How to Clear the Lines for a Swimming Pool
As you close your swimming pool for the winter, it is a good idea to clear the lines. Leaving water in the pipes is dangerous because winter temperatures will cause the water to freeze and the pipes to potentially burst. Clearing or "blowing out" the pipes will save you a big headache down the road. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Vacuum
- Expansion Plugs
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Instructions
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Plug in a shop vacuum or Mighty Vac. Use one that has a 2.75-horsepower motor for enough power to blow out the lines. Make sure the vacuum is plugged into an outlet that is close to the pool skimmer. Using an extension cord will diminish the motor's capacity.
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Connect the vacuum to the skimmer line. Turn it on. Blow air through the skimmer, piping and equipment.
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Look into the water. The airflow should cause bubbles to emerge in the pool.
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Insert expansion plugs into the spot where the return lines enter the pool. The plugs are made of steel bolts, washers and wing nuts. This will keep water from flowing back into the lines.
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Tips & Warnings
If you decide not to blow the lines to clear them, you can add swimming pool antifreeze into the piping.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
