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Question

I am having trouble blowing out my bottom drain this year. Both Skimmers and return lines are blown out but no matter what I do I cannot blow any air bubbles through the bottom drain. Am I alright to close it this way?

Answer 1

I'm only "ONE" of the millions of happy fans here; but I so desperately want to assume you assumed everyone would know what you're talking about. Obviously your Q is copy pasted; and had you read deeper you may have found a yahoo disclaimer stating more detailed Q's result in better answers. Forgive me that.

Now......... You're talking about a POOL I assume. The result might largely depend on where you live, in a Winterizing; and its success. No offense but I've never understood the validity of a pool in climates that get to temps below freezing.

First and better might have been just to pull in a garden hose; run it full blast and DRAIN the pool. Gravity would take care of the plumbing and water as far back as the pump anyway from the skimmer. The bottom drain would also allow that process; and in your filter you should have a drain plug/valve; if for no more than trapped air venting. Waste some water and try that. AIR doesn't strictly freeze; but water certainly does; and air only adds pressure in the freezing process.

Beyond that. and not at all knowing the substance or construction of your pool you may have greater issues than just trapped air. IE: Depth and severity of FREEZING.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Nicole,

Pipes won't freeze 4 feet below grade. So you don't have to blow bubbles right through to the bottom of your pool. Besides, once “blown”, the water will flow back. The fact that you cannot blow this line this year and were able to last year means that something has changed. I’m hoping for you that it’s the tool you are using to blow, otherwise it could mean a blockage of your bottom drain.

We use a foam snake in the line to prevent the freezing water from damaging the pipes. This is how it was done since the pool was installed in 1974 (in Canada) and we (the previous owners and I) never had any problems.

Answer 3

what in the world are you talking about??

Answer 4

if you want it to be more of a problom yes if you don't no!!