Is it OK to leave a swimming pool empty?
8 min read
Asked by: Troy Ramsey
As long as your pool has enough water in it to counteract the water pressure that’s outside the pool, you don’t have a problem. But if you empty the pool, even concrete pools, you risk serious issues, including damaging the vinyl liner, cracking concrete sides, and the pool literally popping out of the ground.
How long can a swimming pool stay empty?
Modern concrete pools can usually stand being drained for as long as needed, but there’ll still be a risk of popping if the ground water level is high. Fibreglass pools are less resilient. The floor may come loose and float to the top when refilled, even after a short period.
What happens if swimming pool is left empty?
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.
Should you empty a swimming pool?
Most in-ground pools will have to be drained and refilled at some point. But cleaning should not be the reason to do it. Pools will need to be drained and refilled every 5-7 years on average, or if there is a major necessary repair. Otherwise, avoid draining your pool if at all possible.
How long can pool water sit without chlorine?
24-48 hours
If you are not adding chlorine to kill bacteria, drain the pool every other day. Stagnant water without chlorine can become unhealthy water in as little as 24-48 hours.
Can you leave a pool empty for a week?
Once water is removed (and subsequently, the interior hydrostatic pressure), if there’s an influx of groundwater, it will push the pool up and out of place. As a general rule, you shouldn’t keep any pool empty for longer than it needs to be.
Will my pool crack if I drain it?
Empty pools are also susceptible to damage from exposure. Vinyl pools tend to contract when emptied, which can result in damage when they are refilled. Gunite or fiberglass pools can crack, and fiberglass pools may suffer bulging or splitting if drained. It may also void your warranty to drain your fiberglass pool.
Should you empty your pool in the 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.
Can you leave a Fibreglass pool empty?
A fibreglass pool is the most dangerous to drain and should only be done by a professional. Older pools may not have been built structurally to hold back the weight of the dirt against it when the pool is drained. This can cause the walls to collapse.
What can be done with an unused inground pool?
6 Genius New Uses for an Old Swimming Pool
- The sunken patio. …
- The practical deck. …
- The practical deck. …
- The detached studio. …
- The detached studio. …
- The peaceful pond. …
- The peaceful pond. …
- The water-wise garden.
What happens if you don’t put chlorine in a pool?
Statistically, a pool without chlorine is more likely to make you sick because of the possibility of being exposed to the things not contained or killed by chlorine. Remember, your skin is porous, so microscopic impurities can pass through. A pool sans chlorine is akin to a big puddle of murky water.
How often should swimming pool water be changed?
every five to seven years
You should replace pool water every five to seven years. As much as possible, you should drain and refill your pool during mild weather. It’s to avoid pool damage caused by direct sunlight and heat. Moreover, a pool maintenance company can recommend the ideal time to drain your pool.
How often should you empty your pool?
every 3-5 years
Even with proper and regular pool maintenance, it’s often necessary to drain your pool — either completely or partially — every 3-5 years. Draining your pool often isn’t necessary, especially if you’re following a proper and regular maintenance program.
How long can plaster pool be empty?
eight to ten days
If the pool ever needs to be drained to replace the water or to maintain the plaster, it should never be left empty for more than eight to ten days at the most. More than this may cause the plaster to dry out and crack. Keep your pool full for best results.
Can an above ground pool sit empty?
The answer is always NO. Above ground pools need the weight of the water in them to provide an optimal level of stability. Without water supporting the wall you run the risk of the pool wall coming out of the track. Also without water in the pool the liner can shrink and no longer fit your pool.
Can you leave a Fibreglass pool empty?
A fibreglass pool is the most dangerous to drain and should only be done by a professional. Older pools may not have been built structurally to hold back the weight of the dirt against it when the pool is drained. This can cause the walls to collapse.
How do you clean a pool that has been sitting for years?
Recovering Pool Water
Adjust the pH levels as well as the water hardness. Use pool shock until the dark green water turns blue-grey. Make sure the filter is running throughout until the water becomes clear. Use a clarifier and flocculant to coagulate and drop particles to the bottom of the pool.
How do you clean an empty pool?
In this video we'll drain all the water from the pool do a chlorine wash on the walls refill. And bounce the water chemistry let's go ahead and get started.
How do you clean an empty green pool?
Shock Your Pool with Chlorine to Kill Algae
This is the main event in clearing a green pool—killing the algae. Pool shock contains a high level of chlorine that will kill the algae and sanitize the pool. For the best results, use a shock that contains at least 70% available chlorine (calcium hypochlorite).
How do you clean an above ground pool that is empty?
Step-by-Step: How To Clean Your Above Ground Pool After Draining It
- Supplies Checklist. Bucket. …
- Step one: Drain the pool. …
- Step two: Remove the dirty pool liner. …
- Step three: Prepare the pool liner. …
- Step four: Make a cleaning solution. …
- Step five: Scrub the pool liner. …
- Step six: Wash the pool liner. …
- Step seven: Dry the pool liner.
How often should you drain your above ground pool?
every three to five years
Most pool professionals recommend completely draining your pool every three to five years. You’ll be able to start over with fresh and properly treated water. Think about how often you use your pool. The more often you use it, the faster the level of total dissolved solids (TDS) will rise.
Should I drain my above ground pool for winter?
You’ll need to keep draining water off the cover with a pump or siphon to protect it from damage. Important: Never drain an above ground pool completely when winterizing. Your vinyl liner can dry out, shortening its life considerably.
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.
How do you remove algae from the bottom of an above ground pool?
Make sure the pH is normal or a little low.
- Add liquid chlorine. Don’t buy your chorine at Walmart or Home Depot. …
- Run the pool pump for 12 hours a day. Running the pump/filter for 12 hours will allow the dead algae to settle on the bottom of the pool so you can then complete step five more effectively.
Can you swim in a pool with a little bit of algae?
Algae can be very slippery, causing swimmers to fall resulting in bumps, bruises, cuts and even broken bones. Don’t try to swim in a pool that’s full of algae. Besides causing injuries, an algae infested pool creates a higher risk of drowning for those who are not expert swimmers or those who fall unconscious.
Should I drain my pool if it’s green?
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.
Can you vacuum algae out of a pool?
1. Vacuum green algae through the Waste Method (Easiest and Safest for Equipment) The easiest way to eliminate the algae that has settled on the bottom of your pool is to bypass the filter and vacuum from the pool to waste.
Why is my pool dirty after I vacuum it?
If dirt is reappearing at the bottom of your swimming pool after you’ve vacuumed it your pool’s filter may be working poorly. Pool filters often work poorly because they’re in need of cleaning. If you have a sand filter for your pool you need to make sure that the sand is sharp and freshened up.
How do I know if my pool has algae?
A great way to determine if algae is present in your pool is by identifying what the pH levels of your water are. If the levels are too high, it’s likely that algae could begin to grow. For basic monitoring, you should consider the pH1000 sensor, which is designed to be used with pools.
