Are you looking at your backyard and thinking about how to drain a pool. It is not a thing to just do without thinking first. Even if you are good at Weekly Pool Maintenance, sometimes the water gets too old or you need to fix a crack.
But watch out, because if you do it the wrong way, the pool shell can pop up like a boat or the liner gets wrinkles. Here is the stuff you need to know on how to drain a swimming pool so you don’t ruin it.
Using the Submersible Pump to Drain
This is the best way for how to drain a pool using the pool pump that goes underwater (submersible pump). It is better than the big pump for the filter.
- Get a pump that goes underwater.
- Put the hose on the pump and put the pump on the bottom of the deep end.
- Turn it on. The water goes out.
- You have to watch it so the pump doesn’t run dry when the water is gone.
How to Drain a Pool With Filter System
If you are wanting to know how to empty pool water just a little bit, use the filter.
- Turn off the machine.
- Look at the handle on top. Turn it to say WASTE. Do not use Backwash, that is wrong for this.
- Turn the machine on.
- Important: If the water goes below the skimmer hole, the pump sucks air. This is bad. You can’t drain the whole thing this way usually because the pump needs water to work.
How to Drain an Above Ground Pool
When people ask how to drain an above ground pool, the goal is usually simple water removal before storing or repairing the pool. Because these pools are lighter structures, a submersible pump is also the easiest choice here. Sometimes the connection point at the bottom of the pool can also be opened, but that depends on the type of pool you have.
Above ground pools need extra care because the side walls can collapse if the water disappears too fast or the liner shifts. So draining slowly is safer.
Important Considerations Before Draining
Draining a pool sounds like just removing water, but there are a few important things to think about before starting.
- Check Local Regulations
Some places have strict rules about how to remove water from pool systems, especially where the water goes. Many cities do not allow draining into the street or storm drains. So it is better to check with your local office first.
- Prevent Damage
Pool surfaces can crack or peel if left dry for long hours under hot sun. This is why timing matters. Draining in cooler weather reduces the risk.
- Be Aware of Ground Pressure
This is something many people do not realize. The water inside the pool pushes against the ground outside. When you remove the water, the pressure changes suddenly. If your area has a high water table, the pool can pop out of the ground. So draining should be avoided during rainy seasons or when the soil is already holding water.
- Choose the Right Conditions
Dry weather, stable temperature, and slow draining are safer choices. Even the best Custom Pool Builder will warn you about choosing the wrong moment.
FAQs
How to drain a swimming pool quickly?
Using a large submersible pump is usually the fastest. Filter systems drain slower, so they are not ideal when speed is needed.
How do you get water out of pool without a pump?
If you want to know how do you empty a swimming pool or remove water without a pump, then using a simple siphon hose or even buckets is possible. It is slow and tiring, but it works for small amounts.
Can I use my sand pump to drain my pool?
A sand filter pump can drain water only when the multiport valve is on the “Waste” position. But it is not meant for draining the whole pool because the pump can run dry and get damaged.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to drain a pool is helpful because there might be times when repairs or chemical problems make draining necessary. Even though draining is not done often, it affects the long-term health of the pool and also connects to the bigger picture of How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Pool.
If you are reading this and thinking “I don’t want to break my pool,” you should probably just call for help. At DB Pool & Spa, we know exactly how to do this without ruining anything. We can help with Weekly Pool Maintenance or big repairs so you don’t have to stress out. Don’t risk it, just give DB Pool & Spa a call.
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