Air Compressor Attachment/Adaptor & Questions

[jenmenke]

I am considering trying to close my IG 20x40 pool myself this year. I do all my own maintenance other than that, as I have been too chicken to try it.

I have searched and searched the forums to figure out how to use my air compressor to do this and am thoroughly confused.

Everyone talks about a "winterizing plug" with something akin to a "tire stem" coming out of it. Some have links to pool stores that sells them. I have not found any pool store selling them, other than the standard compression-type rubber winterizing plugs with the threaded screw and wing nuts on them.

I don't really want to start trying to figure out how to dismantle a bike tire to make my own. What are my options?

I'm totally on the fence about doing this, but thought if I could at least easily figure out the air compressor I'd go poke around and give it a try. I figured if I got cold feet (pun intended) I could always stop and call the pool guys (whose rates have doubled in the past 4 years, btw)

thanks in advance.
Jennie Menke

[waste]

The rubber plugs with the 'tire stem' shouldn't be hard to find. However, who needs them?

Down in Va. when we'd pressure test lines, we used an air compressor, you could rig up something like we did. Using a properly sized male adapter, ~ 1' of schedule 40 PVC pipe and a glue on cap, you can drill through the cap and use a tap to install a 'tank valve' (tire stem with threads on the bottom).

This would functionally replace the rubber plug with the tank valve through it and let you blow out the entire system from one skimmer (with the multiport on 'recirc'). It will cost more than the rubber plug (you need the M/A, pipe, cap and glue and primer as well as the tank valve and the tap) - but it's very simple to throw together and will last the life of your pool.

If you still can't find the blow through plug and need any info on building what I just told you about, just give a holler and I'll help you build one

[jenmenke]

See? My eyes started to glaze over on "using a properly sized male adaptor..."

I wish I could just go buy one somewhere. So, yes, I WOULD like help in making one. I would PAY you!!! Or, alternatively, you can spoon-feed me directions. Starting with what the "properly sized male adaptor" is attaching to. The compressor? The PVC? AAahhh!

I am vacillating on whether or not to do it myself. Temps are going to drop into the mid 20's early next week, so I might just call the pool co. cuz I'm feeling like a ninny.

[Poconos]

Take a look at my post #17 in this thread:

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=261

Al

[jenmenke]

Do you know if anyone has used the "ultra gizzmo?" It apparently has a blowthrough plug in the top of it. I can't find any good pictures of it, though, to see for sure if I am understanding it right.

I don't know how to post a link here. but this is where I saw it:

http://www.totalpoolwarehouse.com/It...emNo=411GIZ16U
http://www.gizzmo.net/new/html/install.html

Seems like -- if I am understanding it right -- it would do what your home made device would. I think it is designed to blow out thru the skimmers without lowering your water level. I, however, have always lowered water below skimmers and will continue to do so.

Pool closers are set to come on 10/15 unless I can get it figured out before then. I'm still thinking about doing it.

[jenmenke]

Here is another picture I found of it:

http://wetheadmedia.com/the-pool-gizzmo/

[lyateem]

Did you ever find an adapter?