How do you drain water from above ground pool?

Draining an above ground swimming pool is a necessary maintenance task that helps extend the life of the pool and keep it clean. While it may seem daunting, draining an above ground pool is a straightforward process that can be done in a few hours with the right preparation and equipment.

When to Drain an Above Ground Pool

There are a few instances when you will need to drain and refill your above ground pool:

• At the end of the swimming season – Draining the pool for winter prevents damage from freezing water and debris buildup.
• For cleaning and maintenance – Draining the pool allows you to thoroughly clean the liner, remove built-up debris, and make any necessary repairs.
• To change out the water – Over time, the chemicals and contaminants in the water can make it difficult to properly balance. Draining and refilling with fresh water restores water quality.
• After severe weather – Major storms and winds can cause debris and dirt to contaminate the water. It’s best to drain and refill the pool afterwards.

As a general rule, you should plan to drain and refill an above ground pool at least once a year. More frequent draining may be needed for pools that get heavy use.

Supplies Needed

Before starting the draining process, make sure you have the necessary supplies on hand:

• Submersible pump – This type of pump is specially designed to quickly drain large volumes of water from pools and spas.
• Discharge hose – A 1.5-2 inch flexible hose at least 20 ft. long to run from the pump to the drainage area.
• Screw clamps – To secure hoses together and prevent leaks.
• Garden hose – Used to direct and control the flow of discharged water.
• Extension cord – For connecting the pump to a grounded outdoor outlet.
• Polymer feeder – Optional, helps prevent stains on the liner as water drains out.

Having a helper will also make the draining go faster and smoother.

Preparing to Drain

Proper planning and setup before starting the draining process will help everything go smoothly:

1. Shut off the pool pump and filter system – This prevents damage and saves energy during draining.
2. Remove any accessories or cleaning tools from the pool.
3. Clean out the skimmer and pump baskets – This allows debris to drain out instead of clogging the system.
4. Open the drain plug and deflate any floating toys, rafts, etc.
5. Check local regulations – Some areas restrict where pool water can be drained or require chemical adjustment beforehand.
6. Select your drainage area – You’ll need an area adjacent to the pool that can accommodate hundreds or thousands of gallons of water flow.
7. Set up the pump and discharge hose – Place pump in the deepest part of the pool. Securely connect hoses and check for kinks.
8. Optional: Add draining polymer – This can help prevent ugly water stains on the pool liner.

Starting the Drain

Once everything is prepped and ready, you can start draining the pool:

1. Prime the pump – Open air relief valve, turn on for a few seconds until water starts flowing from the discharge hose.
2. Place the discharge end of the hose in your planned drainage area.
3. Turn the pump back on – Monitor the hose end so water flows where you want it.
4. Control water flow with garden hose – Use a spray nozzle on the garden hose to direct discharged water and avoid flooding or erosion.
5. Check pump periodically – Make sure intake remains fully submerged and clear of debris.
6. Keep draining until water reaches desired level – Typically 18-24 inches is optimal for cleaning the liner.
7. Turn off pump once finished and allow any remaining water to dissipate.

The draining process will take 2-6 hours depending on the pump capacity and pool size. Larger pools may require multiple rounds of draining over several days.

Cleaning the Pool

With the water lowered, now is the ideal time to give the pool a thorough cleaning:

• Use a vacuum to remove water and debris from the bottom.
• Brush sides and vacuum again to dislodge contaminants.
• Check liner for any cuts, cracks, or necessary repairs.
• Clean the skimmer, pump basket, and filter.
• Treat any stains or mineral deposits.
• Make sure ladder, handrails and other accessories are securely fastened.

Cleaning is easier and more thorough when the water level is lowered. This is a good opportunity to resolve any issues before refilling the pool.

Refilling the Pool

Once cleaning is complete, it’s time to refill the pool:

1. Close the drain plug tightly.
2. Replace any hoses, floats, etc. if removed earlier.
3. Refill slowly using a garden hose – Avoid air pockets under the liner.
4. Add fresh water balancing chemicals as you fill.
5. Check water level frequently to avoid overfilling.
6. Turn the pump and filter back on once full.
7. Allow the chemicals to circulate and balance for a day before swimming.

Take care not to re-introduce dirt or contaminants during the refilling process. Adding fresh water slowly helps avoid wrinkles in the liner as well.

Disposing of Drained Water

It’s important to dispose of drained pool water properly to avoid damage:

• Do not drain directly into the street or storm drains – This dumps chemicals and contaminants directly into the watershed.
• Avoid draining onto adjacent properties or your own lawn and landscaping.
• Divert water slowly into bushes or wooded areas on your property.
• Let water trickle gently into a gravel drainage ditch to absorb.
• Direct water across gravel or grass to filter and dissipate chemically treated water.

Check your local regulations, as some municipalities prohibit draining pools into streets or public waterways.

Winterizing the Pool

If draining your above ground pool for seasonal closure, a few extra winterizing steps should be taken:

• Drain all plumbing lines with an air compressor or wet/dry shop vac.
• Coil up and store hoses and pumps indoors.
• Cover fittings with plastic bags to prevent debris buildup.
• Plug inlets and return jets to keep out snow and dirt.
• Cover the pool with a winter cover and securely lock or tie it down.
• Treat the cover and liner with antifreeze chemicals.
• Disconnect and store the electrical components indoors.

Proper winterization protects the structure, plumbing, and liner from damage during freezing conditions.

Tips for Draining Above Ground Pools

Keep these tips in mind for safely and efficiently draining an above ground pool:

• Go slowly – Draining too quickly can damage the liner or pump system.
• Keep debris clear of intake – Monitor pump and use skimmer nets to catch leaves or dirt.
• Watch discharge flow – Prevent erosion or flooding that could contaminate the water.
• Check liner for repairs needed – Look for cracks, holes, or detachments from walls.
• Dispose of water responsibly – Never drain directly into streets, storm drains or neighbor’s yard.
• Refill slowly and evenly – This prevents liner wrinkles and damage from water pressure.
• Balance chemicals carefully – Test and adjust alkalinity, pH, chlorine, and other chemicals when refilling.
• Follow all local regulations – Be sure to comply with any codes regarding draining pools in your area.

Conclusion

Draining an above ground pool is a routine maintenance task that should be done annually and whenever water conditions make it necessary. While draining a pool takes some time and labor, it is essential for keeping your pool clean, extending its life, and protecting its structural integrity. Following the proper preparation, draining, cleaning, refilling, and disposal methods will ensure safe, efficient pool drainage that allows you to enjoy crystal clear water all season long.