Where can you buy a line blower?

[dbursch]

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

[chrisexv6]

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

[brittmer]

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.

[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

[brittmer]

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....

[cleancloths]

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.

[Poconos]

The 70% could very well be true. Chemistry classes were way too long ago. I do remember something about the freezing point of a mixture being lower than either of the two alone but don't remember anything else. Maybe ChemGeek will see this and chime in.
Al

[waste]

Hate to interupt the discussion of what% antifreeze to use (I blow the lines clear and add ~ 1/2 gal), but the original ? was where to get a good vac/blower. The answer, Grangers (I've seen them up and down the east coast)

[KirstenHW]

antifreeze will freeze if you don't mix water with it.

Whaaat? I never heard that before!!