Draining a pool is undoubtedly not as attractive as enjoying the beach weather in your oasis. But when your pool expert talks of high levels of total dissolved solids in it, you don’t have a choice. After all, you want to jump into some clean water. Or perhaps the storm or hurricane is knocking, and an overflow is a headache you would like to avoid. Even repairs in your pool will start with the same thing; a swimming pool drain. Whichever the reason, getting an opinion from an expert is highly advisable.
Steps On Draining A Pool
Is your pool in-ground or above ground? For the in-ground, it’s everything but a space full of water. That said, a pool main drain may come in handy to effortlessly circulate and filter the water.
Let’s get you back your quality pool water with the procedures below:
An above-ground pool
We like the right to choose, and this is one of those circumstances. You can employ an electric pump or a garden hose siphon. So, why would you select one over the other? Availability, preference, and time. For starters, how much time do you have to spare? The electric pump is faster than its counterpart.
Using an electric pump
- Deep the pump under the water to the center of the pool.
- Where will you drain the pump’s outlet hose? The place should be leveled and far enough from the pool.
- Using clean and dry hands, turn on the electric pump. The last thing you want is electrocution.
- Now that the pump is running hold on. Is the water decreasing? Confirm this before leaving the drain unattended.
- Keep checking the pool to avoid another problem; a pool overflow drain.
- Once the water is too low, the pump can’t drain anymore.
Using a garden hose siphon
One hose could do, but using, say, two could quickly end your draining duty. Here is what to do:
- Submerge the pool drain hose(s) in water.
- Take the end of the hose out of the pool, and direct it to a leveled place that won’t possibly flood.
- For the opposite end of the hose, keep it in water, ensuring it is siphoning out of the pool.
- Continue checking the pool water level, affirming it decreases.
- This method won’t get all the water out, so once it starts stagnating, remove the hose.
Clear the few inches of water for both techniques using a wet vac to suck up the remaining liquid or sweep the water towards the draining system.
An in-ground pool
- Insert the submersible pump
If you plan on using the regular pool pump, save yourself the potential damages by renting or buying a submersible pump. So, position the pump in the deep end’s center while ensuring the power cord is long enough to extend from the pool bottom to the outlet. Suppose you can avoid using the extension cord; the better. Ensure the pump is attached to a hose, as its other end is where you intend to drain the water.
- Drain
Turn on the pump to start the draining process. Watch the cord and the hose to avoid flooding.
- Get the pump-out
At some point, the pump will stop sucking up the water. The remaining inches of water may not do any harm. But if you intend to have repairs, you will need a dry floor so that a heavy-duty cover pump will clear all the water.
- Open the relief valves
It is crucial to ease the underground water, and one way is using the valves. Open the hydrostatic pressure relief valves to prevent an in-ground pool pop up.
Note
The hose should reach the sewer cleanout for proper drainage and avoid flooding.
Draining a pool regularly is important
Draining a pool stems from various reasons like repairs or correcting the chemical balance. Either way, getting in touch with a professional is crucial. For starters, the chemical levels in your pool may be too high, and secondly, to avoid unnecessary damages that your homeowner’s insurance will not cater to. Pool experts ensure everything is done right from the start, saving your investment.