Deep return jets--thinking of not flushing them?


Active member
May 25, 2019
Northwest Arkansas
I measured how deep my return jets are and they are ~20" below the waterline, which is ~18" below the top of the skimmer. I never realized they were that deep and I can't imagine pumping out that much water and putting it back in when I open it (nearly 1/3 of the volume of the pool). I'm now thinking I won't flush out the return jets and would appreciate your advice.

For some context, we bought the house in January and the the pump and filter were winterized, but the return jets still had their eyeballs. I'm in Northwest Arkansas and we tend to have fairly mild winters. I called the local pool store and they said they usually drop the water to 1" below the tile, put foam/empty plastic bottle in the skimmer, and don't bother with the return jets. With mine so deep, I'm guessing I'll probably be OK?


Gold Supporter
TFP Guide
Jul 21, 2013
Northern NJ
Frost depth is AR is 5 inches. Water will not be in the return lines higher then the pool water level. As long as you drop the water so it is more then 5" below ground it should be fine.

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Silver Supporter
In The Industry
Aug 15, 2017
Spring Valley, NY
You can also use duck plugs or shrader valve plugs if you so choose which can be used without lowering the water, but as AJ said you don't really have to worry.