Is it OK to completely drain an above ground pool?
4 min read
Asked by: Bob Mer
While uncommon, there may come a point that you have to completely drain your above ground swimming pool. We recommend working with a pool professional, but draining your above ground pool is something many pool owners can safely do on their own with a little time and elbow grease!
Can I fully drain my pool?
Most in- ground concrete pools are built structurally to withstand the weight of the dirt against them when drained. However, if the ground water is high enough, it can push the entire pool out of the ground.
What happens if you drain an above ground pool?
An empty pool (or as little as 1/4 filled) and an exposed liner on a hot day can cause the liner to shrink from the heat and deem the liner useless. An empty pool is also susceptible to collapse. Especially, in high winds and/or bad weather. Keep in mind!
How much water can you drain from an above ground pool?
If you have an above-ground pool with a vinyl pool liner, drain the pool to about 1 inch below the bottom of the skimmer mouth. It’s acceptable to drain the pool a few more inches below that if you live in an area that gets heavy precipitation during the winter months.
What happens if you drain a pool?
Draining or emptying your pool of water can create a number of financial and structural headaches, including: Cracking the pool’s shell. Damaging the interior lining or surface. Damaging the pool’s coping and surrounding paving or timber work.
Can you drain a pool and leave it empty?
An empty swimming pool can pop, or float out of the ground. This is due to possible hydrostatic pressure from unknown underground water. Think of your swimming pool as a “boat” in the ground, and it will float out of ground if there is underground water pressure.
How long can my pool stay empty?
How long can you leave a pool empty? Well, the minimum amount of time possible in order to minimize the risk of serious damage. Most issues that require a pool drain will take at least a day or two to resolve, but it’s recommended to not let it sit empty for any extended period of time.
Can you drain pool water into grass?
Pool water is perfectly safe for grass in small levels. If you want to drain your pool onto your lawn, make sure to properly dilute the chlorine level. Be careful not to flood your lawn while draining, because that can kill the grass.
How do I drain my above ground pool without flooding my yard?
All you need is a medium-size water or vacuum pump.
- Unroll the pump’s intake hose so that it reaches the center of the pool (or as close to it as possible), and submerge it in the pool.
- Place the outlet hose so the exiting water doesn’t flood the area, but drains off away from the pool.
- Dry your hands thoroughly.
Should I drain my pool to get rid of algae?
Should I drain my pool to get rid of algae? Yes, you can because it saves time and money, but only if you do it properly. Use the main drain in your pool and drain water through the filter pump. Or rent or borrow the pump, place the hose down the street or storm drain, and drain.
Should I drain my pool for winter?
Close the pool for winter – but don’t drain it.
In winter, the water in your pool is still your friend. Especially when properly winterized, it helps to protect the pool liner, keep it clean and prevent unnecessary damage from debris, harsh weather and other factors.
How do you remove sediment from bottom of pool?
If there has been a serious invasion of excess dirt and debris, you may also need to shock your pool. Vacuuming is recognized as the only way to remove sediment from the bottom of a pool.
