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Thread: Where can you buy a line blower?

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  1. #1
    matt4x4 is offline Lifetime Member Verb Herder matt4x4 2 stars matt4x4 2 stars
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    Default Re: Where can you buy a line blower?

    Just wanted to let you know that all air compressors have regulators that allow you to ADJUST the air pressure on the output side, I certainly did not mean to make it sound like you should go at it full pressure - I believe I stated that they'll have enough power to blow your lines appart, but, you can turn it down to a trickle if you want, with a rubber stopper bored in the center for the air compressor nozzle to fit as a seal on the line you're all set, and at least with an air compressor, you can put it to tons of other uses, so it's not just one piece of expensive AND overpriced equipment used once a year and collecting dust the remainder of the year. I'm trying to be a little efficient here and give you some bang for your buck.

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    Default Re: Where can you buy a line blower?

    I don't really understand why you need to blow the lines out.
    I live in the midwest so it freezes every year. All I do is pump antifreeze into each return line, without removing the water, and when I see the antifreeze coming out I cap off the line and fill the rest with antifreeze.
    The main drain I just pump antifreeze into the line until I see it starting to float out and then just leave it. Antifreeze is heavier than water so it stays in place.
    This way may take more antifreeze, but then I don't have to drain the water below the lines, refill it in the Spring or buy a blower.
    I have been doing it this way for about 12 years now and have never had a problem.
    Last edited by brittmer; 08-11-2006 at 03:46 PM.

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    Default Re: Where can you buy a line blower?

    How do you feed the anti-freeze -through the skimmer?

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    Default Re: Where can you buy a line blower?

    Our freeze line in CT is 42", but I had the same worries as you about the main drain.

    Considering the main drain would be the only plumbing line I would never replace if it ever broke (waaaaay too deep), Id rather spend the extra $$$ and make sure I take care of it correctly. The blower I bought from Pools Etc. actually launched the water out of the main drain so far that it went thru my (already installed) mesh safety cover. So basically it sent the water 2' above the surface, from 8' down. 10' worth of push is pretty darn good!

    BTW, I used my air compressor (or tried to anyway). I even borrowed a tool that increases air flow (using a venturi effect). I was still not able to push the water thru and out of the main drain. The right tool for the job really is that line blower.

    Re anti-freeze....I dont use any up here. Its been suggested to me, but Ive never thought of it as necessary. However, this year I may throw a little slug of af into each line. I know some people completely fill the lines, but with the line blower Im not worried about making the line completely filled with af, just want some in there to handle the spots where water will end up hiding (low spots, elbows, etc).

    -Chris

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    Default Re: Where can you buy a line blower?

    Quote Originally Posted by dbursch
    How do you feed the anti-freeze -through the skimmer?
    I just pull the union joint apart by the pump, pour antifreeze into a 5 gallon bucket, connect a small piece of hose to a small sump pump and pump the antifreeze into the lines. Skimmer is the same. When you see antifreeze coming out of the skimmer, cap it off with one of the long crushable skimmer plugs. I forget what the name is.
    Just remember that antifreeze will freeze if you don't mix water with it. That is why I don't drain the lines.

  6. #6
    Poconos is offline SuperMod Emeritus Whizbang Spinner Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars
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    Default Re: Where can you buy a line blower?

    I question the statement about the mix of AF & water, not saying it's wrong. I just checked a jug of RV antifreeze and it stated burst protection down to -50F undiluted. Just means it won't freeze solid. I also checked an old jug of ethylene glycol (green auto stuff) and it's vague about the concentrations. They stated a 50-50 mix is 'best overall' protection whatever that means. Then on a separate chart they list the concentrations for 40, 50, and 60% and the freeze and boiling points are still dropping & climbing at the 60% level. So...I always used the RV stuff straight, undiluted.
    Al

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    Default Re: Where can you buy a line blower?

    Quote Originally Posted by Poconos
    I question the statement about the mix of AF & water, not saying it's wrong. I just checked a jug of RV antifreeze and it stated burst protection down to -50F undiluted. Just means it won't freeze solid. I also checked an old jug of ethylene glycol (green auto stuff) and it's vague about the concentrations. They stated a 50-50 mix is 'best overall' protection whatever that means. Then on a separate chart they list the concentrations for 40, 50, and 60% and the freeze and boiling points are still dropping & climbing at the 60% level. So...I always used the RV stuff straight, undiluted.
    Al
    Good point Poconos. I never have used the RV stuff, just the antifreeze from the pool company. I have always heard that you need to have a mixture of water and antifreeze or it will freeze. I assumed that went for all antifreeze. Well...you know what happens when you assume....

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Where can you buy a line blower?

    I always thought that the 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol was based on an optimization of freeze and boiling protection, but that the maximum freeze protection took place at 70% antifreeze 30% water.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Where can you buy a line blower?

    antifreeze will freeze if you don't mix water with it.
    Whaaat? I never heard that before!!

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