Can you use a shop vac to drain a pool?

Using a shop vac to drain a pool is possible, but it may not be the most efficient method. Shop vacs are designed for picking up small amounts of liquid, not large volumes like a pool. However, with some adaptations, a shop vac can be used to drain a pool in a pinch.

Can a shop vac pump out a pool?

While a standard shop vac is not ideal for draining an entire pool, it can be used to pump out small to moderate amounts of water if needed. The main limitation is the small size of a shop vac’s tank – generally 2 to 16 gallons. This means the shop vac would need to be emptied multiple times to drain a full pool.

For very small pools like inflatable kiddie pools or small wading pools, a shop vac may successfully pump out all the water. But for larger in-ground and above-ground pools that hold thousands of gallons, a shop vac would not be able to drain the entire pool by itself.

Shop vac considerations for pumping a pool

Here are some things to keep in mind if you need to use a shop vac to pump water from a pool:

• Shop vac motors are not designed for continuous water pumping. Don’t let the motor run for more than 10-15 minutes at a time before taking a break.
• Use a shop vac that is rated for wet pickup. Some models are not meant for large volumes of liquid.
• Check that the filter is designed to handle water and remove it if needed. A dry filter will quickly get overloaded and reduce suction.
• Secure the hose in place using a pool skimmer or other means to prevent the hose from moving around.
• Monitor the water level to avoid running the pump dry which can damage it.
• Be prepared to empty the tank frequently to drain even small pools.

How to adapt a shop vac for pool draining

While not ideal, a shop vac can be rigged to pump larger amounts of water from a pool. Some possible adaptations include:

• Use an extension hose to reach all areas of the pool.
• Attach a float valve to automatically turn the shop vac on and off based on water level.
• Connect multiple shop vac hoses together to drain water further away.
• Set up a second holding tank that the shop vac pumps into, allowing more time between emptying.
• Use a special high-volume water filter bag to hold more water.

While these modifications allow a shop vac to drain more water, it still cannot match the performance of a dedicated pool pump and filter system. But in an emergency situation, an adapted shop vac may be able to get the water low enough for repairs.

Shop vac pool pumping capacity

Shop vacs have limited flow rates compared to large pool pumps. Here are some typical shop vac pumping capacities:

Shop vac tank size	Flow rate	Drainage capacity per hour
2 gallon	1.5-3 gallons per minute	90-180 gallons
6 gallon	3-5 gpm	180-300 gallons
10 gallon	4-6 gpm	240-360 gallons
16 gallon	5-8 gpm	300-480 gallons

In contrast, a typical pool pump system can move up to 80 gallons per minute which equates to over 4,000 gallons per hour. So using a shop vac to drain an entire pool is only practical for very small pools holding a few hundred gallons.

Shop vac drainage times for pools

Based on typical shop vac flow rates, here are some estimates for how long it would take to drain down a pool to various levels:

• Draining a 300 gallon kiddie pool: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Draining a 1000 gallon above-ground pool 12″-24″: 3-7 hours
• Draining a 5000 gallon above-ground pool by half: 7-14 hours
• Draining a 10000 gallon in-ground pool by half: 14-28 hours
• Draining a full 5000 gallon pool: 15-30 hours

Keep in mind these are optimistic time estimates assuming continuous pumping. The shop vac would need breaks periodically, and time needs to be factored in for emptying and replacing the tank, which would elongate the draining process.

Is it worth using a shop vac to drain a pool?

Using a shop vac to lower pool water levels is only practical in certain situations:

• Draining very small pools under 500 gallons
• Emergency draining of a few feet of water in larger pools
• Pumping out standing rain or flood water from a pool cover
• As a backup to suck up the last bit of water the main pump could not get

For full-scale draining of most pools, a shop vac is not the best option. It will take an extremely long time and the constant pumping can burn out the shop vac motor. Renting an actual pool pump and filter system designed for large scale water flow is a better choice for draining an entire pool.

Can you use a shop vac to vacuum a pool?

Shop vacs can be used to vacuum up debris from the bottom of small wading pools or hot tubs. However, they lack the power needed to effectively vacuum large in-ground or above-ground pools. Shop vac heads also aren’t designed to connect with pool wall suction fittings or skimmers.

Some other downsides of using a shop vac to vacuum a pool:

• Very small suction path compared to pool vacuum heads
• Fine filter bags allow debris back into the pool
• Must be manually moved around instead of connecting to suction points
• Low power for picking up large debris
• Frequent clogging requiring filter clean-out

While better than nothing for small pools, you’ll get faster and more thorough results using a real pool vacuum attached to the pool’s filter system. Shop vacs work best for quick cleanup jobs rather than the heavy duty vacuuming needed for proper pool maintenance.

Shop vac safety tips for pool use

When using a shop vac around a pool, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Always keep the electrical cord away from the water to avoid electrocution risk.
• Don’t stand in the pool when vacuuming to prevent electric shock.
• Check GFCI protection to ensure the outlet has a safety shutoff.
• Use a cord rated for outdoor use and make sure it’s undamaged.
• Never leave a running shop vac unattended near a pool.
• Exercise caution on slippery, wet surfaces around the pool area.
• Keep the vacuum moving to avoid damaging the surface under suction.

Shop vacs are convenient tools but not engineered for pool use. Take extra precautions when using one as an improvised pool pump to ensure safety.

Conclusion

While not ideal, a heavy duty shop vac can be rigged to pump out smaller backyard pools in a bind. It allows lowering the water level for emergency repairs or to address water buildup issues. But for regular pool maintenance and draining, a proper aquatic vacuum and pump system specifically designed for large water volumes will produce faster results with less effort and risk.