Quck answer
Draining a swimming pool is necessary in certain situations to maintain water quality and prevent damage. The ideal time to drain a pool is during the cooler months when there is less demand for swimming. It is important to follow proper procedures to avoid any potential issues. Firstly, check local regulations regarding pool draining and disposal of water. Then, lower the water level gradually to prevent damage to the pool structure. Clean the pool thoroughly before refilling it with fresh water. Regular maintenance and monitoring will help determine when it is necessary to drain the pool again.
Although it’s not necessary to drain a pool frequently, most pool owners will need to do so every four or five years. However, before you start draining your pool, there are several important factors to consider. You’ll need to know why, when, where, and how to do it.
Reasons for Draining a Pool
Many people believe that a swimming pool should be drained and refilled with fresh water every year for health reasons. However, this is not necessary as modern pools typically have effective filtration systems that keep the water clean if proper testing and maintenance procedures are followed. That being said, there are times when you will need to drain your pool, such as:
When to Drain a Swimming Pool
There are several reasons why a swimming pool may need to be drained. When maintenance repairs are necessary, like patching a torn vinyl liner or repairing cracks or chips to a concrete pool, draining is often required. Deep cleaning may also require draining if the water chemistry is badly skewed due to high algae content in the water, which can so badly stain the concrete, vinyl or fiberglass shell or liner. In some cases, the total dissolved solids level in the water can get so far from acceptable that there is no way for the filtration system to return it to optimal levels.
However, it’s crucial to drain a swimming pool at the right time. The swimming pool shell is a fragile structure when empty, and the pressure of the surrounding earth can exert considerable force on it. This is especially true in locations with high water tables or soil saturation from heavy rain. The pool’s hollow shell can be cracked or heaved upward out of the ground under the force of the surrounding soil. Even concrete pools can be cracked if the surrounding soil becomes suddenly saturated with water while the pool is empty. Therefore, it’s important to consider these factors before draining your swimming pool.
Small above-ground pools in cold-winter climates may also require draining, especially when they are designed as portable units that must be folded up and stored each winter. In these cases, draining the pool entirely each fall before storing the liner is an annual winterizing task. Large above-ground pools, like in-ground pools, can usually be covered for the cold winter months without draining, though the manufacturer may specify that the filter system should be drained and winterized.
When it comes to draining and maintaining your pool, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended that the pool is drained and maintained when the weather is warm but not too hot, between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to avoid too much direct sunlight, particularly if you have a vinyl or fiberglass liner.
During a dry period, it is best to schedule your draining and maintenance when the soil is dry and no rain is expected. This will help to minimize the soil pressure on the pool shell. It is important to complete all repairs and maintenance within a few days, as most manufacturers advise against leaving an in-ground pool empty for more than a week.
When it comes to draining the pool, it is important to be mindful of the chemicals in the water. In most communities, it is required to drain pool water into the municipal sewer system, which can be done by running a drain hose from the pump to a floor drain or basement laundry sink. Be careful not to overwhelm the sewer system by pumping too much water too quickly, and watch the drains carefully to ensure they are not backing up.
If the water is clean and chemically neutral, it may be possible to drain it into a storm sewer or onto your lawn. However, it is important to check with local authorities before doing so. It is also important to be mindful of the chlorine levels in the water when irrigating your lawn or garden, as this can damage or kill plants.
The method for draining the pool will depend on the type of pool and filtration system you have. For vinyl liners, it is best to avoid draining them completely if possible, as the liner can become wrinkled or sag. Fiberglass shells can be drained completely, but any cleaning or repairs should be completed within a week. Concrete pools are usually more stable, but it is important to open any hydrostatic relief valves to lessen the pressure on the pool structure if the soil suddenly becomes saturated with water.
Using the Pool’s Filter System to Drain the Pool
If possible, it is recommended to use the motorized filter system of the pool to empty it. To do this, you will need to close the return lines and redirect the water to a drain hose using the valves built into the pump. The process differs depending on the style of pump, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For cartridge-filter systems, attach a drain hose to the drain outlet port on the pump and open the ball valve. Close the return lines that normally send water back to the pool and turn on the pump to divert water to the drain outlet port. Sand or diatomaceous earth filter systems use a backwash port to drain the pool. Attach a drain hose to the waste outlet on the pump and set the multiport valve to the waste setting. Turn on the pump and watch as the pool slowly empties. Make sure to stop the pump before the water is completely drained to avoid damaging the components. Any remaining water can be drained using a submersible pump or by bailing it out by hand.
Using a Submersible Pump to Drain the Pool
If using the pool’s filter system is not practical, a submersible pump attached to a drain hose can be used. This method allows for more control over the pumping rate. Attach a drain hose to the outlet port on the submersible pump and lower it into the deep end of the pool. Plug the pump into a GFCI-protected electrical outlet and let it run for as long as necessary to fully empty the pool. Do not let the pump continue to run when the water level falls below the pump’s intake port to avoid damaging the motor. Some pumps have an automatic shutoff feature to prevent this.
Image Credit:
contrastaddict/iStock/GettyImages
Draining an Above-Ground Pool using Siphoning
If you have an above-ground pool without a filter, draining it can be done easily through siphoning. This process works by utilizing the principle of atmospheric pressure, which pushes water from higher levels to lower levels through a hose.
To start, fill a garden hose with water. Then, while holding the water in the hose, insert one end into the pool and the other end into a drain so that the end in the drain is positioned lower than the end in the pool. The atmospheric pressure will then force the water from the pool down through the drain hose and into the drain.
Although it may take some time, this method has an advantage in that it allows you to leave the drain hose unattended as the pool drains. This means that you can leave the siphon drain hose unattended overnight without worrying about damaging an electric pump motor.
FAQ
1. When should I drain my swimming pool?
There are a few situations when it is necessary to drain a swimming pool. One common reason is when the water chemistry is imbalanced and cannot be corrected through regular maintenance. If the pH, alkalinity, or calcium hardness levels are too high or too low, draining the pool and starting fresh may be the best solution. Additionally, if the pool water is contaminated with algae or other harmful bacteria, draining and cleaning the pool is necessary to ensure a safe swimming environment. Lastly, if you need to perform repairs or renovations on your pool, you may need to drain it to access the necessary areas.
2. How do I drain my swimming pool?
Draining a swimming pool should be done carefully to avoid any damage to the pool or surrounding areas. First, you should turn off the pool’s filtration system. Next, locate the main drain and attach a submersible pump or a sump pump. Position the pump at the deepest part of the pool and connect the discharge hose to a suitable drainage area, such as a storm drain or a sewer cleanout. Start the pump and let it run until the pool is completely drained. Remember to monitor the process closely to prevent the pump from running dry. After draining, you can proceed with any necessary cleaning, repairs, or maintenance.
3. Are there any precautions I should take when draining my swimming pool?
Yes, there are a few precautions to keep in mind when draining a swimming pool. Firstly, make sure to check local regulations or contact your municipality to ensure you comply with any specific guidelines regarding pool drainage. Additionally, it’s important to consider the water usage and availability in your area. Be mindful of water conservation efforts and try to minimize wastage by reusing the drained water for landscaping purposes, if possible. Lastly, if you are unsure about the process or have any concerns, it is recommended to consult a professional pool technician who can provide guidance and assistance throughout the draining process.