Are you finding that your inground pool main drain seems to be clogged? Blowing out an in-ground pool main drain can be a daunting task for a DIYer, but it is important to maintain your swimming pool properly. This process involves removing all the water from the pipes that are connected to the pools main drain suction fitting by using compressed air.
Doing this will ensure that everything stays free of debris and prevents any damage or clogs as winter approaches. In this blog post, we will walk you through each step on how to blow out main drain inground pool so you know exactly how to blow out your inground pool main drain like a pro.
If you have an inground pool and are dealing with a stubborn blockage, learning how to properly address it can not only save time but prevent more serious damage down the line as well.
Why Do You Need to Blow Out Main Drain Inground Pool?
1. To Keep the Pool Clean
Main drains are important because they help to keep the pool clean and clear. Blowing out your main drain helps remove any debris, leaves, or other things that can get stuck in the lines and cause clogs. This will help prevent water from backing up into the pool when it rains and also reduce the amount of algae growth caused by unclean lines.
2. To Prevent Damage to Your Pool Equipment
Blowing out the main drain is also important for preventing damage to your pool equipment. When water freezes in the lines, it can expand and cause cracks or blockages that can disrupt the functioning of your filter and pump system. But if you blow out the lines each season, it will help keep everything running smoothly all year round.
3. To Save Time and Money on Maintenance
Finally, blowing out the main drain is a great way to save time and money on future pool maintenance. By doing it yourself now, you’ll be able to avoid costly repairs down the road caused by clogged or damaged plumbing lines.
Required Items and Equipment
Before you start the process of blowing out your main drain, make sure you have all of the necessary items and equipment ready. You’ll need
- A shop vac
- Air compressor
- Blow out plug
- garden hose
- a few buckets
10 Ways How to Blow Out Main Drain Inground Pool
1. Turn the Power Off
Start by shutting off the power to your pool pump and filter system. This will help prevent any damage caused by water pressure or air pressure. The power should remain off until the entire process is complete.
2. Shut Off the Valves
Next, shut off all of the valves connected to your pool’s plumbing lines. This includes any valves for skimmers, suctions, and returns. Valves should remain shut until you’re ready to open them again.
3. Vacuum Out the Lines
Now that the valves are closed, you can start vacuuming out all of the water from your plumbing lines using a shop vacuum. If necessary, use multiple buckets or tubs to collect the water and empty it outside your pool area.
4. Attach the Blow Out Plug
Once all of the water is removed, attach your blow out plug to the end of your main drain line. Make sure that it fits correctly and there are no leaks. If necessary, use a hose clamp to ensure a tight seal.
5. Connect the Air Compressor
Now connect the air compressor to the blow out plug. Make sure that the connections are secure and there are no leaks. Compressor should remain off until the system is ready for use.
6. Turn On and Monitor the System
Turn on the air compressor and monitor it while it runs. Make sure that there are no leaks in the lines and everything is connected securely. Once you’ve confirmed that all of the connections are secure, you can allow the compressor to run for 10-15 minutes.
7. Turn Off the Compressor
After 10-15 minutes, turn off the air compressor and remove the blow out plug from the drain line. Place it in a safe location so that you can find it easily when you’re ready to use it again. Turning off the compressor will also help prevent any sudden pressure build ups.
8. Open the Valves
Open all of the valves connected to your pool’s system. This includes any skimmer, suction, and return lines. You should now be able to hear air coming through the lines as they fill with water again.
9. Turn On the Power
Once all of the valves are open and water is flowing again, you can turn on the power to your pool pump and filter system. This will help ensure that everything is running smoothly and efficiently.
10. Check for Leaks
Finally, do a quick check for any leaks in the lines or connections. If you find any issues, make sure to repair them right away. If everything looks good, you’re ready to enjoy your clean and properly maintained pool!
Blowing out your main drain inground pool is an easy and effective way to maintain it each season. With the right set of tools, a little bit of time and attention to detail, you can keep your pool running efficiently and safely all year round.
Plus, you’ll save money on future maintenance costs! So make sure to give this simple procedure a try next time you’re getting your pool ready for the summer season.
8 Safety Precautions to Take Before Blowing Out Your Inground Pool Main Drain
No matter what type of inground pool you own, blowing out the main drain is a necessary part of winterizing your pool. It prevents damage due to freezing water and helps keep your equipment in top condition. But before you jump right into it, there are some important safety precautions that must be taken:
1. Shut off the power to the pool pump and filtration system. To prevent electrical shock, make sure you turn off the power to your pool’s pump and filter before beginning any work. Shutting off the circuit breaker or unplugging the pump is the best way to ensure your safety.
2. Wear protective gear. Always wear protective clothing such as gloves, boots, and goggles when working around a pool. This will help prevent injury in case of an accident. Also, be sure to keep a first-aid kit nearby in case of any injuries.
3. Remove the drain cap. Before you can begin blowing out the main drain, you must first remove the cap from the end of the pipe. This will allow air to freely flow through the pipe and out of your pool’s main drains.
4. Connect an air compressor to the drain cap. Once the cap is removed, you can then connect your air compressor to the pipe leading from the main drain. Make sure that you’re using a high-pressure nozzle and that all connections are secured tightly.
5. Close off all other drains in the pool. To ensure that all of the water is pushed out of the main drain, you must close off all other drains in your pool. This can be done by closing valves or using special plugs to prevent air and water from escaping.
6. Start the air compressor. Once everything is in place, start up the compressor and let it run until all of the water has been forced out of the main drain. Do not turn off the compressor until this process is complete.
7. Disconnect the air compressor. Once all of the water has been blown out, you can then disconnect the air compressor from the main drain pipe. Be sure to do this carefully and take extra precautions as electric shock is possible if done incorrectly.
8. Replace drain cap. The last step is to replace the cap on the end of the main drain pipe. This will help ensure that no debris or animals can get inside the drain and cause damage to your pool’s filtration system.
By taking these simple safety precautions, you can winterize your inground pool safely and ensure that it is ready for use next summer!
Conclusion
Maintaining an inground pool is not as scary as most people think. Blowing out a main drain is an important part of keeping your pool clean and functioning properly. It involves draining the water from the plumbing lines, ensuring the valves are shut off and then blowing compressed air through the lines.
With careful attention to detail, this simple procedure can help keep your swimming pool in great condition for years to come.
Paying attention to your main drains can be just as important as maintaining other parts of your pool system like cleaning it and checking chemical levels regularly. Plus, by knowing how to blow out main drain inground pool, you’ll save time and money from having to hire a professional each season. So take the time and learn how to do this now – it will pay off later!
