Ever looked at your pool and thought, “This water doesn’t look quite right?” Maybe it’s murky despite your best efforts, or perhaps you’re facing a repair that requires an empty pool. Draining a pool, while not an everyday task, is a crucial skill for any pool owner. It’s essential for maintenance like acid washing, tackling stubborn algae blooms that resist chemical treatments, and addressing structural issues that demand a dry environment. Improperly draining a pool, however, can lead to costly damage, including popping or cracking, especially in areas with high water tables.
Knowing the right way to drain your pool will save you from potential headaches and expensive repairs down the line. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or a first-timer, understanding the process, precautions, and proper techniques is vital for maintaining the integrity of your investment and ensuring the safety of your property. It’s about more than just emptying the water; it’s about doing it safely and effectively.
What are the most frequently asked questions about draining a pool?
What’s the best way to drain my pool?
The best way to drain your pool depends on several factors, including the type of pool you have, your local water regulations, and the reason for draining. Generally, using a submersible pump is the safest and most controlled method, allowing you to direct the water to an appropriate drainage area and monitor the process to prevent damage to your pool or surrounding property. Avoid simply opening the hydrostatic relief valve, as this can lead to structural issues, especially in areas with high water tables.
Draining a pool completely isn’t always necessary, and sometimes a partial drain is sufficient. If you’re only trying to lower the water level to close your pool for the winter or perform minor repairs, using your pool’s pump to backwash the filter repeatedly might be enough. However, for more significant work, such as acid washing, liner replacement, or addressing serious algae blooms, a complete drain is required. Before draining, always check your local ordinances regarding water disposal. Many municipalities restrict where pool water can be discharged due to chemical content. A submersible pump, which can be rented from most hardware stores, provides the most controlled draining process. Place the pump in the deepest part of the pool and attach a garden hose to direct the water to an approved drainage area, such as a sanitary sewer cleanout (with permission), a storm drain (also with permission), or your yard, provided it won’t cause flooding or damage. Monitor the draining process closely. If your pool has a hydrostatic relief valve (typically under the main drain), *do not* open it unless you are a pool professional and fully understand the risks. Prematurely opening this valve, especially with a high water table, can cause your pool to “float” out of the ground, leading to severe structural damage.
Do I need a pump to drain my pool, and what kind?
Yes, you almost certainly need a pump to drain your pool effectively, especially if you don’t have a downhill-sloping yard with a conveniently located drain. A submersible pump, designed to be placed directly in the water, is the most common and efficient choice for pool draining.
Without a pump, draining your pool relies solely on gravity, which is often too slow and inefficient, potentially leaving a significant amount of water behind. The pool’s drain is usually connected to your home’s sewer line, which you do *not* want to use unless explicitly permitted and safe to do so (as it may overwhelm the system or contaminate the water supply). A submersible pump allows you to discharge the water to a more appropriate location, like a yard, street (check local regulations first!), or storm drain. Submersible pumps come in various sizes and horsepower, impacting the flow rate (gallons per hour). For most residential pools, a pump capable of moving 1500-3000 gallons per hour is sufficient. Consider the size of your pool and the distance you need to pump the water when selecting a pump. Also, look for features like automatic shut-off (when the water level is low) to prevent the pump from running dry and potentially overheating. Always check local regulations regarding pool water disposal before draining your pool.
How do I prevent my pool from popping when draining?
The key to preventing your pool from popping (or heaving) when draining is to relieve hydrostatic pressure. This pressure is caused by groundwater pushing upwards against the bottom of the pool. The best way to alleviate this pressure is by utilizing a hydrostatic relief valve, or if your pool doesn’t have one, carefully pumping water from behind the pool shell during the draining process.
Many inground pools have a hydrostatic relief valve located in the main drain at the bottom of the pool. This valve is designed to automatically open when the water pressure outside the pool exceeds the water pressure inside, allowing groundwater to seep into the pool and equalize the pressure. Before draining, ensure this valve is functioning correctly and is not clogged with debris. If your pool doesn’t have a valve, you’ll need to manually relieve the pressure. This involves digging a well or accessing an existing well point near the pool and using a sump pump to lower the groundwater level as you drain the pool. Lowering the groundwater level requires careful monitoring. Continuously check the pressure as you drain the pool. A sudden shift in the pool’s shell, unusual sounds (like creaking or groaning), or visible bulging are all signs that hydrostatic pressure is building and you need to pump more water from behind the pool. Slow and steady draining, combined with effective groundwater control, is crucial to prevent costly structural damage to your pool. It is advisable to consult with a pool professional to evaluate your specific site conditions and provide tailored advice before draining your pool.
What should I do with the drained pool water?
Draining pool water requires careful consideration to avoid damaging your property, your neighbor’s, and the environment. The best approach is typically to discharge the water slowly into the sanitary sewer system via a sewer cleanout, *provided* this is permitted by your local municipality. Alternatives include directing the water to a storm drain, or irrigating your lawn, but these are often less ideal and may be subject to local restrictions.
Before draining any pool water, it’s crucial to check with your local city or county regulations regarding water disposal. Many municipalities have specific rules to prevent overloading the sewer system or introducing chlorinated water into natural waterways. They may require you to dechlorinate the water before disposal, which can be achieved by letting the water sit for several days, or by using chemical dechlorinators like sodium thiosulfate. Test the water to ensure chlorine levels are at or near zero before proceeding with drainage. If you are allowed to drain to the sanitary sewer, do so slowly to prevent overwhelming the system. A submersible pump with a garden hose connection is ideal for controlled drainage. If you are permitted to use a storm drain, be aware that this water will likely flow directly into local streams and rivers, so thorough dechlorination is essential to protect aquatic life. Irrigating your lawn *might* seem like an environmentally friendly option, but the volume of water from a pool can easily oversaturate the soil and cause runoff, potentially carrying pool chemicals into unwanted areas. Furthermore, some plants are sensitive to even low levels of chlorine or other pool chemicals.
How long does it typically take to completely drain a pool?
The time it takes to completely drain a pool varies significantly, but generally expect it to take anywhere from 8 to 24 hours, potentially longer for very large or deep pools. The exact duration depends primarily on the size of your pool (gallons), the horsepower and flow rate of the pump you’re using, and the diameter of the discharge hose.
The size of your pool is the most significant factor. A small above-ground pool (e.g., 5,000 gallons) will obviously drain much faster than a large inground pool (e.g., 30,000 gallons or more). The pump’s horsepower (HP) dictates how quickly it can move water; a higher HP pump will drain the pool faster. However, be aware that some pool pumps aren’t designed for extended run times and could overheat if used continuously for drainage. A submersible pump designed for drainage is often a better choice. The diameter of the discharge hose also plays a crucial role; a wider hose allows for a greater volume of water to be expelled per unit of time. Using a garden hose will significantly increase the drain time compared to a larger diameter discharge hose (e.g., 2 or 3 inches). Beyond these core factors, consider any potential restrictions on the water flow. Kinks in the hose, elevation changes requiring the pump to work against gravity, and debris partially blocking the intake can all slow down the draining process. Before starting, ensure your hose is straight and unobstructed, and position the discharge end lower than the pool’s water level if possible to assist with gravity. Always monitor the pump during the drainage process to ensure it doesn’t overheat or run dry, especially towards the end of the draining process.
What are the risks associated with draining a pool myself?
Draining a pool yourself carries several significant risks, including structural damage to the pool, hydrostatic pressure issues that can cause the pool to “pop” out of the ground, damage to underground utilities, and potential safety hazards related to working with electricity and water. Improperly draining a pool can lead to costly repairs and even irreversible damage.
Draining a pool removes the water that provides crucial support for the pool’s structure. Without this support, the surrounding soil can exert excessive pressure, potentially causing the walls to crack, buckle, or even collapse, especially in areas with high water tables or expansive soils. Hydrostatic pressure, the force exerted by groundwater, is a major concern. If the groundwater level is high, draining the pool can create an imbalance, allowing the water pressure to lift the empty pool shell, a phenomenon known as “floating” or “popping.” This can severely damage plumbing, the pool’s structure, and the surrounding deck. Furthermore, inexperienced individuals may inadvertently damage underground utilities while pumping out water. Depending on the method used, there’s also the risk of electrical shock if the pump is not properly grounded or if it comes into contact with water. Pool chemicals, even diluted, can also pose environmental hazards if not disposed of responsibly, potentially contaminating local water sources. It’s generally advisable to consult with a pool professional before attempting to drain a pool yourself, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local soil conditions and water table levels.
How far down can I drain the pool without damage?
Generally, you should never completely drain an in-ground pool. Draining it entirely can lead to structural damage. As a rule, only drain the pool a maximum of 12 inches below the skimmer for minor repairs. For larger repairs, consult a pool professional who can assess the specific risks associated with your pool and the surrounding conditions.
Draining a pool completely removes the water pressure that counteracts the pressure from the surrounding soil. This can cause the pool walls to crack, buckle, or even collapse, especially if the water table is high. Gunite, concrete, and fiberglass pools are all susceptible to this type of damage. Vinyl liner pools are even more vulnerable, as the liner can shrink, dry out, and detach from the walls, rendering it unusable. Factors like soil type, groundwater levels, and the pool’s age and construction all influence the risk of damage when draining a pool. Sandy soil drains easily and poses less risk than clay soil, which retains water and can exert significant pressure on the pool’s structure. Similarly, a high water table increases the risk of hydrostatic pressure forcing the pool out of the ground. If significant repairs are needed, a pool professional can perform a hydrostatic test to measure the water table and determine the safest course of action. They may also recommend bracing the pool walls during the draining process to provide additional support.
And that’s all there is to it! Draining your pool doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Hopefully, these steps have made the process a little clearer and easier for you. Thanks for reading, and we hope you found this helpful. Feel free to come back anytime you need more pool-related tips and tricks!