
How to drain an above ground pool?
Skip to: 1 Why Drain Your Above Ground Pool? 2 How To Drain An Above Ground Pool (Step-By-Step) 3 Step 1: Plan Where The Water Will Go 4 Step 2: Pick Your Method 5 A Garden Hose 6 An Electric Pump 7 Step 3: Start Draining The Water 8 Step 4: Remove The Excess Water 9 Step 5: Dry Out Your Pool 10 Conclusion More items...
Should I drain my above ground pool after chlorine lock?
Chlorine lock has found another victim and it’s time to replace at least ½ of your pool water with new water. Only if you are experiencing any of these situations or the small handful of others that require draining, should you continue to drain your above ground pool.
Do you have to drain an above ground pool for winter?
Important: Never completely drain an above ground pool. This can cause your pool to collapse. If your pool is plumbed with detachable, flexible hoses, remove them and store for the winter. Remove all drain plugs from the pump, filter tank, and any other pool equipment. How much water should I drain from my pool for winter?
How do you clean an above ground pool liner?
How to Clean an Above Ground Pool Liner. Step 1 - Drain Your Pool. Before proceeding to clean your pool liner, you will need to drain the pool. Begin this step by affixing a discharge hose ... Step 2 - Scrub Your Pool Liner. Step 3 - Refill Your Pool.

Will draining a pool damage the liner?
If you drain your pool you can cause your vinyl pool liner to shrink and upon refilling, if the liner has lost its elasticity it can cause the liner to rip or tear. The liner can also become hard and brittle. The older the vinyl material is the more likely this is to happen.
How do you clean a very dirty above ground pool?
How to clean your above ground pool after drainingDrain the pool water.Pick out/scoop any dirt and debris left behind.Use a specialized pool cleaning solution or use some chlorine dissolved in water to scrub down all of the surfaces of your pool.More items...•
Can you empty a pool to clean it?
Your pool is not meant to be empty. Whether you have a vinyl, concrete, or fiberglass pool, it is at its best when it's full of water. Once the water is drained, you open yourself up to all sorts of damage, so drain a pool only when there is no other option.
Should I drain my pool to get rid of algae?
Don't drain and acid wash your pool to remove black spot algae because it will just come back again. Draining the pool is not effective because the algae also lives in the pipework, solar heaters, filter and pump.
How do you get dirt out of bottom of pool?
3:446:28A couple ways to get dirt off the bottom of your pool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to do is limited movement as possible so that you're not stirring stuff up and getting itMoreYou want to do is limited movement as possible so that you're not stirring stuff up and getting it back into the water again. And again what we're doing here is dumping all the dirt. Out.
How do I get rid of brown water in my above ground pool?
The fix for reddish-brown pool water is similar to the fix for greenish-blue water caused by high levels of copper. Add a metal control sequestering chemical into your water in accordance with the label directions, keep your pump/filter running and retest for metal content after 24 hours.
What happens if you drain a pool completely?
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 you empty a pool and leave it empty?
An empty swimming pool can pop, or float out of the ground. This is due to possible hydrostatic pressure from unknown underground water. Think of your swimming pool as a “boat” in the ground, and it will float out of ground if there is underground water pressure.
Can you empty a pool with a hose?
To siphon your pool, you can either cut a few feet off either end of a garden hose or use your entire hose. A hose around 6 to 8 feet long is usually enough for this draining method.
Why you shouldn't drain a pool?
If you're wondering why you shouldn't go ahead and drain your pool entirely, it's because the liner of the pool is more vulnerable to damage with no water. The liner will shrink and crack as a result of drying out. Other potential damage includes tears and rips caused by debris during harsh weather in winter.
Is it OK to drain a green pool?
DON'T DRAIN IT! Depending on factors like water temperature, the amount of solids in the pool, and the capabilities of your pool filter system, the process can take 3 days or 3 weeks. Start up the Filter – Without a properly working filter, the water will never clear.
How much water can I drain from above ground pool?
If you have an above-ground pool with a vinyl pool liner, drain the pool to about 1 inch below the bottom of the skimmer mouth. It's acceptable to drain the pool a few more inches below that if you live in an area that gets heavy precipitation during the winter months.
Is it better to drain a pool or clean it?
Pools need to be drained throughout the mild seasons to avoid unneeded sun, warmth, or dampness damages to the swimming pool surfaces as well as filtering systems. In mostly all situations, swimming pools must not ever be drained for cleaning, as this can be done under water.
Is it safe to empty an inground pool?
Pool owners should never drain their inground pool as part of regular swimming pool maintenance, as draining the pool can actual cause the TDS (total dissolved solids) factor to rise.
What is the fastest way to clean a dirty pool?
Method 1: No Drain Cleaning (Filter, Vacuum & Floc to Clean Mud)Start by Cleaning the Pool Surrounds. ... Use a Skimmer Net to Clean the Water Surface. ... Add Chlorine & Lots of It. ... Clean the Pool Floor with a Vacuum. ... Run Your Filter Continuously. ... Add Flocculant to Clear the Water. ... Test balance the Water. ... Clean the Pool Surrounds.More items...
Why can't you leave a pool empty?
The Problem With An Empty Pool When that amount of weight and pressure is removed from the structure, the pool can actually pop out of the ground due to ground pressure forcing it up. This can compromise its structural integrity, damaging the walls, floor, liners, and even the deck itself.
How Do I Drain My Above Ground Pool?
The Pool Factory offers a few different submersible pumps that are able to do the job:
How many gallons does a pool pump remove?
This pump is our most basic electric pump that removes 350 gallons per hour. This will also do the job, but may take starting to drain your pool the night before you need to have it done or planning for two days.
Why change pool liner?
It’s time to change your liner. Either due to an unexpected puncture and leak, or getting the full life out of your liner and needing a change. This is one time it will be inevitable to completely drain the pool.
Can an empty pool liner collapse?
An empty pool (or as little as 1/4 filled) and an exposed liner on a hot day can cause the liner to shrink from the heat and deem the liner useless. An empty pool is also susceptible to collapse. Especially, in high winds and/or bad weather.
Do above ground pools need to be completely drained?
Above ground pools rely on water to keep their structure. It is imperative to keep the water level at least more than half way filled at all times. There are a few situations though, where you will need to completely drain your above ground pool so you will be left with the question, what is the proper way to drain my pool?
How long does it take to drain an above ground pool?
How To Drain An Above Ground Pool (Step-By-Step) Depending on the size of your pool, the draining process can take as little as an hour and as long as half a day while you wait for the water to empty. With that being said, preparing your above-ground swimming pool for draining is still pretty straightforward and can be broken down into a series ...
How to repair a pool liner?
The most common scenarios are as follows: 1 Replacing your pool liner. A compromised pool liner can be repaired without having to drain the water, assuming you’re using a reputable underwater repair kit. But replacing a liner is a different story, and this will always require you to completely drain your pool. 2 Replacing stale water with new. There’s little point putting fresh water in without first removing the old. Of course, it should be noted that your water shouldn’t need replacing if the correct pool care is applied, and that includes properly closing or winterizing your pool. 3 Fixing your pool chemistry. Most chemical imbalances can be solved without having to drain your pool, but chlorine lock is an exception to the rule. This is due to excess pool stabilizer or a pH imbalance, and can only be resolved by replacing the water. 4 Moving your pool to a new location. It makes little sense moving an above-ground that holds water, not to mention the risk of damaging the pool if you try to do so. Whether you’re moving it a few feet or a few kilometres, draining is necessary. 5 Storing your pool. If you need to pack things away for the winter or just need to free up space in the yard, removing the water is a must.
Why do you need to dry your pool liner?
In this case, drying is absolutely critical in order to prevent algae and other nasties from making a home in your pool. Not only does this lead to a health risk but it also creates more work later when you have to fix the problem.
Can a hose drain everything?
Keep in mind that a hose wont be able to drain everything and you will be left with at least a few inches of water. This is not an issue if you’re just fixing a chemical imbalance, but most other scenarios will require that all water is emptied out.
Can you replace a pool liner without draining?
But replacing a liner is a different story, and this will always require you to completely drain your pool. Replacing stale water with new.
Can you move a pool to a new location?
Moving your pool to a new location. It makes little sense moving an above-ground that holds water, not to mention the risk of damaging the pool if you try to do so. Whether you’re moving it a few feet or a few kilometres, draining is necessary. Storing your pool. If you need to pack things away for the winter or just need to free up space in ...
Can you replace stale water in a pool?
Of course, it should be noted that your water shouldn’t need replacing if the correct pool care is applied, and that includes properly closing or winterizing your pool. Fixing your pool chemistry.
Reasons to Drain an Above Ground Pool
I’ve spent all that time and money filling the pool, so why on earth would I want to drain it? Some causes for draining the swimming pool include: moving the pool to a new location, excessively dirty liners, maintenance issues, or replacing pool liners that are torn or damaged.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Drain an Above Ground Pool
You can use two methods when draining your pool, both equally effective and easy to do. I will outline and explain both ways so you can decide what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pool water from your above ground pool can be drained into your yard. However, there are a couple of things to note before draining the water.
Bottom Line
Draining your above ground pool doesn’t have to be an overly expensive and complicated task. There’s no need for fancy tools: a garden hose and broom can go a long way! Both the pool pump method and simple garden hose method are excellent choices, and your pool will be drained in no time without the time or expense of using a professional.
What If My Pool Has Moved Beyond Green to Brown or Even Black?
That is a great question! Are you asking for a friend? Seriously, yes, pools that are left for even more extended periods can start to turn brown or even black with sludge-like substances growing on them.
What happens if your pool pump is not working?
Your pump and filter are designed to clean your pool. If they are not working correctly, you will have issues keeping your pool clean. Then you may be back learning how to clean a green above-ground pool again! Testing: Testing is primarily done through pH testing kits. You aim to get your pH level around 0.
What does it mean when your pool is green?
Think of crystal-clear water as your standard for drinking and swimming. If your pool does begin to look green, there is a vast population of algae within your pool and so the growth continues from there. The greener the pool, the more algae you will find within it.
Why is my pool green?
The reason why your pool turned green is related to algae and the chemistry involved with your pool’s water. When a swimming pool is clear, it is primarily free from organisms that might live in the water.
How to get a pool back to its original form?
Some pools that reach this point will need to be drained and cleaned by acid washing to get them back to the right form and safe for use again.
How long does it take for water to clear up after chlorine?
But there are some considerations: Your water is still likely to be cloudy, not clear. It may take your filters days or a week to clean the water back to crystal-clear.
Can you use chlorine to clean algae?
Doing Additional Cleaning: You might use enough chlorine to wipe out your algae but you are probably still going to need to vacuum or scoop to keep it in the best condition.
How Do I Drain the Last 100 Gallons From My Intex Pool?
Before you do this, however, deflate the top ring on Easy Set™ or disassemble the frame pieces for Frame Set™ pools.
Where is the drain valve on a pool?
The drain valve is located on the outside of the pool . Run a garden hose out, with the female end near the drain valve. Connect the other end to a sprinkler, and water your lawn or garden (if pH is good and chlorine low). Remove the cap.
How to use talc in Intex pool?
As a final step, using Talc or DE powder can help to absorb trace moisture. Screw your pool drain cap back onto the drain valve, so it won’t get misplaced . Fold your Intex pool for storage, fold the wall part of the material in on all sides, then with two people, pull one side of the pool over to meet the other side.
How to stop water from coming out of Intex pool?
On some Intex pools, you may need to screw a Hose Adapter on to the female garden hose end and then thread the hose adapter into the drain valve. This will prevent the water from coming out immediately when you remove the drain cap.
How to store Intex pool for winter?
How to Dismantle and Store your Intex Pool for Winter. Check your pool chemistry levels to be sure that you are not draining water that may contain very low pH or very high chlorine levels. Think about where you will drain the pool to – be aware of any laws regarding discharge of pool water. Locate the drain valve on the outside of the pool.
How many steps to drain Intex pool?
That’s our super-simple six-step system for draining your Intex Frame-Set ™ or Easy-Set ™ pool. Take the time to do it right and you’ll enjoy many more years of fun with your Intex Pool.
Can you drain an Intex pool?
It’s always best to drain or pump out an Intex pool slowly. With the Easy Set pools, you may be tempted to deflate the top ring, and just sort of roll the water out. This can be dangerous! Not just to nearby plants or mulch beds, but the pool can rip or develop holes during the process.

Reasons to Drain An Above Ground Pool
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Drain An Above Ground Pool
Frequently Asked Questions
- Cleaning your above ground pool after you drain it may seem like a momentous task, but the reality is that it could not be any more simple. All you need is a bucket of bleach and some cleaning supplies to wash and scrub your pool liner to get it nice and clean. So don’t feel too overwhelmed if you feel like you have a big task ahead of you. With th...
Bottom Line