How To Drain a Pool?

There are several times during the life of a pool when it might need a new start. You may need to drain a pool for repairs or care that can’t be done underwater. Or you may need to drain it because the water rate is too bad. Pools need draining every five years.

You can follow this guide to drain a pool:

1. Turn off the pool pump
2. Locate the main drain and skimmer valves
3. Attach a pool hose to the drainage port
4. Place the other end of the hose in a suitable drainage area
5. Open the main drain and skimmer valves
6. Turn on the pump to start draining
7. Check the water level and adjust valves as needed
8. Turn off the pump when the pool is drained
9. Detach the hose and store it
10. Close the main drain and skimmer valves
11. Turn the pump back on for regular use

When Should You Drain an Above-Ground Pool?

There are only a few causes you’ll need to drain your pool. Depending on the size of your swimming pool you should only need ever to drain it. But there are several cases when you’ll want to drain out most or all your water:

1. Your water chemistry is beyond rebalancing

Part of common pool care is maintaining your pool’s water chemistry. But even if you’re careful about pool care TDS can still build up. These are the by-products of all the chemicals you use to keep your pool clean that build up over time. When your TDS level is over 2,500 parts per million (PPM), you must drain some of your pool water and add fresh water.

Another reason to return your pool water? Your Cyanuric Acid (CYA) levels are too high. The only way to lower those levels is to drain your pool. Then fill it with fresh water.

2. You need to make structural repairs

You can do most pool repairs without draining all the water from your above-ground pool. It’s even likely to patch and repair your pool liner while it’s still underwater. Special care but may need an empty pool. And that has jobs like replacing your pool liner or repairing your pool frame’s base.

3. You need to store your pool for the winter

You have a small above-ground pool. You live in a cold weather. You may need to drain and keep it for the winter. This will save your pool from freezing temperatures. Storing your pool in the off-season may be needed to keep your security.

Read Also: Why is My Pool Cleaner Not Moving?

How to Prepare an Above-Ground Pool for Draining

Before you drain your above-ground pool you’ll need to have a few things designed:

Have a water disposal plan

Check with your city for rules about how to dispose of pool water. If you’re draining your entire pool. Most areas won’t allow you to empty your pool water into hail drains. So, you’ll need to open it into the sewer line above your home.

Bring down your pool’s chemical levels

No matter where you dispose of the water you need to be sure your pool water isn’t full of chemicals before you do. Stop adding chemicals before you drain and test your water. Check before you drain your pool to make sure it’s chlorine-neutral. Then check with your local water source for other chemical needs. If you need to speed up the method, consider using a chlorine neutralizer.

Wait for mild warm weather

Depending on where you live you may be limited when you can drain your pool. Check with the local water source for any rules. Plan on waiting for a clear day that’s not too hot. Seek for temperatures at or below 85°F (29°C) to stop damage to your pool liner.

Turn off pump filters heaters and automatic timers

If you have any pool gear with automatic timers like pumps turn them off before you start draining. If the water status drops below the skimmer line and the pump turns on it can overheat.

Plan to stay near your pool when it drains

Never leave your pool solo while it’s draining or filling. You can wish it to take 8 to 14 hours to drain based on the size of your pool and whether you’re using a pump or a hose. Keep in mind that you’ll also pay about the same amount of time filling it up again.

Safety Regards

When selling with a lot of water you must be aware of the case of flooding. Suppose you see water going where it shouldn’t stop. Either wait for the water to disperse or move your hose. Because of the peril of flooding, you should never go a drain hose sole while you are removing water.

How to Drain a Pool with a Siphon

Screw a hose cap onto the hose’s open end while it’s still dipped. Lift the end of the hose from the water and pull it to the drainage area. Place the hose near the drain or clean it out or on the ground. Take off the cap from the end of the hose to start the siphon.

A siphon is the best way to drain a pool if you lack a pump an outlet or a wing cord or don’t need the pool to drain.

1.      Locate a Steep Downhill Route

First, check the way you place the hose and make sure that it is steep enough to have the water flow through the hose. You cannot siphon trying. Or through a way with ups and downs. These will slow the water in the hose.

2.      Submerge the Hose in the Pool

Put the whole hose into the pool. Make sure both ends stay below the water. It would help if you had the hose to fill with water. The best way to do this is to hold one end of the hose and force it under the water. Then move your hands along the hose to the other end. If done right, when you reach the other end, you will see a small flow of water come out.

3.      Seal One Hose End Underwater

When you see the water pour out use the palm of your hand to seal off that end of the hose while it is under the water.

4.      Drag One Hose End Downhill

Drag the hose downhill to where you want the water to drain. Be careful not to lift the hose too high. Keep a seal with your hand on one end of the hose. Keep the other end of the hose in the pool.

5.      Release the Seal to Let the Water Run

Once at the right downhill spot, drop the hose and let go of it. Then, watch the water flow. If you’re not happy with the flow rate you can repeat the process for better results. Practice is ideal for this plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drain an above-ground pool?

Draining your pool takes 8 to 14 hours. The time depends on its size and whether you use a garden hose or a sump pump. Do not leave a sump pump unattended as you drain.

Can I drain my pool with my pool pump?

Never use your pool pump to drain an above-ground pool. You’ll pull air into the suction line, which can hurt or boil up your pump. Always use a submersible pump to empty an above-ground swimming pool.

How often do I need to drain an above-ground pool?

You will rarely have to drain an above-ground pool unless you take it down yearly for the winter. Otherwise, most minor leaks and liner repairs can be done while there is always water in the pool. But if your cyanuric acid or TDS levels are too high you must drain and return the water.

Can you drain a pool with a hose?

Drain a pool has two main paths: gravity draining and pump draining. Gravity draining is the easy way. All you need to do is link a hose to the drain valve at the base of your pool. Let the water flow out. Pump draining is more difficult but still easy.