POOL WINTERIZATION DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/703,618, filed on Oct. 4, 2024, and titled “Pool Winterization Device”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/796,603, filed on Apr. 29, 2025, and titled “Pool Winterization Device”, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference and on each of which priority is hereby claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field Of The Invention

The present invention generally relates to swimming pool maintenance devices, and more particularly relates to swimming pool winterization devices and adjuncts.

Description of the Prior Art

Pool systems, which generally comprise one or more pumps, filters, skimmers, salt cells, suction lines, return lines and drains, must be winterized when installed in colder climates where temperature changes can cause fluid within the aforementioned components to freeze. Accordingly, to prevent freeze damage, the pool system must be winterized, which typically involves removing any liquid from the pool system components and, optionally, flushing the system with antifreeze.

There are various methods to winterize a pool system. One method involves lowering the water level in the pool and blowing air through the return lines. More specifically, the water in the pool is drained until it reaches a level that is at or below the lowest return line outlet, which also is below the skimmer inlets. Air is then pumped through the return lines and the suction lines to purge the fluid therein. As the air is pumped through the return lines, winterizing plugs, which are typically made of rubber, are placed in the return line outlets to create a seal and keep the water out of the return lines. With respect to the suction lines, air is pumped therethrough until bubbles are seen coming from the main drain(s) suction line inlets. Thereafter, the suction lines are sealed to create an air pocket. Antifreeze can also be added to the suction lines and return lines after the air has purged any fluid therein.

Draining the water from the pool for winterization purposes is problematic because it is both time-consuming and expensive, as the water must be refilled at the beginning of the next pool season. Accordingly, to save time and money, some owners and technicians attempt to winterize pool systems without draining any water from the pool by merely pumping air through the lines and plugging the outlets after visualizing bubbles. However, with such a method, there is no guarantee that the lines are free of fluid since it is possible for water to re-enter the lines as the plugs are added to the outlets. Furthermore, such a method is also problematic because antifreeze cannot be added to the system.

Some pool system draining adjuncts have been devised to assist with pool system winterization, without needing to drain the water from the pool to the level of the return line outlet; however, such adjuncts are also problematic.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,321 discloses an L-shaped return line blowout device that is insertable into the return line outlet of a pool. More specifically, the L-shaped device has a first end that is inserted into the return line outlet and a second end that extends outwardly and upwardly from the first end so that the second end is situated above the water level of the pool. After air is pumped through the return line, a plug is inserted into the second end of the L-shaped device. Nevertheless, the blowout device disclosed in the '321 patent is problematic because it is a unitary (one-part) device. In this regard, it is common for swimming pool return line outlets to be situated in or above the steps of a swimming pool or near a pool wall. As such, inserting a unitary blowout device, such as the device disclosed in the '321 patent, into the return line outlet is problematic because the steps and/or wall can impede and/or obstruct the rotation of the device when threading it into the return line outlet. This can prevent the device from being properly oriented, as well as inadvertently cause damage to the device or the pool return line outlet due to overtightening. More specifically, for a unitary blowout device, such as that which is disclosed in the '321 patent, to be effective, the connection between the device and the return line outlet needs to be watertight, yet as the device is threadingly tightened into return line outlet, the second end of the device may not be vertically oriented when the watertight seal is created. If this occurs, the device will not properly function to winterize the system and it must be unthreaded and reattached, repeatedly, until the second end is vertically oriented above the water when the watertight seal is created.

Accordingly, there is a need for a pool winterization device that is readily engageable with a return line outlet to create a watertight seal while being properly oriented for winterizing pool system components.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pool winterization device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a pool winterization device that is usable in confined spaces.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a pool winterization device that enables a pool to be winterized without lowering the water level in the pool.

In accordance with one form of the present invention, a pool winterization device includes a pool wall adapter and a blowout extension. The pool wall adapter is selectively engageable with a pool return line outlet. The blowout extension is selectively engageable with the pool wall adapter and transiently rotatable thereon to selectively position at least a portion of the blowout extension above the water level in the pool. A blowout plug or blowout cap is engageable with a portion of the blowout extension to create a seal by closing the open top end thereof.

In accordance with another form of the present invention, a pool winterization device includes a pool wall adapter, a blowout extension and one or more blowout extension expanders. The blowout extension is selectively engageable with the pool wall adapter and transiently rotatable thereon to selectively position the blowout extension in a generally vertical orientation. The blowout extension expander is engageable with a free end of the blowout extension such that a portion of the blowout extension expander is situated above the water level in the pool. A blowout plug or blowout cap is engageable with a portion of the blowout extension or blowout extension expander to create a seal by closing the respective open top end thereof.

In accordance with yet another form of the present invention, a pool winterization kit includes a pool wall adapter and a plurality of blowout extensions having varying lengths. The pool wall adapter is selectively engageable with a pool return line outlet. The blowout extension is selectively engageable with the pool wall adapter and transiently rotatable thereon to selectively position at least a portion of the blowout extension above the water level in the pool. The kit further includes O-rings, blowout plugs or blowout caps, and adapters for fitting the pool wall adapter to the pool return line outlet.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded, right perspective view of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded, right elevational view of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, exploded, right perspective view of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partially exploded, right perspective view of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the pool wall adapter inserted in the blowout extension.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, right perspective view of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the pool wall adapter inserted in the blowout extension.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, left elevational view of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the pool wall adapter inserted in the blowout extension.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional, left elevational view of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the pool wall adapter inserted in the blowout extension.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a pool return line outlet and the pool wall adapter of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a right perspective view of a pool wall adapter of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the pool wall adapter engaged with a pool return line outlet.

FIG. 10 is a right perspective view of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the pool winterization device installed in a pool return line outlet.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional, right elevational view of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the pool winterization device installed in a pool return line outlet.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a blowout extension expander of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a rubber expansion plug of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an exploded, right perspective view of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged, exploded, right perspective view of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a right perspective view of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the pool wall adapter inserted in the blowout extension.

FIG. 17 is a right perspective view of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the pool winterization device installed in a pool return line outlet.

FIGS. 18A-18G are a left perspective view, a right perspective view, a top plan view, a bottom plan view, a side elevational view, a rear elevational view and a front elevational view, respectively, of a pool wall adapter of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIGS. 19A-19F are a front perspective view, a rear perspective view, a left elevational view, a top plan view, a front elevational view and a rear elevational view, respectively, of a union nut of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIGS. 20A-20G are a left perspective view, a bottom plan view, a top plan view, a rear elevational view, a front elevational view, a right elevational view and a left elevational view, respectively, of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the pool wall adapter inserted in the blowout extension.

FIG. 21 is a left perspective view of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the pool wall adapter inserted in the blowout extension and the blowout cap engaged with the blowout extension.

FIGS. 22A-22E are a top perspective view, a top plan view, a side elevational view, a bottom plan view and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of a blowout cap of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIGS. 23A-23E are a top perspective view, a top plan view, a side elevational view, a bottom plan view and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of a blowout cap of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIGS. 24A-24E are left perspective views of a blowout extension of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIGS. 25A-24A are right elevational views of a blowout extension of a pool winterization device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Initially referencing FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, the pool winterization device 2 formed in accordance with the present invention preferably includes a pool wall adapter 4 and a blowout extension 6, the pool wall adapter 4 and the blowout extension 6 being selectively engageable with one another. More specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the pool wall adapter 4 is preferably formed as a tubular member having opposite first and second axial ends 8, 10, and formed with a generally cylindrical sidewall 12 that defines an interior bore or lumen 14 of the tube. The first and second axial ends 8, 10 are preferably open. The pool wall adapter 4 includes a first portion 16, a second portion 18 that is situated opposite the first portion 16, and a flange 20 that extends radially outwardly from the sidewall 12 between the first portion 16 and the second portion 18.

The first portion 16 of the pool wall adapter 4 preferably includes a threaded outer surface 22 that is threadingly receivable within a threaded portion 26 of the pool return line outlet 24 situated in the wall 30 of the pool, as shown in FIGS. 8-11 of the drawings. At least one O-ring 28 is fitted on the first portion 16 of the pool wall adapter 4 such that, when the first portion 16 is threadingly received within the threaded portion 26 of the pool return line outlet 24, the O-ring 28 creates a watertight seal between the pool wall adapter 16 and the pool return line outlet 24. Preferably, the O-ring 28 is situated on the first portion 16 of the pool wall adapter 4 such that, when the first portion 16 is engaged with the threaded portion 26 of the pool return line outlet 24, the O-ring 28 is compressed between a recessed, cylindrical ledge 32 of the pool return line outlet 24 and a first side 34 of the flange 20, thereby creating a watertight seal therebetween.

The second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 includes at least one hole 36 formed diametrically therethrough. Preferably, a series of holes 36 is formed in a spaced apart pattern radially about the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4. As will be described in greater detail in the forthcoming paragraphs, the blowout extension 6 also preferably includes at least one hole 38 formed diametrically therethrough so that, as the blowout extension 6 is rotated to be in a generally upright, vertical position, one of the holes 36 in the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 and the hole 38 in the blowout extension 6 may be aligned when the blowout extension 6 is properly oriented and may receive a locking pin or bolt 40 therethrough. When inserted through the aligned holes 36, 38 in the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 and the blowout extension 6, the locking pin 40 resists unintentional relative rotation of the blowout extension 6 on the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4. Accordingly, once the blowout extension 6 is adjusted to a desired orientation, the locking pin 40 may be inserted through the aligned holes 36, 38 in the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 and the blowout extension 6. A fastener 130, such as a wing nut, may then be fastened to the threaded end 132 of the bolt 40. Nevertheless, it is also envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention to have the blowout extension 6 include a series of holes that may be aligned with a single hole formed diametrically through the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4. At least one O-ring 42 is fitted on the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 such that, when the second portion 18 is received within the blowout extension 6, the O-ring 42 creates a watertight seal between the pool wall adapter 4 and the blowout extension 6. Preferably, the O-ring 42 is situated on the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 such that, when the second portion 18 is inserted into the blowout extension 6, the O-ring 42 is compressed between an inner surface 44 of the blowout extension 6 and the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4, thereby creating a watertight seal therebetween.

The blowout extension 6 is preferably formed as an L-shaped tubular member having opposite first and second axial ends 46, 48, and is formed with a generally cylindrical sidewall 50 that defines an interior bore or lumen 52 of the tube. The first and second axial ends 46, 48 are preferably open. The blowout extension 6 includes a first portion 54 and a second portion 56, the first portion 54 being generally, perpendicularly oriented to the second portion 56. The L-shaped tubular member may include a tapered portion 58 leading to the second axial end 48 thereof. As air is pumped through the return lines, the tapered portion 58 causes an increase in pressure, which results in a more complete blowout of fluid from the winterization device 2. As described above, the blowout extension 6 is selectively engageable with the pool wall adapter 4, as well as rotatably adjustable thereon so that the blowout extension 6 can be vertically oriented with the second axial end 48 thereof situated above the water level 60 in the pool.

More specifically, in one form, the first portion 54 of the blowout extension 6 includes at least one hole 38 formed diametrically therethrough (i.e., forming two opposite openings in the sidewall 50 of the blowout extension 6). After the pool wall adapter 4 has been engaged with the return line outlet 24, the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 is inserted into the open first axial end 46 of the blowout extension 6 and received within the lumen 52 in the first portion 54 of the blowout extension 6. When the blowout extension 6 is in a generally upright, vertical position such that the second axial end 48 thereof is above the water level 60 in the pool, one of the holes 36 in the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 and the hole 38 in the first portion 54 of the blowout extension 6 are aligned and the locking pin or bolt 40 is inserted therethrough, joining the blowout extension 6 to the pool wall adapter 4, as shown in FIG. 4-7 of the drawings. It is also envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention to have the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 and the first portion 54 of the blowout extension 6 configured such that the first portion 54 of the blowout extension 6 is received within the lumen 14 in the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4, for example, by having the diameter of the lumen 14 in the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 be greater than the diameter of the first portion 54 of the blowout extension 6. Nevertheless, it has been found that receiving the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 within the lumen 52 in the first portion 54 of the blowout extension 6 minimizes leakage as air is pumped through the return line and through the pool wall adapter 4 into the blowout extension 6.

In a simple form, the locking pin or bolt 40 includes a first axial end 134 and a second axial end 136 disposed opposite the first axial end 134. The bolt head 138 is situated at the first axial end 134. The bolt 40 includes a threaded portion 132 that extends at least partially between the second axial end 136 and the first axial end 134. A fastener 130, such as a wing nut, may be threadingly engaged with the threaded portion 132 of the bolt 40. One or more O-rings 140 may be fitted over the bolt 40 between the head 138, which is situated at the first axial end 134, and an outer surface of the first portion 54 of the blowout extension 6, and also between the fastener 130 and the outer surface of the first portion 54 of the blowout extension 6 to seal the aligned holes 36, 38.

A portion of the lumen 52 of the blowout extension 6 in proximity to the second axial end 48 thereof preferably includes internal threads 62 such that a blowout plug 64 having external threads may be threadingly received therein to seal the second axial end 48 of the blowout extension 6 closed. Alternatively, a blowout cap 66 may be affixed over the second axial end 48 of the blowout extension 6. The blowout cap 66 may include a central bore leading into the lumen 52 of the blowout extension 6 into which the blowout plug 64 may be received. The central bore of the blowout cap 66 may be threaded or unthreaded. It is also envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention to utilize an unthreaded blowout plug 64 that seals the second axial end 48 of the blowout extension 6 and/or the blowout cap 66 by merely an interference fit. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 13 of the drawings, the blowout plug 64 may be embodied as a rubber expansion plug 86 having a rubber flange 88 that is selectively adjustable in diameter. The flange 88 may be selectively compressed between two plates 90 by tightening a wing nut 92 on a bolt 94 that extends through the flange 88 and between the two plates 90. The rubber expansion plug 86 may also be used if the portion of the lumen 52 in proximity to the second axial end 48 of the blowout extension 6 is unthreaded.

Now referencing FIGS. 20A-20G, 21, 22A-22E and 23A-23E of the drawings, in yet another form, the second axial end 48 of the blowout extension 6 may include an externally threaded portion 49 that may be selectively engageable with the blowout cap 66. More specifically, in an alternative form, as shown in FIGS. 22A-22E and FIGS. 23A-23E of the drawings, the blowout cap 66 includes a generally cylindrical sidewall 47, an open bottom end 55 and a closed top end 53 situated opposite to the open bottom end 55. The sidewall 47 includes an inner surface 59 having a threaded portion 51. The threaded portion 51 is engageable with the externally threaded portion 49 of the blowout extension 6. The closed top end 53 may be convex or flat in shape, as shown in FIGS. 22A-22E and FIGS. 23A-23E of the drawings, respectively. The internally threaded blowout cap 66 may be threadingly engaged with the externally threaded portion 49 of the blowout extension 6 to seal the second axial end 48 of the blowout extension 6 closed, as shown in FIG. 21 of the drawings.

The blowout extension 6 may be constructed in varying dimensions such that, when the blowout extension 6 is joined to a pool wall adapter 4 that is engaged with a return line outlet 24, the second axial end 48 of the blowout extension 6 is situated above the water level 60 in the pool. For example, the overall length D of the blowout extension 6 may generally be between about three (3) inches and eighteen (18) inches. As will be described in greater detail in the forthcoming paragraphs, a pool winterization kit preferably includes a plurality of blowout extensions 6, the blowout extensions 6 having respective lengths D of about six (6) inches, about nine (9) inches, about twelve (12) inches, about fifteen (15) inches and about eighteen (18) inches, as shown in FIGS. 24A-24E and FIGS. 25A-25E of the drawings. The user can then select an appropriately sized blowout extension 6, depending on the position of the return line outlet 24 and the water level 60 in the pool, such that the second axial end 48 of the blowout extension 6 is situated above the water level 60 in the pool.

Alternatively or in combination, the winterization device 2 may further include one or more blowout extension expanders 68. As will be described in greater detail, the blowout extension expander 68 is engageable with the second portion 56 of the blowout extension 6 to lengthen the lumen 52 of the blowout extension 6 so that it is above the water level 60 of the pool. In this regard, return line outlets 24 are not always situated at a consistent depth within the pool. Furthermore, the water level 60 in the pool often varies. As such, the length of the blowout extension 6 may not always be sufficient such that the second axial end 48 thereof is above the water level 60 of the pool. Accordingly, one or more blowout extension expanders 68 may be coupled to or engaged with the blowout extension 6 to extend the reach of the lumen 52 above the water level 60 of the pool.

As can be seen in FIG. 12 of the drawings, the blowout extension expander 68 is preferably formed as a tubular member having opposite first and second axial ends 70, 72, and formed with a generally cylindrical sidewall 74 that defines an interior bore or lumen 76 of the tube. The first and second axial ends 70, 72 are preferably open. The blowout extension expander 68 further includes a first portion 78 and an oppositely disposed second portion 80. At least part of the first portion 78 of the blowout extension expander 68 includes a threaded outer surface 82 that is receivable within the second axial end 48 of the blowout extension 6 and threadingly engageable with the threaded portion 62 of the lumen 52 of the blowout extension 6. An O-ring 84 may be fitted over the threaded part of the first portion 78 of the blowout extension expander 68 to create a seal with the blowout extension 6 when it is threadingly engaged with the lumen 52 thereof. Similarly to the blowout extension 6, a portion of the lumen 76 of the blowout extension expander 68 in proximity to the second axial end 72 is preferably internally threaded such that a threaded blowout plug 64 may be threadingly received therein to seal the second axial end 72 thereof. Furthermore, if the second axial end 72 of the blowout extension expander 68 is not above the water level 60 in the pool, additional blowout extension expander(s) 68 may be added by engaging the threaded first portion 78 of a subsequent blowout extension expander 68 with the internally threaded second portion 80 of the blowout extension expander 68 that is engaged with the blowout extension 6. Alternatively, a blowout cap 66 may be affixed over the second axial end 72 of the blowout extension expander 68. The blowout cap 66 may include a central bore leading into the lumen 76 of the blowout extension expander 68 into which a blowout plug 64 may be received. It is also envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention to utilize an unthreaded blowout plug 64, such as the rubber expansion plug 86 described above, that seals the second axial end 72 of the blowout extension expander 68 and/or the blowout cap 66 by merely an interference fit. The rubber expansion plug 86 may also be used if the lumen 76 in proximity to the second axial end 72 of the blowout extension expander 68 is unthreaded. Alternatively, the second axial end 72 of the blowout extension expander 68 may include an externally threaded portion that may be selectively engageable with one of the internally threaded blowout caps 66 shown in FIGS. 22A-22E and FIGS. 23A-23E of the drawings. The internally threaded blowout cap 66 may be threadingly engaged with the externally threaded portion of the blowout extension expander 68 to seal the second axial end 72 of the blowout extension expander 68 closed.

In another form of the present invention, as particularly shown in FIGS. 14-17, 20A-20G, 21, 24A-24E and 25A-25E of the drawings, the pool wall adapter 4 and the blowout extension 6 may also be engaged with one another by a union-type fitting or coupling 96 comprising a union nut 98, union end connector 100, union O-ring 116 and union body 104. More specifically, the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 may be formed as or connected to a union body 104, the union body 104 having a generally cylindrical sidewall 106 that defines an interior bore or lumen 108, at least a portion of the cylindrical sidewall 106 having external threads 110. The face 112 of the union body 104 includes a groove or recess 114 in which the union O-ring 116 is seated. The first portion 54 of the blowout extension 6 may correspondingly be formed as or connected to a union end connector 100, the union end connector 100 having a generally cylindrical sidewall 118 that defines an interior bore or lumen 120, a flange 122 that extends radially outwardly from a free end 124 thereof, and a face 126 that conforms to the shape of the face 112 of the union body 104. Once the blowout extension 6 is properly situated in a vertical orientation, the faces 112, 126 of the union body 104 and the union end connector 100 are biased together, and the union nut 98, which includes internal threads 128, is threadingly engaged with the threads 110 of the union body 104 and the flange 122, thereby engaging the union body 104 and the union end connector 100 together and causing the union O-ring 116 to create a seal therebetween. As described above, although not particularly shown in FIGS. 14-17 of the drawings, the portion of the lumen 52 of the blowout extension 6 in proximity to the second axial end 48 thereof may include internal threads 62 such that the threaded blowout plug 64 may be threadingly received therein to seal the second axial end 48 of the blowout extension 6 closed. Alternatively, the blowout cap 66 may be affixed over the second axial end 48 of the blowout extension 6. The blowout cap 66 may include a central bore leading into the lumen 52 of the blowout extension 6 into which the blowout plug 64 may be received. The central bore may be threaded and receive a blowout plug 64 that is threaded or the central bore may be unthreaded and receive the rubber expansion plug 86. The rubber expansion plug 86 may also be used if the portion of the lumen 52 in proximity to the second axial end 48 of the blowout extension 6 is unthreaded. As also described above, the blowout extension 6 may include a tapered portion 58 leading to the second axial end 48 thereof.

Each of the pool wall adapter 4, blowout extension 6 and the blowout extension expanders 68 may be formed as unitary components, for example, by injection molding or blow molding, or as an assembly of separate components. For example, a 1.5 inch adapter having a total length of 0.75 inches may be used to form the pool wall adapter 4. A 2 inch PVC hollow tube with a 90 degree elbow and a length of 4 inches, in combination with a 2 inch PVC hollow tube, a 2 inch to 1 inch hollow tube reducer, an end cap having a 1 inch internally threaded bore and a 1 inch externally threaded cap may be used to form the blowout extension 6. If a union-type coupling 96 is being used, it is preferably a 1.5 inch union adapter. In summary, the pool wall adapter 4 may be formed as a PVC fitting with 1.5 in male adapter to interface with the pool wall return outlet 24 and preferably has two O-rings 28, 42. One O-ring 28 is on the male threads 22 that are to be screwed into the pool wall return outlet 24. This O-ring's main purpose is to prevent overtightening of the male adapter (i.e., the first portion 16 of the pool wall adapter 4) as it presses against the pool wall return outlet 24 (female adapter). The second O-ring 42 is inset on the outside of the 1.5 PVC coupling. This O-ring's purpose is to create a watertight seal between the pool wall adapter 4 and the blowout extension 6 when they are fitted together and pinned in place. The second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 preferably has four 0.25 inch diametric holes (i.e., forming four pairs of opposite openings in the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4) 36 approximately 0.25 inches apart from one another. The holes 36 are intended to allow the two-part system to be pinned together as one with a 3 inch hex bolt (locking pin 40) and wing nut 130. The blowout extension 6 may be formed by a PVC L-shaped tube that is connected to the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 once the pool wall adapter 4 is securely in place and engaged with the return line outlet 24. The L-shaped tubing preferably has one 0.25 inch diametric hole 38 for pinning the blowout extension 6 to the pool wall adapter 4 with a 3 inch hex bolt (locking pin) and wing nut 130.

To use the pool winterization device 2 formed in accordance with the present invention, the first portion 16 of the pool wall adapter 4 is first inserted into the return line outlet 24 in the pool wall 30 and threadingly engaged therewith until the until the O-ring 28 is seated against the pool wall outlet 24. Once the pool wall adapter 4 is secured to the return line outlet 24, the blowout extension 6 is fitted over the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 and situated in a generally vertical orientation with the holes 36 in the second portion 18 of the pool wall adapter 4 and the hole 38 first portion 54 of the blowout extension 6 aligned. The locking pin 40 is then inserted through the aligned holes 36, 38 and the wing nut 130 is fastened to the end of the pin 40 to secure the blowout extension 6 to the pool wall adapter 4. Thus, the joined pool wall adapter 4 and blowout extension 6 function as one watertight “L” shaped hollow tube that effectively extends the swimming pool return line above the pool's water level 60. If the second axial end 48 of the blowout extension 6 does not reach above the water level 60 of the pool, one or more blowout extension expander(s) 68 can be added. The pool winterization device 2 formed in accordance with the present invention is installed on all the return line outlets 24 in the pool. Thereafter, air can be pushed (i.e., pumped) into the pool system to remove all of the water from the underground pool lines. Once the water is removed, the compressed air can be stopped. As an option, swimming pool line antifreeze can be poured into the pool winterization devices 2. After the water has been blown out of the lines and winterization devices 2, and, optionally, the antifreeze has been added, the winterization devices 2 are capped off/closed with the plugs 64, 86 or caps 66.

The pool winterization device 2 formed in accordance with the present invention may also be provided as a kit, the kit comprising some or all of the following: one or more pool wall adapters 4, one or more blowout extensions 6, one or more blowout extension expanders 68, one or more O-rings, one or more fasteners for joining the pool wall adapter 4 to the blowout extension 6 and one or more adapters for fitting (e.g., converting) the threaded first portion 16 of the pool wall adapter 4 to the return line outlet 24, for example size adapters and thread adapters, one or more blowout plugs 64, 86 and one or more blowout caps 66.

In a preferred form of the present invention, the kit comprises at least one pool wall adapter 4, a plurality of blowout extensions 6 having varying overall lengths D, at least one O-ring and at least one blowout cap 66 or blowout plug 64. As mentioned above, the pool wall adapter 4 is engaged with the return line outlet 24. The user then selects an appropriately sized blowout extension 6 from the kit, depending on the position of the return line outlet 24 and the water level 60 in the pool, such that the second axial end 48 of the blowout extension 6 is situated above the water level 60 in the pool. The user then engages/joins the selected blowout extension 6 with the pool wall adapter 4. The blowout cap 66 or blowout plug 64, 86 is then affixed to the blowout extension 6.

Even more preferably, the pool winterization kit includes a plurality of blowout extensions 6, the blowout extensions 6 having respective lengths D of about six (6) inches, about nine (9) inches, about twelve (12) inches, about fifteen (15) inches and about eighteen (18) inches, as shown in FIGS. 24A-24E and FIGS. 25A-25E of the drawings.

Since the pool wall adapter 4 and the blowout extension 6 of the pool winterization device 2 formed in accordance with the present invention are separate components, the pool wall adapter 4 can be snugly inserted into the return line outlet 24 to create a watertight seal prior to the blowout extension 6 being joined thereto. As such, the user does not have to overtighten the device 2 for proper orientation, as in conventional one-piece devices. Accordingly, the pool winterization device 2 formed in accordance with the present invention can be utilized with return line outlets 24 that are situated in pool steps and near corners and walls, where limited space would have otherwise prevented the use of the conventional one-piece devices.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.