How do I avoid damaging my pool when draining it?
The most crucial step in avoiding damage while draining your pool is to prevent hydrostatic pressure from building up outside the pool shell. This means ensuring groundwater doesn’t exert excessive force against the empty pool walls, which can cause cracking, bulging, or even floating. You achieve this primarily by relieving pressure with a hydrostatic relief valve (if your pool has one) or by pumping groundwater away from the pool’s exterior during the draining process.
If your pool has a hydrostatic relief valve (usually located at the bottom of the deep end), open it before you begin draining. This valve allows groundwater to enter the pool, equalizing the pressure. If your pool doesn’t have a valve, or if you suspect the groundwater level is very high, consider hiring a pool professional to assess the situation and potentially install a temporary well point to pump groundwater away from the pool’s foundation. Ignoring this precaution can lead to costly repairs. Also, drain the pool slowly, especially if you are in an area known for expansive soil or a high water table. Gradual draining gives the surrounding soil time to adjust and minimizes the pressure differential. Monitor the pool walls and floor for any signs of bulging or cracking during the process. If you see any movement, stop draining immediately and consult a pool specialist. Finally, never drain your pool completely in extreme weather conditions like excessive heat or freezing temperatures, as this can further stress the pool’s structure due to rapid temperature changes and potential material shrinkage.
What’s the best way to drain a pool with a submersible pump?
The best way to drain a pool with a submersible pump is to carefully position the pump in the deepest part of the pool, ensuring the power cord is safely connected to a GFCI outlet. Then, attach a backwash hose to the pump’s outlet and run the hose to an appropriate drainage area, far enough away from the pool and your home to prevent flooding or erosion. Monitor the draining process, making adjustments to the hose or pump position as needed, and stop the pump when only a few inches of water remain to avoid damaging the pool’s surface.
Draining a pool with a submersible pump is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to prioritize safety and proper technique. Before you start, check local regulations regarding water disposal, as some areas may have restrictions on where pool water can be drained. Also, ensure the pool is structurally sound enough to withstand being emptied. Older pools, especially vinyl liner pools, can sometimes develop issues like bulging walls when drained completely. To optimize drainage, place the pump inside a milk crate or something similar to keep it off the very bottom of the pool, which can prevent it from sucking up debris that could clog the impeller. During the draining process, periodically check the drainage area to make sure it’s handling the water flow adequately. If the hose begins to kink or the flow slows significantly, readjust the hose position. When the water level gets low, consider switching to a smaller pump or using a wet/dry vacuum to remove the remaining water and debris, preventing potential damage to the pool’s surface, particularly with plaster or gunite pools.
Can I drain my pool into the sewer system legally?
Generally, draining your pool directly into the sewer system is illegal in most municipalities. Sewer systems are designed to handle household wastewater, and large volumes of chlorinated pool water can disrupt the treatment process and potentially damage the system. Violating these regulations can result in hefty fines.
The legality of draining your pool into the sewer hinges entirely on local ordinances and regulations set by your city or county’s water and sanitation departments. These regulations exist to protect the integrity of the wastewater treatment infrastructure and prevent environmental damage. High chlorine levels in pool water, even after dilution, can harm beneficial bacteria essential for sewage treatment. Additionally, large volumes of water entering the sewer system all at once can overwhelm its capacity, leading to overflows and potential backups in other properties. Before draining your pool, it is crucial to contact your local water authority or public works department. They can provide specific information on permitted drainage methods, which may include draining to a storm drain (after dechlorination) or allowing the water to gradually seep into your yard, provided it doesn’t impact neighboring properties. Some areas might require a permit before any drainage is performed. Always prioritize compliance with local regulations to avoid penalties and protect the environment.
What should I do with the chemicals left in the pool after draining?
Properly neutralizing or disposing of residual pool chemicals after draining is crucial to protect the environment and avoid potential hazards. Do not simply let the chemically treated water run into storm drains or onto your property, as this can contaminate waterways and harm plant life.
The most responsible approach is to neutralize the chemicals in the water before disposal. For chlorine, this involves letting the water sit in the drained pool (or a temporary holding area) until the chlorine level drops to 0 ppm. This process can be accelerated by using a chlorine neutralizer, available at most pool supply stores; follow the product’s instructions carefully. For other chemicals, such as algaecides or cyanuric acid (stabilizer), consult with a pool professional to determine the best method of reducing or eliminating them. In some areas, there may be local regulations regarding pool water disposal, so checking with your local municipality or water authority is always a good idea. They can provide specific guidance on acceptable discharge methods or direct you to a certified disposal facility. Once the water is dechlorinated, you can usually drain it to the sanitary sewer, if permitted by your local authorities. A sanitary sewer leads to a wastewater treatment plant that can handle the diluted chemicals. Never drain into a storm drain; storm drains lead directly to natural bodies of water. If you are draining a large amount of water, doing it slowly over several days may be necessary to avoid overwhelming the sewer system. Another option, if allowed, is to use the water to irrigate your lawn or garden, *after* ensuring the chlorine level is zero and the water is otherwise safe for plant life. Avoid draining near sensitive vegetation or areas that drain quickly into local waterways.
What precautions should I take when draining a pool near trees?
Draining a pool near trees requires careful consideration to avoid harming their root systems. The primary precaution is to drain the pool slowly and direct the water away from the tree’s drip line (the outermost circumference of the tree’s canopy). Rapid or concentrated water flow can lead to soil erosion, root suffocation, and chemical imbalances, ultimately damaging or killing the trees.
When draining your pool, the sheer volume of water can saturate the ground around tree roots, which can cause significant problems. Trees need oxygen to survive, and waterlogged soil deprives them of this vital element, potentially leading to root rot and eventual decline. Further, the chlorine in pool water, even at diluted concentrations, can alter the soil pH and harm beneficial soil microbes that trees rely on for nutrient uptake. Therefore, controlling the flow rate is essential. Use a pump with adjustable output or a throttling valve to slow the drainage process. Beyond slow drainage, consider the drainage path carefully. Extend the discharge hose as far away from the trees as possible. Ideally, direct the water towards a storm drain or a low-lying area well beyond the root zone. If you suspect the soil around the trees is already saturated or vulnerable, consider consulting with an arborist before draining the pool. They can provide specific recommendations based on your soil type, tree species, and the proximity of the pool. Remember, prevention is key to protecting your trees while performing necessary pool maintenance.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully drained your pool. Hopefully, this guide was helpful and made the process a little less daunting. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more helpful tips and tricks to keep your pool sparkling and swim-ready!