Ever looked at your pool and thought, "This water could probably tell some stories..." and then realized those stories might involve a little too much algae, leaves, or just plain old age? Draining your pool, while sometimes a chore, is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy and enjoyable swimming environment. Over time, chemical imbalances, mineral buildup, and general debris accumulation can make your pool water murky, ineffective, and even potentially harmful. A proper drain and refill allows you to start fresh, rebalancing your chemicals and ensuring crystal-clear water that's safe and inviting for everyone.
Ignoring the need to drain and refill your pool can lead to costly problems down the line, including damaged equipment, stubborn algae blooms, and increased chemical usage. Knowing how to properly drain your pool protects your investment and ensures you can enjoy your backyard oasis for years to come. Draining isn't something to be intimidated by, but if done incorrectly, you can damage your pool or cause issues for your neighbors.
What are the most frequently asked questions about how to safely and effectively drain my pool?
What's the quickest way to drain my pool completely?
The fastest way to completely drain your pool is typically by using a submersible pump, specifically one designed for draining pools or large volumes of water. These pumps are significantly more powerful than standard pool pumps and can move water much more quickly. Position the pump in the deepest part of the pool, attach a discharge hose, and plug it in. Ensure the hose is directed to a suitable drainage area, avoiding damage to your property or your neighbor’s.
While your existing pool pump can drain the pool, it's designed for circulation, not rapid water removal. A submersible pump, on the other hand, is built for this specific purpose and will dramatically reduce the draining time. The exact speed will depend on the pump's gallon-per-hour (GPH) rating and the size of your pool. Look for pumps with high GPH ratings for faster drainage. It is also crucial to consider where the water will be discharged. Ensure that the drainage area can handle the volume of water without causing flooding or erosion. Local regulations may also dictate where pool water can be legally discharged, so check with your municipality before starting the process.
Before you start draining, it's vital to consider the hydrostatic pressure. Pools built in areas with high water tables can experience significant upward pressure when emptied, potentially causing the pool to "float" or crack. Consult with a pool professional to assess the risk in your area. They may recommend methods like a hydrostatic relief valve or dewatering techniques to mitigate this risk. Also, remember to disconnect any electrical equipment connected to the pool, such as heaters or automatic chlorinators, before you begin draining.
How do I prevent my pool from popping when I drain it?
The key to preventing your pool from popping when you drain it is to relieve the hydrostatic pressure that builds up beneath the pool's shell. This is achieved by ensuring groundwater doesn't accumulate and exert upward force. The most common method is to use a hydrostatic relief valve (if your pool has one) or to pump water from behind the pool shell as you drain it.
A pool "pops" when the external water pressure (groundwater) exceeds the weight of the empty pool shell. This can happen because rainwater saturates the ground around the pool, raising the water table. Without a way to equalize the pressure, the pool can literally float out of the ground, causing significant damage. Before you begin draining your pool, determine if your pool has a hydrostatic relief valve located in the main drain. If so, ensure it's functioning correctly and is clear of debris. If your pool doesn't have one, or if you're unsure of its functionality, consider contacting a pool professional who can assess the groundwater situation and advise on the best course of action, which may involve pumping water from behind the shell during the draining process.
If you decide to manage the groundwater yourself, you'll likely need a sump pump and a way to access the area behind the pool shell. This might involve digging a small well near the pool's deep end to monitor and pump out the groundwater as you drain the pool. Monitor the water table level frequently. Drain slowly, pausing if the groundwater level rises significantly. Remember, taking preventative measures and proceeding with caution are crucial for a successful and damage-free pool draining process.
Can I drain my pool directly into the street?
Generally, no, you cannot legally drain your pool directly into the street or storm drain. Most municipalities have ordinances prohibiting this due to the potential for introducing harmful chemicals and debris into the local water system.
Draining pool water directly into the street can lead to significant environmental problems. Pool water typically contains chlorine, algaecides, and other chemicals used to maintain its cleanliness. These chemicals, even in diluted concentrations, can harm aquatic life in streams, rivers, and lakes that the storm drains ultimately feed into. Furthermore, the drained water may carry sediment, algae, and other organic matter that can clog storm drains and contribute to water pollution. Before draining your pool, always check with your local city or county government regarding specific regulations and approved disposal methods. They may provide guidelines on acceptable chlorine levels for drainage, or recommend alternative disposal options such as draining into the sanitary sewer system (with permission), using a sump pump to slowly irrigate your lawn (avoiding runoff), or hiring a professional pool service to handle the drainage and disposal properly. Ignoring these regulations can result in fines and other penalties.What if I don't have a submersible pump to drain my pool?
If you lack a submersible pump, you can still drain your pool using a few alternative methods, although they might take longer and require more effort. The most common options involve using your pool's filter pump, siphoning with a garden hose, or renting a submersible pump from a local hardware store.
Draining your pool using your existing filter pump involves connecting a backwash hose and setting the multi-port valve to the "waste" position. This bypasses the filter and pumps the water directly out of the pool. Be aware that this method can strain your pump and take considerably longer than using a submersible pump. Ensure your pump is rated for extended use, and monitor it carefully to prevent overheating. Check your pool equipment manual for specific instructions on backwashing to waste, as procedures may vary slightly depending on your system.
Siphoning with a garden hose is a simple, low-tech solution. Submerge the entire hose in the pool, ensuring no air remains inside. Cap one end of the hose underwater and quickly bring the other end out of the pool, holding it below the pool's water level. Once uncapped, the water should begin to flow out of the hose due to gravity. Secure the draining end to prevent it from rising above the water level in the pool, which would break the siphon. This method is best suited for smaller pools or partial draining, as it's a slow process. For larger pools, renting a submersible pump is generally the most efficient solution.
How often should I drain my pool completely?
Generally, you should only need to completely drain your pool every 5-7 years, or only when absolutely necessary to address severe water chemistry issues, significant structural repairs, or persistent staining that cannot be resolved with other methods. Routine water maintenance and partial water replacements are usually sufficient to keep your pool water healthy and balanced.
Draining a pool completely is a significant undertaking and can expose the pool's structure to potential damage. When the pool is empty, the hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding ground can cause the pool walls to crack or even heave, especially in areas with high water tables. Additionally, draining a pool unnecessarily wastes a considerable amount of water and chemicals, impacting both your wallet and the environment. Instead of a full drain, focus on consistent pool maintenance practices. Regularly test and balance the water's pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Properly sanitize the pool with chlorine or another sanitizer to prevent algae growth and bacteria. Shocking the pool can address many water quality issues without needing a complete drain. Consider partial water replacements, where you drain and refill a portion of the pool water (typically one-quarter to one-third) to reduce total dissolved solids (TDS) and improve water quality. If TDS levels become excessively high (above 2500 ppm), partial draining is preferable to a complete drain.How do I safely dispose of the drained pool water?
Safely disposing of drained pool water involves ensuring it doesn't harm the environment or violate local regulations. Generally, you want to avoid directly discharging chlorinated or chemically treated water into storm drains, sewers, or onto neighboring properties. Dechlorination and careful, gradual dispersal are usually key to responsible disposal.
Before draining your pool, it's crucial to understand local ordinances regarding water disposal. Many municipalities prohibit the discharge of chlorinated water into storm drains, which often lead directly to natural waterways. Check with your local water authority, environmental protection agency, or homeowner's association for specific guidelines. They might require you to discharge water into the sanitary sewer system (which goes to a treatment plant) or have specific dechlorination protocols. Ignoring these regulations can result in fines. Dechlorinating your pool water is often necessary. This can be achieved by letting the water sit undisturbed for several days, allowing the chlorine to naturally dissipate. The amount of time required depends on the chlorine level and sunlight exposure. Alternatively, you can use a chemical dechlorinator, readily available at pool supply stores. Test the water with a chlorine test kit to ensure the chlorine level is at 0 ppm before discharging. Furthermore, be mindful of the pH and cyanuric acid (CYA) levels. Extremely high pH can be harmful, and excessive CYA, while not acutely toxic, can contribute to algae blooms in natural water bodies. Aim for a pH between 6.8 and 7.8. Finally, drain the dechlorinated water slowly and deliberately, ideally over a wide, grassy area on your own property, away from sensitive vegetation or waterways. This allows the water to be absorbed gradually by the soil, preventing erosion and minimizing runoff. Avoid overwhelming the ground with large volumes of water at once. A submersible pump connected to a garden hose is a useful tool for controlled drainage. Consider the terrain and drainage patterns of your property to avoid creating puddles or directing water towards neighboring properties.How do I know how far down I can safely drain my pool?
Generally, you should never drain an in-ground pool completely and rarely more than 12 inches. The safe draining depth depends on several factors, including your pool's construction material (vinyl liner, fiberglass, or concrete), local groundwater levels, soil type, and weather conditions. Draining too much can lead to structural damage like floating, cracking, or buckling.
To determine your safe draining depth, start by understanding your pool type. Vinyl liner pools are most vulnerable, as the liner can shrink and detach if the water is removed, leading to costly replacements. Fiberglass pools are also susceptible to floating or cracking if groundwater pressure exceeds the pool's structural integrity. Concrete pools are more robust but can still crack, especially in areas with expansive soil. Next, consider the groundwater level. High groundwater can exert significant upward pressure on an empty or partially drained pool, causing it to float or shift. Consult with a local pool professional or building inspector to assess the groundwater level in your area. If you have doubts, it's always best to err on the side of caution and drain as little water as possible, typically no more than 6-12 inches, just enough for minor repairs or winterizing. Avoid draining altogether during periods of heavy rain or when the water table is known to be high. For significant repairs requiring more extensive draining, a professional can provide specialized equipment and expertise to mitigate risks like pool pop-up.And there you have it! Draining your pool might seem like a big chore, but with these steps, you should be able to tackle it like a pro. Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide helped. Feel free to come back anytime you have more pool-related questions – we're always here to help you keep your pool sparkling!