How do I drain the water out of my pool?

Draining the water out of your pool is an important maintenance task that helps protect the integrity of the pool and prepare it for the off-season. There are a few key steps to draining a pool properly without causing any damage. Here are some common questions and answers about draining pool water:

How often should I drain my pool?

You should drain your in-ground pool once a year before closing it for the winter. Draining the pool lowers the water level so freezing temperatures don’t cause ice damage and cracks. It also allows you to clean the pool properly. For above-ground pools, draining frequency depends on the climate but is typically every 2-3 years.

When is the best time to drain my pool?

The best time to drain an in-ground pool is before closing it for the winter, usually in early fall when temperatures start dropping. Outdoor pools should be drained when you no longer plan to use it. Indoor pools can be drained any time of year.

How do I drain the water out of my pool?

Here are the steps for draining a pool:

1. Gather your supplies

You’ll need a submersible pump, garden hose, discharge hose, screwdriver, and drain plugs. Make sure the hoses are long enough to reach wherever you’re draining the water.

2. Remove debris and clean the pool

Skim leaves, rocks and other debris from the pool. Give the pool a thorough brushing and vacuuming to remove algae and sediment. This makes draining easier.

3. Lower the water level

Remove water until it’s below the opening of the main drain. You can use a submersible pump and garden hose to direct water elsewhere. Remove water gradually over several hours.

4. Remove the drain plugs

Once the water is lowered, use a screwdriver to remove the drain plugs in the main drain and skimmer. The remaining water will start flowing out.

5. Connect the discharge hose

Connect your submersible pump to the pool’s main drain opening. Run the discharge hose to a location where drainage is acceptable, like a street gutter or lawn area. Turn on the pump to start draining.

6. Drain the pool and equipment

Let the pump run until all remaining water is drained. Make sure pool equipment like the filter and pumps are also drained of water according to manufacturer instructions.

7. Clean the pool surfaces

With the pool empty, scrub surfaces to remove any debris, mineral deposits and remaining algae. Rinse thoroughly. Allow surfaces to dry completely.

8. Replace the drain plugs

Once fully drained and cleaned, replace the drain plugs in the pool floor and skimmer. Make sure they fit snugly in place.

Where should I drain the pool water to?

Ideally, pool water should be drained into a street gutter or drained onto your lawn. Avoid draining pool water into a septic tank or directly into streams, wetlands or other bodies of water, as the chemicals can be harmful. You want proper drainage and absorption.

How do I maintain proper water flow when draining?

– Use large diameter discharge hoses to prevent backups
– Make sure hoses are shorter than 100 ft to maintain flow
– Elevate the pump about 3 feet above the pool water level
– Use a pump with a flow rate higher than 1,500 GPH for fastest draining
– Drain in sections and reposition hoses if flow seems blocked

What should I do if my drain seems clogged?

If your pool’s main drain seems clogged and water isn’t flowing out properly:

– Use a drain cleaner chemical to try and dissolve the clog
– Use a sewer tape to snake the drain pipe and dislodge any debris
– Use a water hose to spray directly into the drain opening
– Partially refill the pool and vacuum to loose floor debris
– Drain in sections, closing valves to isolate the clogged area

If you can’t clear the drain fully, you may need to hire a professional plumber to safely unclog it. Never keep draining with a major clog.

How can I speed up the draining process?

Here are tips for faster pool draining:

Use a larger pump

A bigger pump with a higher GPH (gallons per hour) rating will drain faster. Go for at least 1,500 GPH.

Position the pump lower

Place the pump around 3 feet below the pool’s water level to utilize gravity.

Use multiple pumps

You can use two submersible pumps positioned at opposite ends to drain in half the time.

Remove skimmer basket

Take out the skimmer basket so water can flow freely through that opening.

Use shorter, wider hoses

Fatter hoses in 25-50 foot lengths prevent resistance and maximize flow.

Pump to multiple outlets

Connect multiple discharge hoses to drain from different spots.

Drain Pumping Rates by Pipe Size

Pipe Size	Draining Rate (GPH)
1.5″	1200
2″	2100
2.5″	3200

Is it safe to drain my pool with high chlorine levels?

It’s not recommended to drain your pool when chlorine levels exceed 5 ppm. High chlorine can be harmful to plants and grass. To reduce chlorine, stop adding chlorine 2 weeks before draining. Run the pool pump daily to circulate and dissipate excess chlorine. Test levels multiple times before draining.

Should I refill the pool right after draining?

For seasonal winterization, you should leave your pool empty after draining and throughout the winter. Refilling too soon, especially if freezing temperatures are still possible, can lead to cracks and damage from ice expansion.

For regular maintenance draining, you can start refilling once the surfaces are dry. But it’s best to perform any repairs or renovations with the pool empty. Get a professional opinion on if immediate refilling is okay.

Conclusion

Draining your pool properly is crucial for protecting its structural integrity and keeping maintenance costs down. By following these steps for lowering water levels, removing plugs, pumping water away with quality hoses, and cleaning surfaces, you can ensure a smooth draining process. Pay attention to flow, drainage location, and chemical levels. With the right technique and equipment, draining your residential pool doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming.