Pool Closing-Where to Buy

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black_vanilla

black_vanilla

Silver Supporter
Dec 8, 2023
56
Huntsville, AL
Pool Size
24000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
I apologize in advance if this is posted here already but I could not find it. I’ve read through several threads on closing and watched the video and I believe I have a good understanding of closing the pool. Besides liquid chlorine and Polyquat 60, where do I buy the rubber plugs and caps for the lines? Also, does anyone have recommendations on the device to blow the lines out and a good pump to drain water down?
 
There are many pool places on line. The shipping is the factor. Try Pool Zoom as they ship for free over $50. It all depends on what size plugs you need. Maybe ask a neighbor or friend to borrow them. I like the #10 plugs as they are snug around the outside. I also use the # 11 plugs for the steps.

Also, know that you may have some air bubbles from the plugs after closing. Do not be alarmed as there will be no damage. It will take time for the bubbles to escape. This is trapped air in the front of the winter plug, and it will not be a problem. If this bothers you, remove one and put it in quickly and all the air in all the plugs will be removed. I know this as in the spring as I remove the plugs air comes out, which is trapped in the lines.

Do not over-pressurize the system if using an air compressor. You can also burp the plugs to remove the air if necessary. Thank you.
 
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black_vanilla said:
Also, does anyone have recommendations on the device to blow the lines out and a good pump to drain water down?
Click to expand...
No question. Hands down. A Cyclone.

Amazon.com: Air Supply 4128100P Cyclone 3 HP 120 Volt 14 Amp Portable Pool Spa Air Blower : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Buy Air Supply 4128100P Cyclone 3 HP 120 Volt 14 Amp Portable Pool Spa Air Blower: Leaf Blower & Vacuum Parts & Accessories - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

You also want these for your skimmers, they come in different lengths, so get the right size for your skimmer:

 
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Be careful if ordering on Amazon. It may have been a returned item. I had an issue with a small jack and fought with the company out of warranty and they sent me a replacement unit (which I have to fix).

It is best to deal with a reputable online pool supplier. Sometimes, they have them on sale. Please look at my thread for closing the pool, it will give you all the information you need. You will need to create a modified cover. You can work off the skimmers and work backward. There are many ways. The Key is the Cyclone.

Interestingly enough, last year I finally called it quits on the Gizmos. I do use them and insert them after I go to the rubber plug route. Also, foam inside with the Gizzmo's. They go sideways and tucked in and the pool noodles ensure they do not pop back up. They just were not sealing properly, so I switched the route.

Air compressors. and shop vacs are hit or miss, depending on the pool.
 
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The risk of making a mistake and having damage that can be very costly. I'd suggest get a professional to close for you this year and take notes. Call it a paid lesson so you'll have a better understanding for next year to do it yourself, besides when you open up yourself you'll have all the necessary plugs ,gizmos. you'll need. You will just have to shop for the cyclone blower.
 
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black_vanilla said:
where do I buy the rubber plugs and caps for the lines?
Click to expand...
Home centers and hardware stores have the expandable plugs, pool stores have the threaded plugs. I bought cheapo threaded plugs from Amazon and was disappointed. Buy the real ones at the pool store, they're gonna last forever.

black_vanilla said:
Also, does anyone have recommendations on the device to blow the lines
Click to expand...
A cyclone is worth every penny. You also have a simple system so here is two other ways.

Closing with shop vac.

Today was the day for closing and it went great with a 6HP shop vac. I hooked my blower up for fun after, and there really wasn't much left but some spray. Anywho I wanted to do a write up for all the folks wondering if they could save a chunk of change and tackle their own closing...
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com


black_vanilla said:
and a good pump to drain water down?
Click to expand...
I like this One
 
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The concept of closing an in ground swimming pool

I wanted to place a generic post that people can refer to when closing an IG Pool with a sand filter. The information in this thread is based on my experience, how I prefer to close a pool, and extremely valuable information from some of the many talented forum members. Most of the credit...
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
If you have a large shop vac, there's some probability it has even higher CFM and static pressure than the cyclone. Horsepower ratings are wonky on universal motors, most use stall current, but it's not universal However, any blower or shop vac pulling more than 12 amps at 120 volts is going to get the job done.

The aforementioned Air Supply 3 hp blower delivers 120 CFM at 180 inches for $350, but the Ridgid "6.5 peak hp" shop vac with detachable delivers an even higher 140 CFM at pressure completely sufficient to blow your lines clean, for only $129. Bonus, it's a useful shop vac, that you'll use for other chores.

If anyone is actually interested in knowing the pressure number, I can try to measure mine, I have a much older variant of the same vacuum. However, I can tell you from experience it blows my pool lines completely clear.
 
P00LNerd said:
If anyone is actually interested in knowing the pressure number, I can try to measure mine, I have a much older variant of the same vacuum. However, I can tell you from experience it blows my pool lines completely clear.
Click to expand...

I'd love to see it tested. 180" is about 6.5 psi.
 

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PoolStored said:
I'd love to see it tested. 180" is about 6.5 psi.
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Okay. Let me check the stash and see if I have any gauges that can handle full vacuum, and if so, I'll rig up a test. I can also do with various numbers of hose extensions, as there's some leak at each junction.

I honestly don't know what to expect, it will be interesting to find out, but it has no bearing on the fact that it blows my pool lines dry with a vengeance. :D
 
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I'm an idiot. You guys are interested in blower outlet pressure, not vacuum pull.

Even easier, as I know I have at least a few 15 psi full-scale pressure gauges in the shop. Will measure it this weekend.
 
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