Where do you drain above ground pool water?

When it comes time to drain an above ground pool, homeowners often wonder where exactly they should drain the water. Draining an above ground pool is necessary for maintenance, repairs, closing the pool for winter, or to completely remove the pool. While the draining process is straightforward, care must be taken to drain the water responsibly and avoid potential property damage or contamination. Here are some important factors to consider when figuring out where to drain above ground pool water.

Should I Drain Above Ground Pool onto Lawn?

The most convenient place to drain an above ground pool is often right onto the lawn adjacent to the pool. However, there are some potential downsides to draining a pool in this manner:

• The large volume of water can cause damage by washing away topsoil or creating runoff issues in the yard
• Disinfectants and algaecides in the water may kill grass or contaminate garden beds if drained directly onto landscaping
• Water may pool up and flood part of the yard during drainage
• Any debris or sediments in the pool water can be left behind

With proper precautions, draining onto the lawn can be an acceptable option. Discharge pool water slowly over a sheet of plywood to prevent erosion and make sure water fully drains away from the house. Rinsing the lawn with fresh water after draining may also help prevent chemical damage from pool treatments.

Draining Above Ground Pool into Storm Drain

Storm drains may seem like the perfect solution for draining a pool – the water flows away quickly. However, there are good reasons to avoid sending pool water into storm drains whenever possible:

• Pool chemicals like chlorine can be harmful to aquatic life if released into natural waterways untreated
• Algae and sediments can clog storm drains over time
• Rapid drainage can overwhelm the storm drain system if not metered out slowly
• Most municipalities prohibit draining swimming pools into storm drains, and violations can result in fines

An exception is that it may be allowed to drain into storm drains during the off season when heavy rainfall is not expected. Even then, water should be dechlorinated first. Never drain a pool into a street gutter or culvert, which also leads to the storm drain system.

Draining Above Ground Pool into Backyard

Draining an above ground pool into a backyard area can work well with proper planning. Consider these tips:

• Select a low or flat area of the yard where water can collect and soak in without runoff
• Discharge away from the house foundation or structures to prevent flooding damage
• Use a pool pump and long discharge hose to control flow rate and spread water over a large area
• Lay out boards, bricks or stones to prevent a muddy pit and landscape erosion
• Consider dechlorinating chemicals first for less environmental impact

With some adjustments, this technique may also work for a gravel driveway, bare soil area or low groundcover that won’t be harmed by the temporary flooding.

Draining Above Ground Pool into Woods

For homes with backyards adjoining wooded areas, trees and shrubs can act as an ideal natural filter to assimilate water drained from an above ground pool. A few tips for draining pool water into woods:

• Ensure drainage is allowed by local regulations and neighborhood covenants
• Slow discharge rate to prevent erosion issues
• Allow the water to filter through vegetation to filter out chemicals, debris and sediments
• Avoid directing water into sensitive environmental habitats like wetlands or marshes

This disposal method takes some monitoring but offers organic filtration while returning water to the environment.

Using a Septic Drain Field

Homes on a septic system may have enough capacity to drain an above ground pool to the septic drainage field. This takes some coordination but can be an ideal disposal solution when feasible:

• Consult with a septic service to ensure adequate capacity for hundreds or thousands of gallons of additional wastewater
• Be current on septic tank pumping and maintenance before draining pool
• Flow rate must be slow and controlled to prevent septic system overload or backups
• Monitor drainage area and stop immediately if any ground saturation is observed

Draining into a septic system is best done in the off-season when groundwater levels are lower. Discharging chlorinated water directly into a septic tank should always be avoided.

Hiring Pool Draining Services

For homeowners unsure about how to properly drain their above ground pool, hiring professional pool draining services may be the best option. Reputable pool companies can provide:

• Convenient handling of the entire draining process
• Proper equipment to pump water efficiently
• Dechlorination chemicals to neutralize chemicals before draining
• Advice on ideal drainage options in your area and neighborhood
• Responsible water disposal in compliance with regulations
• Pool winterizing services at the same time as draining

This hands-off approach provides peace of mind that the pool water will be drained away correctly. Costs are usually affordable, especially relative to the value of avoiding any problems or liabilities.

Is it Illegal to Drain a Pool in the Street?

In most areas, it is illegal and subject to fines or penalties to drain a pool into a street, storm drain, natural waterway or other public right of way. Specific regulations vary somewhat by state and municipality, but there are some general rules that apply:

• No discharge is allowed directly into “waters of the state” without an NPDES permit
• Pools may not be drained in a way that causes runoff into roads, neighboring properties, protected lands or wetlands
• Any damages caused by improper drainage can lead to legal and repair liability
• Chlorinated pool water cannot be discharged where it may contaminate groundwater or wells

While the convenience of draining into a street may be tempting, this practice risks environmental harm, public safety issues from water in roadways, and significant fines. It should always be avoided.

Above Ground Pool Draining Precautions

Regardless of where above ground pool water ends up draining, some general precautions apply:

• Shut off all electrical power to pool equipment for safety when draining
• Remove any accessories or items from the pool before starting
• Maintain constant supervision of the draining process
• Avoid the need to drain onto neighboring properties without permission
• Divert drainage as needed to prevent flooding or erosion issues
• Dechlorinate if needed to prevent environmental impacts

Proper planning is key prior to opening a pool drain valve or disconnecting hoses. Having a clear destination in mind, with contingency options, can prevent costly mistakes.

Above Ground Pool Draining FAQ

Can I pump pool water into my septic system?

It is possible to drain an above ground pool into a home septic system in some cases. This should only be done with caution by checking with a septic professional to ensure adequate capacity and a controlled flow rate to avoid overloading the drainage field.

Where should I drain my above ground pool to close it for winter?

The best places to drain an above ground pool for seasonal winterizing are either onto your own lawn well away from the house, or hiring a professional pool company to handle the draining responsibly offsite.

How long does it take to drain an above ground pool?

Depending on the size of the pool and pump capacity, draining an above ground pool typically takes between 8-12 hours. Larger pools with thousands of gallons could take up to 24 hours to drain fully.

Can I get in trouble for draining my pool in the street?

Yes, draining a pool into any street, storm drain or public right of way is usually prohibited and can result in citations or fines in most jurisdictions.

What is the best way to drain an above ground pool?

The best practice is to drain an above ground pool onto your own lawn or pervious surfaces at moderate flow rates, while diverting water safely away from buildings and neighboring properties. Many homeowners choose to hire a professional service to handle pool draining and disposal.

Conclusion

Draining an above ground swimming pool requires some careful planning and attention to detail. While the draining process itself if straightforward, choosing an appropriate drainage location and disposing of water responsibly can avoid legal, environmental and property issues. With some common sense precautions, most above ground pools can be drained safely onto lawns or backyards. Alternatively, hiring a pool service provider ensures a seamless experience and compliance with all local regulations when draining and closing a pool for the season.