How to Drain Your Backyard Pool: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
These steps apply to inground and above-ground pools, as well as saltwater and chlorine-treated pools. If you decide this is a necessary step, this article will...
Draining a backyard pool is a necessary task for seasonal maintenance, chemical disposal, or preparing for long-term storage. While it may seem straightforward, improper draining can lead to serious issues, including structural damage to your pool and neighborhood drainage problems. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process to ensure you remove water safely and responsibly, protecting both your investment and the environment.
Understanding Pool Drainage Regulations
Before you even touch a hose, it is critical to research local municipal regulations regarding pool water discharge. Many cities and homeowners' associations prohibit draining pool water into storm drains because the high mineral and chemical content can overwhelm treatment facilities and pollute local waterways. Violating these rules can result in hefty fines. Instead, you will typically need to drain the water onto your own landscaped property or into a sanitary sewer drain, which is often acceptable because it can be treated at a water processing plant.
Preparing the Area and Equipment
Proper preparation saves time and prevents property damage. You should plan where the water will go and ensure the area can handle the volume. A standard inground pool can hold tens of thousands of gallons, and releasing this all at once can create massive runoff.
Gather Your Tools
- Submersible pump or sump pump
- Garden hose (if using a filter system)
- Backwash hose (for cartridge or DE filters)
- Absorbent materials (for leaks)
The Manual Siphon Method (For Small Pools)
If you have a small above-ground pool or a modest below-ground pool and do not have access to an electric pump, a manual siphon is an effective solution. This method uses gravity and atmospheric pressure to move water without electricity.
- Fill a length of garden hose completely with water.
- Place one end deep into the pool and the end on the ground lower than the pool surface.
- Place your thumb over the ground end to create suction, then release to start the flow.
Once the flow begins, you can position the hose to drain the water to a safe location in your yard.
Using an Electric Pump for Efficiency
For most residential pools, an electric submersible pump is the fastest and most efficient method. These pumps can remove hundreds of gallons per minute, significantly reducing the time required to lower the water level.
Place the pump in the deepest part of the pool and run the discharge hose to a suitable location. Ensure the hose runs downhill to maintain maximum flow. Monitor the process so the pump does not run dry once the water level drops below the intake, as this can overheat the motor.
Protecting Pool Surfaces During Drain
Draining a pool incorrectly can cause irreversible damage to the structure. When water is removed, hydrostatic pressure from the groundwater underneath the pool shell pushes upward. If the pool is empty and the groundwater is high, the pool can literally float out of the ground, causing cracks or liner failure.
To prevent this, never drain a vinyl or fiberglass pool completely if the water table in your area is high. For concrete pools, it is recommended to drain it only partially to relieve water pressure on the walls, rather than emptying it entirely. Keep an eye on the water level and stop if it reaches the midpoint of the walls.
Managing Water Disposal and Chemicals
Chlorinated water is hazardous to plants and fish, so you cannot simply drain the water into a nearby stream or storm drain. Allow the water to sit for several days to allow the chlorine to dissipate naturally, or use a dechlorination agent to neutralize it quickly before release.
Additionally, if you have an integral pool heater or equipment, ensure the power is turned off at the breaker before starting the drain. Use the drained water to clean outdoor concrete areas or irrigate your trees (once dechlorinated), maximizing the utility of the removed resource.
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