Is it OK to leave an inground pool empty?

Asked by: Dustin Ridpath

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 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.

Will a pool collapse without water?

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.

Do you have to keep water in an inground pool?

First of all, just to confirm, yes, you must leave water in your inground pool throughout the winter. To get straight to the answer of why that’s so, it’s because you don’t want your pool to ‘float’.

Can I just empty my pool?

Your pool is not meant to be empty. Whether you have a vinyl, concrete, or fiberglass pool, it is at its best when it’s full of water. Once the water is drained, you open yourself up to all sorts of damage, so drain a pool only when there is no other option.

How long can an inground pool sit 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.

How long can a pool be left drained?

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 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.

Can I leave my pool empty over winter?

It’s not good to leave your pool empty when the weather gets cold. Leaving your pool filled with water can help prevent your vinyl or concrete foundation from being damaged.

Can a gunite pool be left empty?

Your in-ground gunite pool is designed to hold water. The pressure of the thousands of gallons in the pool’s bowl helps the gunite hold its shape and anchors it in the ground. When you remove the water from a gunite pool and leave it empty, you run a significant risk of damaging your pool.

Is it OK to drain a concrete pool?

Inground pools made of concrete or gunite are susceptible to popping out of the ground if drainage is not done properly. If there has been a surplus of rain recently or your pool is located in a wet area, it is best not to try and drain the pool yourself at all.