How To Drain A Swimming Pool?

This guide shows how to drain a swimming pool. The draining guide talks about getting ready, how to actually drain both inground and above ground pools, and what affects how long and how much this important pool maintenance job takes.

Understanding these aspects ensures that pool owners can undertake the draining task effectively, preserving the longevity and safety of their swimming pools.

Why Is It Important To Drain A Pool?

Draining a swimming pool, while a task often approached with caution, is a critical aspect of pool maintenance, addressing both aesthetics and structural integrity. The 3 reasons for draining a pool can be categorized as follows.

1. Cleaning: Standard maintenance such as vacuuming is performed with water in the pool. However, issues like metal stains and calcium deposits, arising from high-metal or calcium content in water, necessitate draining. Over years, these elements can lead to unsightly stains and potentially damaging calcium build-up. Using a metal sequestrant and managing calcium hardness levels can mitigate these issues to some extent, but thorough cleaning or acid washing requires a completely drained pool.
2. Repairing: The continuous strain of holding thousands of gallons of water can wear down a pool. For inground pools, this may manifest as cracks in a concrete pool or bubbling and tearing in a vinyl liner. Addressing such damages, whether it involves patching a vinyl liner or undertaking plaster repair, necessitates draining the pool.
3. Changing Water: Despite regular maintenance and balanced water chemistry, a pool’s water needs replacement eventually. Over time, the total dissolved solids (TDS)—residuals from chemicals, debris, and contaminants—accumulate to levels that affect water balance and may cause mineral stains or deteriorate the liner material. A TDS level around 2,500 parts per million signals the need for water replacement. At this point, adding more chemicals only exacerbates the issue, likened to “trying to clean a spot of dirt by rubbing more dirt on it.” The only viable solution is to drain and refill with fresh water, a task for which a digital TDS meter is an invaluable tool for timing the process appropriately.

What To Do Before You Drain Any Swimming Pool?

Before draining a swimming pool, it is essential to undertake certain preparatory steps to ensure the process is efficient, safe, and compliant with local regulations. These 4 steps are crucial for both minimizing potential damage to the pool structure and mitigating environmental impacts.

1. Develop a Water Disposal Plan: It’s vital to determine where the pool water will be directed. Many municipalities have specific regulations regarding the disposal of pool water, often prohibiting draining into streets or storm drains. Directing water to a sewer cleanout is common, but local guidelines may vary. Checking with the local water authority is a critical step to avoid fines and environmental damage.
2. Ensure Pool Chemicals Have Dissipated: Prior to draining, the pool water should not contain high levels of chemicals. It should be chlorine neutral, with a balanced pH, and free of additional chemicals. This can be achieved by stopping chemical additions and regularly testing the water. In urgent situations, using a chlorine neutralizer can expedite this process. Compliance with local water authority standards is essential to prevent environmental harm.
3. Turn Off Automatic Timers: Pool equipment, especially pumps and lights, often operates on automatic timers. These should be turned off before draining begins. Pool lights, designed to be water-cooled, can overheat and shatter if exposed to air, and pumps can take in air and get damaged if they run dry.
4. Prepare Repair Supplies: Since pools are not designed to remain empty, having all necessary repair supplies and tools ready is important. This preparation minimizes the pool’s empty time and mitigates the risk of additional water accumulation from unexpected weather events.

By following these preparatory steps, pool owners can ensure a smoother and safer draining process, complying with environmental guidelines and preparing the pool effectively for the subsequent pool maintenance or repair activities.

How To Drain An Inground Pool?

Draining an inground pool is a meticulous process that involves several essential steps to ensure both the safety of the structure and compliance with environmental regulations. The 9 steps listed below incorporates the crucial aspects of draining an inground pool effectively.

1. Rent or Buy a Submersible Pump: Acquiring a submersible pump, available for rent or purchase, is the first step. Position the pump in the deep end’s center, ensuring that the power cord reaches the nearest outlet without stretching. Similarly, verify that the drainage hose can extend from the pump to your chosen disposal area.
2. Monitor the Draining Process: Constant supervision is necessary to ensure that all hoses and cords remain connected and that the drainage hose consistently points towards the disposal location. This vigilance helps prevent flooding and other issues.
3. Turn Off and Remove the Submersible Pump: When the water level becomes too low for the pump to function effectively, a small amount of water will remain. This is expected and acceptable, as the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in this puddle won’t significantly affect the pool’s chemical balance after refilling.
4. Open a Hydrostatic Pressure Relief Valve: It’s crucial to open a hydrostatic pressure relief valve to prevent the pool from ‘popping’ due to groundwater pressure. This step provides an escape route for any groundwater accumulated under the pool.
5. Perform Necessary Repairs or Maintenance: With the pool drained, swiftly conduct any required repairs, painting, or other pool maintenance tasks. Minimizing the pool’s empty time reduces the risk of structural damage and other issues.
6. Replace the Hydrostatic Pressure Relief Valve: Ensure to have a new valve plug ready in case the original is damaged during removal. Use Teflon tape on the threads and securely twist the plug into the valve.
7. Refill the Pool: Begin refilling the pool with fresh water using one or more garden hoses. Monitor the water level closely.
8. Turn on the Pool Pump: Once the water reaches the middle of the skimmer, it’s time to turn off the spigots, remove the hoses, and start the pool pump. Priming the pump might be necessary if it has been off for an extended period.
9. Balance the Water: Starting with fresh water, follow the standard steps for pool opening to balance the water chemistry. This includes adjusting pH levels, chlorine, and other necessary chemicals to ensure a safe and clean swimming environment.

Each step is integral to the safe and efficient draining of an inground pool. Adhering to these guidelines ensures the structural integrity of the pool and aligns with environmental safety standards.

How To Drain An Above Ground Pool?

Draining an above-ground pool efficiently requires a methodical approach. Following these 8 steps ensures the task is done effectively and safely.

1. Siphon Using a Garden Hose: If only partial draining is needed or a pump is unavailable, a garden hose can be used for siphoning. Fully submerge the hose in the pool until air bubbles cease, indicating it’s filled with water. Cover one end, remove it from the pool, and place it at a lower level than the pool’s waterline to start siphoning.
2. Drain With a Sump Pump: A faster and more efficient method involves using a submersible electric pump (sump pump). Before starting, ensure the power cord of the sump pump is long enough to reach from the pool to the nearest outlet without needing an extension cord.
3. Attach Garden Hose to Sump Pump: Connect a garden hose to the sump pump for water disposal.
4. Position the Sump Pump: Place the sump pump in the middle of the pool floor. This setup aids in efficient and even drainage.
5. Direct Water to a Clean-Out Port: Identify your house’s clean-out port and insert the garden hose into it, ensuring that the water is disposed of correctly.
6. Monitor Water Flow: Carefully observe the pump, hose, and power cords during the draining process to ensure smooth operation and proper water drainage.
7. Turn Off the Pump: Once the water level is too low for the pump to function effectively, turn it off. A few inches of water might remain at the bottom of the pool.
8. Remove Remaining Water: If complete draining is necessary, use a shop vac to remove the last few inches of water left in the pool.

By following these steps, draining an above-ground pool can be done efficiently, ensuring that the pool’s structure is maintained and ready for the next steps of swimming pool care or repair.

How Long Does It Take To Drain An Above Ground Pool?

Draining an above ground pool typically requires 8 to 14 hours. The duration depends on the pool’s size and the method used for draining. A submersible pump is the most efficient option, acting like a vacuum to rapidly remove water. However, monitoring is necessary during its operation. Alternatively, a garden hose siphon can be used but is significantly slower. It is crucial not to leave a sump pump unattended during the draining process.

When Is The Best Time To Drain A Swimming Pool?

The ideal time to drain a swimming pool is during mild, warm weather. This period varies based on geographic location. Local water authority regulations should be consulted before draining. Generally, it is recommended to choose a clear day with temperatures at or below 85°F (29°C). This precaution helps to prevent damage to the pool liner.

When Should You Open The Hydrostatic Pressure Relief Valves?

Opening the hydrostatic pressure relief valves should be considered only when the pool is mostly drained. These pool valves, typically white rings on the pool floor, are connected to a slotted pipe leading to a gravel pit beneath the pool. They allow groundwater to enter the pool when drained, relieving hydrostatic pressure and preventing potential pool damage. In areas with high water tables, opening two valves may be necessary. The process involves using a hammer and chisel to break the plaster inside the cap and then twisting the plug counterclockwise to remove it. After completing maintenance, replacing the valves with new ones, if necessary, is important.

How Much Does It Cost To Drain Your Pool?

Draining and refilling a pool can cost around $500 in the United States. The total cost depends on the pool volume. The time to drain and refill the pool is also a factor, with both processes potentially taking between 8 and 14 hours. A large pool holds approximately 16,000 to 19,000 gallons (60.000 to 72.000 liters) of water.

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