As a pool owner, draining your pool is crucial to keep it healthy. Unlike what most people think, draining your pool isn’t as simple as just pulling a plug. If you don’t do it right, you could risk damaging your pool or your neighbor’s property.
Sometimes, your pool needs draining to give it a fresh start. It could be for maintenance purposes, repair work, or you want to close your pool for the season. No matter your reason, draining your pool can be an uphill task if you don’t know how to do it.
If you’re reading this article, then you’re in luck! We’ll discuss some simple DIY methods for draining your pool, as well as tips and tricks to make the process easier.
Let’s dive in!
Why Do I Need to Drain My Pool?
With time, the chemicals in your pool can become ineffective making your pool unsafe for you and your family. Regular pool maintenance is crucial to keep it safe and enjoyable.
One vital part of this maintenance is draining your pool. If water sits in your pool for too long, it can grow things like algae and bacteria. These microorganisms can cause some serious health problems for you.
By draining your pool, you can maintain your pool’s health and avoid getting sick from these germs.
Factors to Consider Before Draining Your Pool?
Before draining your pool, here are some factors you need to consider to keep your pool and environment safe:
- Your reason for draining: What is your reason for draining your pool? If it’s for cleaning or maintenance, then you may not require complete draining. A partial draining should be just enough. However, if you need to drain your pool entirely, it is essential to do it properly or best call a professional.
- Weather conditions: Ensure you check the weather forecast before draining your pool. Doing it on a rainy day can cause flooding.
- Water disposal: it’s also important to know the proper method for pool water disposal. Some areas have regulations for pool water disposal. Make sure you follow the local laws guiding pool water disposal in your area. You can contact your local authorities or pool professionals for advice on how to do this properly.
- Chemical levels: Test the chemical levels of your pool water before draining it. High levels of chlorine and other chemicals can be harmful to your environment if you don’t dispose of them properly.
- Cost of refilling your pool: Consider the cost of refilling your pool before draining. You should prioritize your pool health. However, it is wise to check the cost of refilling it before you drain it. Don’t drain it too often.
DIY Methods For Draining Your Pool
Now that you’re ready, let’s show you some DIY methods for draining your pool. We’ve laid them down here for you:
1. Submersible pump method
A submersible pump is an efficient equipment for draining your pool. If you don’t have it you can rent one from a hardware or pool supply store. To use this, connect a hose from the pump to a drain or a safe discharge area. Then submerge the pump into your pool and plug it into an electrical outlet. The pump will begin to suck the water out of your pool and discharge it to a suitable draining location.
2. The garden hose method
You can use your garden hose to drain your pool. To do this, place one end of your hose in your pool and the other end outside your pool. Make sure the end that is outside is lower than the water level in your pool.
Turn on your water supply to fill your hose with water and then quickly turn off the water supply. Place your thumb to cover the hose end in the pool, and carry the other end outside. Then release your thumb and the water should flow freely out of your pool. No electricity involved. This method, although can be tricky, is cost effective.
3. Wet/dry vacuum method
If you have a wet/dry vacuum, then draining your pool won’t be a hassle.
Get a hose, connect it to your vacuum, and put the other end in a suitable drainage system.
Turn on your vacuum and it automatically begins to suck the water out of your pool. However, this method is best for small pools or for removing the remaining water from a bigger pool.
4. Gravity drain method
Gravity drains are perfect for draining your pool. It uses the force of gravity to allow water to flow out from your pool to a drainage system. Water flows out through pipes at the drainage points (lowest points of the pool). This method is most helpful if you have a small pool where a pump may not be necessary. However, you can also use it for larger pools as a backup draining option.
5. Solar cover method
If you have a solar cover, then you can use it to drain your pool. All you need to do is put the solar cover on your pool and make a tent shape with a long pole. The water will flow to the lowest point in your pool and gather on the solar cover. Then use your pump or hose to remove the water from the solar cover.
6. The bucket method
This method requires a lot of effort and strength. You’ll need a bucket to scoop water out of your pool to your drainage area. It can be time-consuming, but also effective. This method should be your last resort if there’s no electricity as well as a hose. If you don’t have the time or energy to do this, it’s best to hire a professional pool cleaner.
Keep Your Pool Clean
Draining your pool is a necessary process before cleaning it. A clean pool makes your swimming fun and enjoyable. However, it can be a difficult routine especially if you’re a busy homeowner. But there’s no need to worry, there are professional pool cleaners who are trained for this job. Hire one today!
In California, Calcuimkillers are the perfect option for you. We offer pool tile cleaning and repair, chemical balancing, and smoke damage cleanup. We can also conduct regular maintenance for your pool. Our qualified staff undergoes regular training on the best ways to quickly get your pool cleaned. We are known for quality pool cleaning at affordable rates. Let’s help you keep your pool clean. Reach out to us today!