I think the only detachable union I have is between the heater and the automatic chlorinator. I have a small semi-inground pool with 1 return and 1 skimmer. Thank you
@@Audrina-my9li a shop vac will not be enough blowing power to get all the water out. Need the right blower. Follow the videos I have for all pool closings.
@@VIPPoolsandSpas Ok thanks for the reply, assuming I have the right blower, I still have the question though -- given my setup where would it make sense to insert the blowing attachment?
You will have to watch more videos to figure out whats best for your setup. I don't hookup all in the same spot on all pool closings. It depends on there plumbing and setup. If you have to cut a pipe, then do that. You can always connect with a union so it's easier next year.
This video was just meant to show the basics of blowing out the pool plumbing. Might have to watch another video on our channel to find the right one for your pool or situation.
You mentioned in the comments that running the blower thru the rear of the pump housing to blow out the returns was not a good idea as this would cause the impeller to spin with no water running thru the seals. If I were to disconnect the motor from the pump housing, wouldn’t I be able to easily stop the impeller from rotating while blowing the returns?
@@VIPPoolsandSpas Ok, thanks I get it. Since I don’t have an easy access to blow the returns like in the video, for now I’ll have to go thru the motor port until I can have my system replumbed. Thanks again for all the help.👍
what dont you like about chlorinators? what do you recommend instead? pucks in the skimmers? That's what I do and it seems to work fine; not sure why people bother with the chlorinators.
Chlorinators are great when you use the right pucks and not the low budget pucks. The low budget pucks gum up the chlorinator making it not work properly. Same goes with putting them in the skimmer. Any chlorine pools I try and use a floater.
What kind of Gizmo do you recommend? I’ve seen them with and without a hole for water to escape through the center. I think it’s used when you are not lowering the water level. Would you put antifreeze in the skimmer? Also, when blowing out the main drain, what’s to prevent water from re-entering drain again? Is the a back flow valve below the main drain?
All great questions. I like to use the gizmo with the hole. Even if you drop the water or not there's better pressure to push out most of the water because of the smaller opening. Some pools you'll have to turn the blower off, let the water roll back and turn on again giving an extra push out. I do antifreeze all the skimmers.
When you blow out the main drain if it's connected to the pump, you'll have to have a ball valve shut off. That way you can blow the water out of the main drain and while the blower is running you turn that ball valve off. This fills the pipe with air and preventing the water from pushing up. Love physics. Lol. If the main drain is connected to the skimmer, I just put a foot long piece of a pool noodle in the line and cap it by hand. I will be doing a video.....at some point......of doing this a different way with a small shut off connected to the main drain, inside the skimmer.
Make sure to watch my videos on the playlist under Swimming Pool Closing Videos. You watch a few of those and you'll find ways that will suit your pool and your situation.
why can you not turn the Mighty Vac to the other side of the basket on the pump and blow out from there through the filter. I don't have a sand filter but have a PacFab DE filter. Also I have a PacFab pump and not sure how much room I have to get a hose into the opening. Thanks so much for helping us with this video
There's so many different plumbing setups and pool equipment that this video is just a guideline on what you should do. Bottom line, get as much water out of the lines and equipment as you can. Do what you need to do to get this done. Even if you have to find a way that suits your situation.
That is what I am going to do. Probably going to removed my filters 1st, but not sure that is necessary. I can tell you what I am not going to do, and that is pay someone $400 to do it for me!!!
Been searching for something different - can I use a spa blower to keep the effect of the bubbles through my return lines? We have three return lines at the bottom of our pool and when the solar turn on and push the air out its nice and soothing. You think theres any issues into doing this? Plumb it after the SWG? Thanks!
The easiest and cheapest way of using a jet(s) for producing bubbles is to put a "T" in after the pump and have 2 shut offs. One way is back to the pump and the other way is back to a blower. That way you can turn the pump off, turn the shut off from the pump . Turn the blower shut off valve on and then start the blower. Hope I explained it so you understand?
@@VIPPoolsandSpas - awesome, thanks for the response. Just to make sure I understand, the blower - when turned on - is the isolated from the rest of the system. The blower would be after the SWG?
@@VIPPoolsandSpas - the idea worked - a 2hp blower connected and now I've got bubbles in the pool - all three returns push air out of the bottom of the pool. Had to adjust the valves to get even coverage but the end result is more than I expected. The added bonus is that during the hot summer months I can use this to cool down the pool as well as the air coming in is a bit cold. One thing I do have to figure out is putting an air filter after the blower - seems to like to push bugs into the pool. Thanks for the help in the configuration of the piping.
Some pools I do drop the water below the returns. but most I don't. The reason I like to keep the water up above is because by putting in the duck plugs I know it's 100% sealed. If you drop the water below the returns, no one could ever make that claim.
I understand how you blow out the hayward back to the skimmer but how do I blow out the lines for the jets when I have a cartridge filter. What do I hook the blower (mighty vac) hose up to? And don't you have to have the water line below the jets when you blow the water out of the lines? I open my pool every year but I have never attempted to close it. Thanks in advance.
There's so many types of filters and plumbing setups for pools its hard to do a video that suits everyones pool. Bottom line is, get the water out and do it anyway you can. What cartridge filter do you have?
Hi I dont have a multiport valve on my hayward filter, I have a DE EC75 is it ok to attach a compressor to the pump and blow all the lines, even the return and polaris line or will I ruin my filter. .
When you were blowing the water from the jets, i noticed that the water level in the pool was still above the jets. How do you plug those jets while they are still underwater?
@@VIPPoolsandSpas I mean as soon as you stop blowing air to the return lines, they will start letting water in from the pool (since the jets are still underwater). Then when you plug the jets, the lines would have some water in them. I am curious about the timing of when you close those jets with the plugs.
We use duck plugs and the water will not go back into the pipe. Some of my other videos explain this a little better. Thank you for asking this question.
Does ANYONE know how to close an in ground pool or what?! Every damn video I watch is different! One says drain below the jets, then the next has water over the jets??? WTF???
Lol. I hear ya. Even when I close a pool sometimes I'll drain it and sometimes not. If the duck plugs fit in your returns, use them. You can drop the water below the skimmer with a normal gizmo or keep the water as normal with an ultra gizmo (with the hole at the top). If you have concerns and I know it can be frustrating, email me a few pictures of your pool, the jets and the skimmer. And I'll help you answer what is best for your pool. Remember. Some people can't drop their water down to low because of ground water. One of my videos shows what happens when I dropped the water.
We are getting very busy with UA-cam and our video comments. At the same time we are trying to run a pool and hot tub business. Unfortunately, we will limit our comment responses to our Members. Consider becoming a Member: ua-cam.com/channels/7rBDbZ5XT4QtOouN6PTKXQ.htmljoin
Thanx bro.. i have a simple system with a similar set up. New pool owner 1st year closing. Saved a me 500!!!! Best video thusfar after watching many..
Thanks for the comment. Hope you subscribed.
Great video man. Thanks for the upload.
Because there's Soooo many different types of pools and setups, it's hard to cover everything in one video that fits your situation. I've done several videos and several different ways of closing a pool. Have any questions? Please comment below.
If I use an air compressor fed into one of the drains of the pump, do I need to set the filter to a different position? Also how much psi do I use?
@Faizur Piuli I won't use the pumps drain plug to blow the lines out. I don't use air compressors because I found I need a big tank to be rolling around all over the country. If you have one that can run at about 20psi or higher for a few minutes, then you have the right compressor. When blow the lines from the pump to the filter, you will need to move that top dial to recirculate or whirlpool.
@@VIPPoolsandSpas In another video I saw that they were able to use the 1/4 in air hose directly into the drain. I couldn't find a way to connect the hose that you use in the video to the air compressor. Also, the water heater we have is also a raypack but the on / off switch seems to have fallen in, how can I make sure it stays off?
Edit: I tried opening the panel but there's no switch anywhere
And do I need to lower the water level of the pool? I saw in another video you lowered it below the skimmer but above the jets.
@@FaizurPiuli turn the gas off for the heater. There are so many different pool setups and styles. Some pools I can leave all the water in and some pools I have to drop the water. It all depends on your fittings and the age of the pool. Blowing from the pumps drain plug would be an issue if you can't stop the air going to the filter and then stop it from going to the pool. Plus. Your forcing the pump impellor to spin and heating up the pump seal. Your pump seal needs the water to cool it.
@@VIPPoolsandSpas is there any way I can connect the hose to the air compressor? Then I would be able to connect the hose the same way that you did in this video
I would say that the Hayward valves with the diverter gasket built into the key assembly (like that one) last much longer than valves with a standard spider gasket. They all do fail eventually though. The Law of Diminishing Utility.
Great video. Thanks
Really helpful - thanks! I'm trying to close my above ground (permanent) pool alone for the first time ever this year and no one services these in my area. Just wondering - is there a reason to blow out the lines before you lowered the water level?
Most of the pools I close will have a duck plug. I can blow the lines while I drop the water. Only on a sand filter. I put it on backwash and then hook up my blower on the output going to the returns. I don't have water going to the pool because it's going out the backwash hose.
hello, I'm looking to close my pool for the first time and am confused about where I should insert my shop vac attachment to blow out the return line. My hayward pump/sand filter setup is like the one in the video where there the hose is attached via a clamp and there is no place to disconnect. If I don't cut the hose like you did, what are the alternatives?
Can I feed my shop vac attachment into the other end of the pump or the backwash waste port? I think the only detachable union I have is between the heater and the automatic chlorinator. I have a small semi-inground pool with 1 return and 1 skimmer. Thank you
@@Audrina-my9li a shop vac will not be enough blowing power to get all the water out. Need the right blower. Follow the videos I have for all pool closings.
@@VIPPoolsandSpas Ok thanks for the reply, assuming I have the right blower, I still have the question though -- given my setup where would it make sense to insert the blowing attachment?
You will have to watch more videos to figure out whats best for your setup. I don't hookup all in the same spot on all pool closings. It depends on there plumbing and setup. If you have to cut a pipe, then do that. You can always connect with a union so it's easier next year.
You never said when you get done blowing out the returns do you cap them or do you just lock it at the pump?
This video was just meant to show the basics of blowing out the pool plumbing. Might have to watch another video on our channel to find the right one for your pool or situation.
Thanks a bunch.
You're welcome!
You mentioned in the comments that running the blower thru the rear of the pump housing to blow out the returns was not a good idea as this would cause the impeller to spin with no water running thru the seals. If I were to disconnect the motor from the pump housing, wouldn’t I be able to easily stop the impeller from rotating while blowing the returns?
It would be easier just to blow out the lines the way I do it in the videos.
@@VIPPoolsandSpas Ok, thanks I get it. Since I don’t have an easy access to blow the returns like in the video, for now I’ll have to go thru the motor port until I can have my system replumbed. Thanks again for all the help.👍
what dont you like about chlorinators? what do you recommend instead? pucks in the skimmers? That's what I do and it seems to work fine; not sure why people bother with the chlorinators.
Chlorinators are great when you use the right pucks and not the low budget pucks. The low budget pucks gum up the chlorinator making it not work properly. Same goes with putting them in the skimmer. Any chlorine pools I try and use a floater.
What kind of Gizmo do you recommend? I’ve seen them with and without a hole for water to escape through the center. I think it’s used when you are not lowering the water level. Would you put antifreeze in the skimmer? Also, when blowing out the main drain, what’s to prevent water from re-entering drain again? Is the a back flow valve below the main drain?
All great questions. I like to use the gizmo with the hole. Even if you drop the water or not there's better pressure to push out most of the water because of the smaller opening. Some pools you'll have to turn the blower off, let the water roll back and turn on again giving an extra push out. I do antifreeze all the skimmers.
When you blow out the main drain if it's connected to the pump, you'll have to have a ball valve shut off. That way you can blow the water out of the main drain and while the blower is running you turn that ball valve off. This fills the pipe with air and preventing the water from pushing up. Love physics. Lol. If the main drain is connected to the skimmer, I just put a foot long piece of a pool noodle in the line and cap it by hand. I will be doing a video.....at some point......of doing this a different way with a small shut off connected to the main drain, inside the skimmer.
Make sure to watch my videos on the playlist under Swimming Pool Closing Videos. You watch a few of those and you'll find ways that will suit your pool and your situation.
What keeps the water from going back in the return lines from the pool after you blow out the lines?
It's a duck plug. Looks like a bill from a duck. When blowing the lines, if I stop it won't let water back in.
why can you not turn the Mighty Vac to the other side of the basket on the pump and blow out from there through the filter. I don't have a sand filter but have a PacFab DE filter. Also I have a PacFab pump and not sure how much room I have to get a hose into the opening. Thanks so much for helping us with this video
There's so many different plumbing setups and pool equipment that this video is just a guideline on what you should do. Bottom line, get as much water out of the lines and equipment as you can. Do what you need to do to get this done. Even if you have to find a way that suits your situation.
That is what I am going to do. Probably going to removed my filters 1st, but not sure that is necessary. I can tell you what I am not going to do, and that is pay someone $400 to do it for me!!!
What stops the water from going back in the drain and supply line once you turn off the air?
If you are talking about the main drain, shutting the ball valve when the blower is still going will keep the water well below the frost line.
Been searching for something different - can I use a spa blower to keep the effect of the bubbles through my return lines? We have three return lines at the bottom of our pool and when the solar turn on and push the air out its nice and soothing. You think theres any issues into doing this? Plumb it after the SWG? Thanks!
The easiest and cheapest way of using a jet(s) for producing bubbles is to put a "T" in after the pump and have 2 shut offs. One way is back to the pump and the other way is back to a blower. That way you can turn the pump off, turn the shut off from the pump . Turn the blower shut off valve on and then start the blower. Hope I explained it so you understand?
@@VIPPoolsandSpas - awesome, thanks for the response. Just to make sure I understand, the blower - when turned on - is the isolated from the rest of the system. The blower would be after the SWG?
@@PIKL4x4 Yes.
@@VIPPoolsandSpas - woot woot! Now just need to get a 2hp blower :) You don't think there will be an issue with the blowers motor overheating?
@@VIPPoolsandSpas - the idea worked - a 2hp blower connected and now I've got bubbles in the pool - all three returns push air out of the bottom of the pool. Had to adjust the valves to get even coverage but the end result is more than I expected. The added bonus is that during the hot summer months I can use this to cool down the pool as well as the air coming in is a bit cold. One thing I do have to figure out is putting an air filter after the blower - seems to like to push bugs into the pool. Thanks for the help in the configuration of the piping.
Why don't you drop water line below jets
Some pools I do drop the water below the returns. but most I don't. The reason I like to keep the water up above is because by putting in the duck plugs I know it's 100% sealed. If you drop the water below the returns, no one could ever make that claim.
I understand how you blow out the hayward back to the skimmer but how do I blow out the lines for the jets when I have a cartridge filter. What do I hook the blower (mighty vac) hose up to? And don't you have to have the water line below the jets when you blow the water out of the lines? I open my pool every year but I have never attempted to close it. Thanks in advance.
There's so many types of filters and plumbing setups for pools its hard to do a video that suits everyones pool. Bottom line is, get the water out and do it anyway you can. What cartridge filter do you have?
ua-cam.com/video/AOFOsW4KERU/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/-N3xtlr7eWY/v-deo.html
Hi I dont have a multiport valve on my hayward filter, I have a DE EC75 is it ok to attach a compressor to the pump and blow all the lines, even the return and polaris line or will I ruin my filter. .
No. The DE is different than a cartridge filter. Just empty the water out of the DE filter and blow the water out from the other side.
@@VIPPoolsandSpas Thank you so much!
When you were blowing the water from the jets, i noticed that the water level in the pool was still above the jets. How do you plug those jets while they are still underwater?
Most pools you can do this with a few different plugs. Items used and other plugs are in the video description.
@@VIPPoolsandSpas I mean as soon as you stop blowing air to the return lines, they will start letting water in from the pool (since the jets are still underwater). Then when you plug the jets, the lines would have some water in them. I am curious about the timing of when you close those jets with the plugs.
@@CdGreven the plugs would be a duck plug. It prevents the water from going back in. It's like a ducks bill.
@@CdGreven what a lot of pros do is plug it while air is blowing. You use a rubber plug with a bolt and wing nut on it. Little tricky.
you didn't plug the return lines when you u hook the blow water will run back into the lines , I don't understand ???
Can use duck plugs or bungee plugs. No water will go back into the return.
Again...what about the returns? I have things to keep the water OUT!
What would you like to know about the return lines?
Wouldn't the water just run back into the jets??
We use duck plugs and the water will not go back into the pipe. Some of my other videos explain this a little better.
Thank you for asking this question.
Does ANYONE know how to close an in ground pool or what?! Every damn video I watch is different! One says drain below the jets, then the next has water over the jets??? WTF???
Lol. I hear ya. Even when I close a pool sometimes I'll drain it and sometimes not. If the duck plugs fit in your returns, use them. You can drop the water below the skimmer with a normal gizmo or keep the water as normal with an ultra gizmo (with the hole at the top). If you have concerns and I know it can be frustrating, email me a few pictures of your pool, the jets and the skimmer. And I'll help you answer what is best for your pool. Remember. Some people can't drop their water down to low because of ground water. One of my videos shows what happens when I dropped the water.