Siphoning pool water is a simple method to lower the water level using just a hose and gravity.
Siphoning works by creating a pressure difference. Once the hose is filled with water and one end is placed lower than the other, gravity pulls the water down the lower end, creating a vacuum that continuously pulls water from the higher end (in the pool) over the edge.
How to Siphon Pool Water Step-by-Step
Using a standard garden hose, you can easily siphon water from your pool following these steps:
- Prepare Your Hose: Ensure you have a hose long enough to reach from the bottom of the pool over the edge and to a lower drain point or acceptable discharge area. Make sure the hose is clean.
- Submerge the Hose: Submerge the entire hose so that it is completely filled with water. This is crucial to start the siphon process. Wiggle it around under the water until no more air bubbles come out.
- Plug One End: Once the hose is full, quickly, using your thumb, plug one end of the hose. Keep the other end submerged in the pool water.
- Position the Plugged End: With one end still submerged in the pool, pull the plugged end as far over the side as you can while the other end remains submerged. Ensure the plugged end is lower than the submerged end in the pool.
- Start the Flow: Once the plugged end is securely positioned lower than the pool's water level, Release your thumb and water will begin to flow out of the pool!
Reference: Based on method described [26-Jul-2021 source].
Why Siphon Pool Water?
You might need to siphon pool water for several reasons:
- Lowering the water level after heavy rain.
- Draining small pools (like kiddie pools or inflatable pools) completely.
- Reducing the water level before adding chemicals or backwashing certain filter types.
Important Considerations
- Discharge Location: Ensure the water is siphoned to an appropriate location (storm drain, lawn, etc.) according to local regulations. Avoid siphoning pool water directly into sanitary sewers.
- Safety: Keep an eye on the hose and the water level. Never leave a siphon unattended, especially with larger pools, to prevent over-draining.
- Alternative Methods: For larger pools, using the pool's main drain and pump system is often more efficient for lowering the water level. Siphoning is best for smaller tasks or when power is unavailable.
This simple technique provides a non-mechanical way to manage your pool's water level when needed.
