How Do You Drain the Pool and Clean It?

As a pool owner, you may need to drain and refill your pool periodically. Typically, this is required every four to five years. However, before you begin the process, several important factors must be considered. To ensure that you do it correctly, you need to be clear about the reasons, timing, location, and method of draining your pool.

Why Do I Need to Drain the Pool?

Many people believe that emptying and refilling a swimming pool with fresh water every year is a healthy practice. The truth is this is not necessary since modern swimming pools come equipped with effective filtration systems that can control contaminants if you follow a good weekly testing routine. If you check the water chemistry and adjust regularly, the filtered water will remain safe to use for a long time. Still, there are times when you will need to drain the water from your pool at least partially:

Your Pool Needs Repair

All pools require periodic maintenance and repairs, such as patching a torn vinyl liner or fixing cracks and chips in a concrete pool.

Your Pool Needs a Deep Clean

If you have a heavy algae-infested pool, it can lead to draining your pool. This can be the result of inadequate monitoring and adjustment of water chemistry. The concrete, vinyl or fibreglass shell or liner of the pool can be so badly stained by high algae content that the only practical option left is to drain the water and scrub the pool walls by hand.

When Water Chemistry is Badly Skewed

Over time, the total dissolved solids in water can become so far from acceptable that even the filtration system cannot restore it to optimal levels. Similarly, high cyanuric acid levels can be difficult to correct through normal chemical treatments. If the cyanuric acid levels exceed 100 to 150 parts per million, it is usually necessary to drain at least some of the water and start over with fresh water to maintain safe swimming conditions.

Where Can I Drain the Pool Into?

Pool water has a lot of chlorine and other chemicals dissolved in it, so there are certain restrictions on where you can drain it. In most places, you're required to drain the pool water into the sewerage system, the same system that handles drain water from your indoor sinks, showers, and toilets, which allows the water to be treated and reused. However, ensure you don't put too much water into the sewer system too quickly, or it might cause a backup. Keep an eye on the drains while pumping water to prevent this from happening. Be careful about irrigating your lawn or garden with pool water that has a high level of chlorine in it, as this can damage or kill plants.

When Should I Drain the Pool?

When draining a pool becomes absolutely necessary, it's crucial to do it at the right time. When a swimming pool is empty, the surrounding earth can put significant pressure on the pool shell, which can be fragile. This is especially true in areas where the water table is high or when the soil is prone to saturation from heavy rain. Even concrete pools can be affected if the surrounding soil becomes saturated while the pool is empty.

During a Period of Warm But Not Hot Weather

It's recommended to drain the pool when the temperature is between 12 to 29 degrees Celsius. It's also best to avoid direct sunlight, especially for vinyl and fibreglass pool liners.

During a Dry Period

It's best to schedule pool draining and maintenance during dry weather to minimise the soil pressure on the pool shell.

As Short As Possible

When draining an inground pool, make sure to complete all repairs and maintenance within a few days. Most manufacturers don't recommend leaving an empty pool for more than a week.

Step-by-Step Guide to Drain Your Pool Manually

If your pool is not connected to any sewerage system, you will have to manually drain it, which can take around 1-2 days to drain completely and fill it back up.

Step 1: Get a Submersible Sump Pump

Consider getting a submersible sump pump, which can be rented or purchased from a local hardware store like Bunnings.

Step 2: Set Up the Pump

Set up a sump pump and connect discharge hoses, ensuring they lead to an appropriate sewerage draining point.

Step 3: Begin the Drainage

Lower the pump into the deep end of the pool and plug it in. Before switching it on, make sure that the hose is properly attached to the pump and the other end is secured in the sewer opening.

Step 4: Monitor the Discharge of the Water

Keep an eye on the water discharge to check if the pump is functioning correctly and if the water is flowing smoothly into the sewerage system. The time it takes for a pool to empty will vary depending on the speed of the pump and the size of the pool.

Step 5: Clean as You Drain

As the water lowers, hose down the waterline to remove debris and buildup.

Step 6: Final Water Removal

Once the pump removes most of the water, drain the last bit manually with a bucket.

Step 7: Clean Your Pool

Blast any debris you can see with a hose and clean away any calcium or scale rings.

Step 8: Refill Your Pool

Refilling your pool may take up to a day to do, depending on the pool size. It's recommended to refill your pool promptly to prevent potential damage caused by direct sunlight and other external factors.

Step 9: Balance Your Water

Add the required chemicals or additives. Check chemical levels daily until they reach the proper level, which may take a few days.

Although draining and cleaning your pool can be a feasible task for a diligent pool owner, we suggest seeking assistance from a local pool professional. Pool professionals possess the necessary experience and tools to handle complicated situations that may arise during the draining process, such as repairs, deep cleaning, and balancing water chemistry. While this guide presents a comprehensive overview of how to drain and clean your pool, consulting with a pool professional can assist you in navigating any uncertainties and ensuring that your pool remains a source of joy and relaxation for years to come.