Lowering the water level in your above ground pool is usually done for winterizing purposes, maintenance, or repairs. You can achieve this using a submersible pump or by siphoning the water. However, it's crucial not to drain too much water, as it can damage the pool liner.
Here's a breakdown of how to lower your pool's water level:
Methods for Lowering the Water Level:
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Using a Submersible Pump:
- This is often the quickest and easiest method.
- Submersible pumps are specifically designed to pump water out of pools and other bodies of water.
- How to Use: Place the pump in the pool, attach a garden hose to the pump's outlet, and run the hose to a designated drainage area (avoid draining directly into storm drains if possible; check local regulations). Plug in the pump and let it run until the desired water level is reached. Monitor the process to avoid draining too much water.
- Pro Tip: Some pumps have an automatic shut-off when they detect low water levels, preventing them from running dry and potentially damaging the pump.
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Siphoning with a Garden Hose:
- This method uses gravity to drain the water.
- How to Use: Submerge the entire garden hose in the pool, ensuring all air bubbles are removed. Keep one end of the hose submerged in the pool while holding the other end outside the pool, at a point lower than the water level inside the pool. Once water starts flowing, the siphoning action will continue until the water level in the pool reaches the end of the submerged hose, or until you stop the flow.
- Note: This method is slower than using a submersible pump but can be useful if you don't have access to one.
How Much Water Should I Drain?
- For Winterizing: Generally, aim to lower the water level 4 to 6 inches below the skimmer. This prevents water from freezing in the skimmer and potentially damaging it.
- For Liner Maintenance/Repairs: The appropriate water level will depend on the location of the repair. Consult the liner manufacturer's guidance for specific recommendations.
- Important Warning: Do not lower the water level excessively, especially in vinyl liner pools. Doing so can cause the liner to shrink, wrinkle, or even detach from the pool walls.
Things to Consider:
- Drainage Location: Always consider where the drained water will go. Avoid draining onto your neighbor's property or into areas that could cause erosion or flooding. Check local regulations regarding pool water drainage.
- Water Chemistry: If you're draining a significant amount of water, you'll need to rebalance the chemicals in your pool after refilling it.
- Liner Age and Condition: Older or brittle liners are more prone to damage when the water level is lowered. Proceed with caution.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively lower the water level in your above ground pool for winterizing or other necessary maintenance tasks.
