Is it safe to drain a gunite pool?
7 min read
Asked by: Sheila Williams
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.
Is it OK to completely drain an inground pool?
Never completely drain a fiberglass or inground vinyl-lined pool. Doing so can damage the integrity of the pool surface or liner, resulting in bowing or cracking. The only time you should fully drain a vinyl pool is if you’re replacing the liner. Otherwise, the best practice is to partially drain these types of pools.
Can a pool be damaged by draining it?
First, if the draining is done at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions, you can actually risk damaging your pool structure and liner. All the water from your pool needs to go somewhere when it’s drained, and that usually means the ground.
How do you clean and drain a gunite pool?
All right we're gonna start with just regular garden hose just spraying some of the larger debris down to the bottom of the pool. So we can pump it out.
Is it better to drain a pool or clean it?
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.
Why do people not drain their pool?
First of all, you do not want to completely drain your pool because it can cause problems of its own. Your pool is made to have water in it. When your pool is empty, it is more vulnerable to damage. From debris, to dry rot, and everything in between, an empty pool just isn’t protected.
Should you drain your pool?
Pool industry experts recommend you drain your pool and refill it every five to seven years. No two pools are alike, so there is no set number at which you must drain your pool.
How long can you leave a inground pool 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.
What time of year is best to drain pool?
If the temperature will be over 85 degrees at any point in the process, it is best to postpone. The same is true of temperatures near or below freezing. Because of these temperature parameters, the best time to year to drain a pool is usually in the spring or fall.
How do you drain a concrete pool?
If you decide to drain this pool yourself, you will first need to rent a sump pump that can be submerged under water. After renting the proper sump pump, connect it to the sewer access point and submerge the other end in the pool. Plug the pump into an outlet and let it go to work.
Should you drain a concrete 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 I drain my pool safely?
How to Drain an Inground Pool
- Rent or buy a submersible pump. …
- Monitor the Draining Process. …
- Turn Off and Remove the Submersible Pump. …
- Open a Hydrostatic Pressure Relief Valve. …
- Perform the Work You Drained the Pool For. …
- Replace the Hydrostatic Pressure Relief Valve. …
- Refill the Pool. …
- Turn on the Pool Pump.
What is the fastest way to drain an inground pool?
The first thing you would do is locate your valve. And this valve right here has a suction for the skimmer as well as a suction for the main drain as well as an off position.
How can I empty my 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.
What happens if pool water level is too high?
If the level is higher than that, it may slow or even stop debris from being pulled into the skimmer box through the plate or valve. This means that there will be floating debris left on your pool water surface as a result.
How long does it take to drain a 15000 gallon pool?
Draining a pool can take up to 14 hours, depending on the size, so be sure to drain it on a day when you have sufficient free time. You need to be home to check on the pool, the hoses, and the pump frequently.
Can I drain a pool with a garden hose?
Put one end of your garden hose inside the port. Thread the hose to the back of your house. Attach the other end of the garden hose to a submersion pump and place the hose and pump in the deepest area of your pool, near the drain. The pool will begin to drain.
How much does it cost to drain and clean a pool?
$500 to $700
It typically costs $500 to $700 to drain and clean a pool and usually takes several days. Since it’s more expensive, a pool company will try other common treatments to clean the pool first.
How much water can I drain from my pool?
Drain the water down to no more than 6 inches from the bottom of the skimmer if you plan to use a standard floating winter cover. Use your pool filter, switched to the “Drain” setting, to empty the pool water. Attach a pool hose to the end of the filter opening that leads to your yard’s drain to avoid flooding.
Should I drain my pool after it rains?
If you have a typical rainfall, or even several inches, your pool should be fine, since drains and skimmers are designed to remove the excess water. In most cases, your pool can even handle rain from most tropical depressions and hurricanes.
How far should I drain my inground pool for winter?
Your water should only be drained so it sits just below the skimmer and jets. This helps make sure that no water can get into the pumping system. You may also need to drain a few extra inches of water, depending on the type of pool cover you’re using.
How often should a pool be drained?
Except for emergencies (which we will discuss momentarily), home pools typically only need to be drained once every two or three years. Commercial pools, if properly maintained and serviced, should be drained and the water replaced annually.
How long can you keep water in a swimming pool?
But, there are a few things that they will agree on: Maintenance is critical when it comes to the quality of your pool water. Well maintained pool water can last up to 5, maybe even seven years before you need to replace it. This means weekly cleaning, functional filters, and checking ph levels every day.
How much does it cost to drain a pool for winter?
Pros will typically charge between $70 to $150 to drain a pool, but additional charges could come if you need chemicals, plus the best pool installation companies may offer some draining services for a discount if you have worked with them in the past.
