How do I completely empty my above ground pool?

Emptying an above ground pool entirely can seem like a daunting task, but it is necessary maintenance required to keep your pool in top shape. By following a systematic process, you can fully empty your above ground pool without too much hassle. Here are some quick answers to common questions about emptying above ground pools:

Why should I empty my above ground pool?

There are a few key reasons you may need to empty your above ground pool completely:

• To clean the pool walls and floor thoroughly – Removing all the water allows you to scrub off any built-up dirt, algae, calcium deposits etc.
• For pool maintenance or repairs – Some pool maintenance like resurfacing or repairing cracks is best done on an empty pool.
• For winterization in cold climates – Emptying the pool prevents ice damage over winter.
• To remove contaminated water – If the water gets contaminated beyond filtration, draining fully may be required.

How often should I drain my above ground pool?

Most experts recommend fully draining and cleaning an above ground pool at least once a year. However, the frequency depends on several factors:

• How often the pool is used – Heavily used pools may need draining more than once a year.
• Weather conditions – In areas with high summer heat, more frequent draining may be needed.
• Foliage in the area – Heavier foliage leads to more debris and dirt accumulation.
• Hardness of the water – Hard water leads to faster calcium scale build-up.

What is the basic process to empty an above ground pool?

Here are the key steps involved in emptying an above ground pool:

1. Assemble necessary supplies – Pump, hoses, submersible pump if needed.
2. Clean debris from the pool.
3. Determine where to direct water drainage and route hoses.
4. Lower the pool water level below the skimmer intake.
5. Start pump and drain remaining water using pump and hoses.
6. Use a submersible pump if main pump can’t drain entire pool.
7. Once empty, clean pool walls and floor thoroughly.
8. Refill pool once maintenance is complete.

What supplies do I need to empty an above ground pool?

Here are the key supplies needed to empty an above ground pool:

• Pool pump – This provides the suction to pull water out.
• Pool filter – Helps remove debris when pumping water out.
• Hoses – At least 2-3 hoses to direct water to drainage.
• Submersible pump (optional) – Needed if main pump can’t fully drain pool.
• Wet/dry vacuum – To suck up final remaining water.
• Cleaning tools – Brushes,tile scrubbers to clean once empty.
• Plug or cap – To close the drain after emptying.

Where should I direct the drained water?

You can direct the drained pool water towards:

• Lawn or garden – Great way to water plants/grass.
• Nearby storm drain – Check if allowed in your area first.
• Street gutter – Lead hose to street gutter drain if accessible.
• Woods area – If you have a wooded area that allows drainage.

The key is draining the water where it will readily dissipate without pooling excessively or running onto neighboring properties.

How do I drain an above ground pool that has no drain plug?

For above ground pools without a drain plug, follow these steps:

1. Use a submersible pump placed in the pool to pump out water.
2. Siphon out water using a pool pump and hoses directed downhill.
3. Bail out remaining shallow water using buckets.
4. Use a wet/dry shop vacuum for final water removal.

Adding a drain plug makes future draining much easier. In some pools, you may need to drill a custom drain hole if one doesn’t exist.

How can I speed up draining an above ground pool?

Here are some tips to hasten the draining process for an above ground pool:

• Use larger diameter discharge hoses to improve flow rate.
• Make sure filter is clean so it doesn’t slow water flow.
• Use a submersible pump at lower levels to keep flow steady.
• Place pump and hoses as low as possible to maximize drainage.
• Pump to multiple discharge points/hoses to improve drainage volume.
• Consider hiring a professional pool service to pump it out faster.

How do I maintain proper water chemistry when draining?

These tips will help maintain water chemistry balance while draining the pool:

• Test and adjust alkalinity, pH and calcium hardness using recommended chemicals.
• Shock treat the pool with chlorine before draining to oxidize contaminants.
• Gradually reduce chlorine level to 1-3 ppm as you pump water out.
• Balance pH between 7.2 – 7.6 and maintain some alkalinity.
• Once empty, use a stain remover if needed before refilling.

What precautions should I take when draining an above ground pool?

Keep these safety precautions in mind:

• Turn off all electrical equipment before starting.
• Wear rubber gloves and eye protection.
• Keep the pump primed throughout drainage.
• Monitor hoses to ensure there are no leaks.
• Prevent shock hazards by testing residual chlorine.
• Check for low chlorine, re-shock if needed to prevent algae growth.

Conclusion

Draining an entire above ground pool is a major undertaking, but following the right process makes it more manageable. The key steps include assembling the needed supplies, routing hoses properly, using pumps to maximum advantage, monitoring water chemistry, and taking appropriate safety precautions. With some time and effort, you can completely empty your above ground pool when required.

Supplies Checklist

Item	Needed
Pool pump	X
Hoses	X
Submersible pump	Maybe
Wet/dry vacuum	X
Cleaning tools	X
Drain plug	X

Draining Tips

Goal	Tip
Improve flow rate	Use larger diameter discharge hoses
Maintain steady flow	Use submersible pump at lower levels
Maximize drainage	Place pump/hoses as low as possible
Speed up drainage	Pump to multiple discharge points
Prevent algae	Maintain 1-3 ppm chlorine
Prevent stains	Use stain remover when empty