Draining water from a pool, whether for maintenance, repairs, or winterization, involves carefully removing the water and directing it to an appropriate drainage area. The exact method can vary depending on your pool type and available equipment, but the core principle involves removing the water and safely discharging it.
Methods for Draining Your Pool
There are several common ways to drain water from your pool:
Using a Submersible Pump
A submersible pump is often the most efficient and fastest way to drain a pool.
- How it works: You place the pump directly into the deepest part of your pool. It has a hose connection through which it expels water.
- Pros: Very quick, can remove a large volume of water rapidly, and typically leaves only a small amount of residual water.
- Cons: Requires purchasing or renting a pump, which can be an added cost.
Siphoning Method
Siphoning is a simple, no-power-required method, though it can be slower than using a pump.
- How it works: Fill a hose completely with water, then cap one end. Place the capped end in the pool and the other end at a lower elevation than the pool where you want the water to drain. Uncap the end in the pool, and gravity will pull the water out.
- Pros: Inexpensive, requires no electricity or special equipment beyond a garden hose.
- Cons: Can be slow, requires the drainage point to be lower than the pool, and may not remove all the water.
Utilizing Your Pool's Backwash or Drain Valve (if applicable)
Some inground pools connected to a sand or DE filter system can be drained (or partially drained) using the filter's "waste" or "drain" setting.
- How it works: With the pump running, set the filter valve to "waste" or "drain." Water will be pumped directly out of the pool through the waste line instead of going through the filter.
- Pros: Uses existing pool equipment.
- Cons: Puts wear on your main pool pump, not designed for full drainage, and may not work if your pump cannot handle dry running for extended periods.
Directing the Water and Hose Management
Once you have a method chosen, managing the expelled water is crucial.
Choosing a Drainage Location
It's vital to have a safe and compliant place for the water to go. You must direct the other end of your hose to where you want to drain the water. This could be:
- A municipal storm drain: Check local regulations, as some areas have restrictions on pool water discharge due to chemicals.
- Your lawn or garden: Only if the water is free of chemicals (chlorine, salt, etc.) that could harm plants or local ecosystems. Allow chlorine to dissipate for several days before draining to plants.
- A sanitary sewer cleanout: Only if approved by your local wastewater authority, as large volumes of chlorinated water can overwhelm treatment plants.
- A dry well: If you have one on your property.
Never drain pool water directly into natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, or streams without explicit permission and treatment, as pool chemicals can be harmful to aquatic life.
Extending Your Reach with Hoses
Often, the ideal drainage area is not immediately adjacent to your pool. If your hose won't reach the drainage area, you can easily connect several hoses together. Use hose connectors to create the necessary length, ensuring each connection is secure to prevent leaks and maintain a consistent flow. This allows you to safely direct water away from your property or to the designated drainage point, no matter the distance.
Important Considerations Before Draining
Before you begin draining your pool, keep these points in mind:
- Check Local Regulations: Always consult your local municipality or homeowner's association for specific rules and regulations regarding pool water disposal. Fines can be imposed for improper draining.
- Groundwater Pressure: For inground pools, be aware of high groundwater tables. Draining your pool completely when groundwater is high can cause the pool shell to float out of the ground, leading to severe structural damage.
- Pool Type: Above-ground pools are generally simpler to drain, while inground pools require more caution due to potential hydrostatic pressure issues.
- Time of Year: Draining in extremely hot weather can damage pool surfaces (liners, plaster) by drying them out too quickly or causing them to crack.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Water: If your pool contains chlorine or other chemicals, allow them to dissipate for several days before draining, especially if draining to a lawn or storm drain. You can use a test kit to confirm chemical levels are safe for discharge.
- Choose Your Method: Decide whether you'll use a submersible pump, siphon, or your pool's backwash/waste function.
- Set Up Drainage Hose: Connect your drain hose to your pump or set up your siphoning hose.
- Direct the Hose: Direct the other end of the hose to where you want to drain the water. Ensure the hose is securely placed and won't move, potentially flooding an unwanted area.
- Extend if Needed: If your hose doesn't reach, connect several hoses to achieve the required length, securing all connections.
- Begin Draining: Start the pump, initiate the siphon, or set your filter valve to "waste."
- Monitor the Process: Keep an eye on the draining process. Once the water level is low enough for your purposes, or completely drained, turn off the pump/close the valve.
- Clean Up: Remove the pump and hoses. Clean out any debris or residue left at the bottom of the pool.
