How long does it take for a pool drain to drain?
What does it mean when a pool is dry?
What About Above Ground Pools?
Why does my pool liner bubble?
What happens when a pool is full?
What is a pool made of?
What is a vinyl pool?
See 2 more
How long can a pool stay drained?
While there is no definitive answer, most experts agree that pools should be drained and refilled every three to five years. This will help to keep the water clean and clear and will prevent any build-up of dirt or debris. Additionally, draining and refilling your pool will help to extend its lifespan.
Can I drain my 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.
What happens if pool is left empty?
The plaster surface of a swimming pool will dry out and crumble away if you leave the pool empty for an extended period. Repair can be costly.
Will a pool collapse without water?
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. Keep in mind!
How long can water sit in pool without chlorine?
How long can pool water sit without chlorine? Forever. Now chlorine is a gas in the water and the sun removes that gas from the water by evaporation of the water surface, so a few days if there is no rain water added in which case less than 24 hours before algae starts to grow.
Will draining a pool damage it?
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.
Can a inground pool sit empty?
If ground water is not a problem a pool can be left empty for weeks or even months as long the hydrostatic relief in the bottom of the pool is open and functioning. If the time frame of the pool being empty gets into freezing weather there is real risk of freeze-thaw damage to surface of the pool.
Can you leave pool empty over winter?
But make no mistake: you should NOT be draining water completely from the pool. In winter, the water in your pool is still your friend. Especially when properly winterized, it helps to protect the pool liner, keep it clean and prevent unnecessary damage from debris, harsh weather and other factors.
Can an inground pool collapse?
The weight of ice or snow are common culprits of pool collapse. Draining your pool too much. An older inground pool may not be able to withstand the weight of dirt against it once it is empty or if the water levels are too low. Groundwater can also push against the pool walls and cause it to collapse.
How often should a pool be drained?
Water Replacement Schedule Except for emergencies (which we will discuss momentarily), home pools typically only need to be drained once every two or three years. Commercial pools, if properly maintained and serviced, should be drained and the water replaced annually.
Is an empty pool a safety hazard?
Pools that are left empty and uncovered present a significant risk of injury in the event someone happens to fall in.
What should I do with my pool while on vacation?
Pre-Vacation Pool Care ChecklistCheck the water level. ... Test your water. ... Shock the water. ... Remove debris. ... Keep the pump and filter on while you are away. ... Ensure chlorinator is full and functioning. ... Have a friend or pool company look after your pool. ... Put all safety measures in place.More items...•
Can you leave an inground pool drained?
Once water is removed (and subsequently, the interior hydrostatic pressure), if there's an influx of groundwater, it will push the pool up and out of place. As a general rule, you shouldn't keep any pool empty for longer than it needs to be. Get the work done that you needed to do and refill it as soon as possible.
Is it OK to drain 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.
How much water do I need to drain my pool for winter?
4 to 6 inchesIn most cases, you will want to drain the pool to be at least 4 to 6 inches below the top of the skimmer. This allows adequate space for expansion of the water throughout the winter without risking damage to the pool.
Can you leave pool empty over winter?
But make no mistake: you should NOT be draining water completely from the pool. In winter, the water in your pool is still your friend. Especially when properly winterized, it helps to protect the pool liner, keep it clean and prevent unnecessary damage from debris, harsh weather and other factors.
How long can you leave an inground pool empty? - Quora
Answer (1 of 5): I once installed a spa at my home in the San Fernando Valley of North Los Angeles. It was a 7 person, fiberglass model, basically a “small” swimming pool. I dug the hole, had the spa delivered, and when I was ready to put the spa into the hole, I brought the guys at work to “go o...
How long can the pool stay empty | Trouble Free Pool
+1 to gwegan. If fiberglass, should never really fully empty as it lift/pop out. The water weight is keeping it in the ground. Not sure its official name, but we have a long covered tube next to pool which we could lower a pump to try and drain the ground water first before attempting a full drain, but that would need to be done by pool builder, or it would void our warranty.
How Long Can I Leave My Concrete Pool Empty? (Find Out Now!)
How Long Can You Leave a Pool Empty? Leave your pool empty for as little time as possible. There’s not really a set figure on how long it is safe to leave a pool empty because it varies depending on the groundwater levels, the age of the pool, and what kind of material it is constructed out of.. Even above-ground pools are vulnerable to damages caused by draining the water out.
starting remodel- how long can pool stay empty?
Disclaimer - this is my experience only. I am not a pool expert, just an avid DIYer, so I may not know what the heck I'm talking about. Your mileage may vary, proceed at your own risk, etc. (i.e. don't come crying to me or try to sue me if anything goes wrong).
How Long Can You Leave A Pool Empty? - Swimming Pool Daily
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How much does it cost to drain a pool?
According to home.costhelper.com, it can cost between $150 and $800 to drain a pool, clean it, refill it, and add new chemicals to the water. This cost varies based on the size of your pool and how much work needs to be done.
What is the most complicated type of pool to drain without professional equipment?
A fiberglass pool is the most complicated type of pool to drain without professional equipment. This is because the fiberglass material will float easily if given the chance. (This is why fiberglass boats are so good on water!)
Why is my pool green?
You may also notice green or brown stains on your pool walls left from copper. This copper presence can be caused by copper-based algaecides or low-quality pool salt. If you use chlorine to shock your pool you can actually make the stains darker instead of removing them. For copper stains, you will also need to drain your pool to effectively clean your pool walls.
Why does chlorine lock?
Chorine lock can occur from too much stabilizer in your water. When this occurs, your chlorine will have no effect on your water. This leaves room for algae and bacteria to grow. To minimize the presence of the stabilizer in the water, you will need to add fresh water to your pool. This process often requires you to drain your pool to achieve the correct chemical balance so that your chlorine can do its job.
What happens if you leave your pool empty?
If you leave your pool empty, the natural water table can put pressure on a pool with no water in it. This can result in structural damage, damage to the interior lining, or its support. You may have to drain your pool from time to time to repair it or clean it. However, you shouldn’t leave your pool empty for an extended period.
Why is my above ground pool not stable?
For an above-ground pool to have optimal stability it needs that weight of the water inside of it. Without this weight, your pool may break free from its track. Also, the liner could shrink and not fit back into the pool. An above-ground pool may also succumb to the elements if it is empty. This could cause structural damage as a result.
Why does my pool pop out of the ground?
Still, if the water table in your area is high (or a rainy season has loosened up the soil) your pool could begin to pop out of the ground.
What happens if you drain a pool?
If you have to drain your pool, know that extended exposure to the elements (besides water) can eventually lead to erosion or an unbalanced pressure build-up on the sides of the pool from the earth surrounding it. This can further lead to cracking, leaking, and other types of structural damage.
How to keep a pool clean and beautiful?
Consistent care and proper maintenance will keep your pool clean and beautiful. And, if push comes to shove, you can always hire a cleaning company to handle the brunt of the workload. Alternatively, if you want to save the expense and get your hands dirty, the recipe is simple to keep a pool clean and sanitary:
What Can Happen to a Pool If Left Empty?
Many pools are built to withstand a lot, but it can still experience the following types of damage if it’s left empty for too long:
What is fiberglass pool?
Fiberglass pools are the third type of in-ground pool. Manufactured off-site, a hole is created in the shape of the shell and lined with a material that adheres the mold to the soil. The pool is filled with water, and as it fills, a material is backfilled into the spaces between the foundation and the shell.
What happens if you leave a pool empty?
Many pools are built to withstand a lot, but it can still experience the following types of damage if it’s left empty for too long: 1 Cracks 2 Leaks 3 Foundation damage 4 Damage to the pool’s accessories (lights, heating, and pumps) 5 Damage to the surrounding area
What happens when water fills the space between the shell of a pool and the ground underneath?
Damage to the surrounding area. Another form of damage that pools can experience is float, which is what happens when water begins to fill the space between the shell of the pool and the ground underneath. Although float is a rare occurrence, it is possible with enough neglect.
What is above ground pool?
Above-Ground Pools. Of course, another type of pool worth mentioning are above-ground pools. These pools are usually purchased online or through a box store and can be manually set up by the user. As you begin to fill the pool with water, its sides begin to take form, and metal poles are used to frame its final shape.
How long does it take for a pool to drain?
Most issues that require a pool to be drained will take around one or two days to be fixed. Therefore, it’s recommended that you don’t leave your pool empty for any period of time longer than this.
What Happens if a Swimming Pool is Left Empty?
There are several problems that can arise if you leave your pool empty.
Why do concrete pools pop out of the ground?
Some pools might pop out of the ground while others can cave in. That’s because pools get used to the heavy weight and pressure of the water.
Why does my pool finish crack?
Not only that, but the lack of water means there’s no moisture on the pool walls, so the pool finish can dry out, causing flaking and cracks.
How much does a pool weigh?
When they don’t have water in them, there’s nothing keeping them weighed down. The average pool weighs more than 80,000 lbs!
What happens when a pool is removed?
When it’s removed, groundwater and surrounding soil pressure can cause the pool’s various components to become disfigured.
Is a concrete pool more resilient than a fiberglass pool?
Concrete pools are sturdier and more resilient than other types of pools, like fiberglass pools. Fiberglass pools may be severely damaged when left empty even for a few hours. The floor can come loose and float to the top when the pool is refilled.
Why is my pool draining?
Another reason for draining — or partially draining — is high Cyanuric Acid (CyA) levels. CyA builds up in the water and cannot be removed by the addition of chemicals, so the most economical way to reduce CyA is to partially empty the pool and add fresh water, which dilutes the remaining CyA in the water.
How long does it take to refill a pool?
After removing the old water, you can refill the pool with a garden hose. The usual amount of time to entirely refill a pool is 14-16 hours with two hoses. DIY TIP: To fill the pool quicker, use two hoses if you have them available.
How to fill a pool faster?
DIY TIP: To fill the pool quicker, use two hoses if you have them available. Test your water immediately after refilling to balance and. add start-up chemicals. You can also take a water sample into a Leslie’s store for testing. Leslie’s. will test your water and provide the results with a prescription for improving.
Why does my pool pop out of the ground?
Consider the groundwater levels in your area. High groundwater levels can cause an empty in-ground pool to pop out of the ground. If high groundwater is present in your area, it is best to only partially empty your pool.
When to remove trippers from pool light?
Remove the trippers from your pump and pool light prior to draining.
Can you drain a fiberglass pool?
Never completely drain a fiberglass or in-ground vinyl liner pool; doing so can damage the integrity of the pool surface or liner in the form of bowing or cracking. The best practice is to partially drain these types of pools. Always complete partial drains by 1/3 of the water at a time.
Is it necessary to drain a pool?
Draining your pool often isn't necessary, especially if you're following a proper and regular maintenance program. There are a few reasons, however, that would lead to needing to completely — or partially — empty your pool.
How to keep a pool safe?
Install A Safety Cover - Installing a safety cover , and specifically a mesh safety cover that allows water to pass through, not a solid safety cover that requires you to pump off the accumulated water, is the single best thing you can do for a pool that needs to be taken offline for an extended period of time. These types of covers will help to keep the pool safe for children, pets and animals during the time that the pool is closed. Having a permanently closed pool in your yard where people and animals can access the body of water is an extreme safety concern. In addition to it being dangerous, a tarp cover will be the worst offender in terms of attracting bugs and bacteria. If you want to keep a pool closed for an extended period of time with minimal negative consequence then using a safety cover should be considered to be the least that you can do. The pool is going to smell bad no matter what if you are not treating the water. If the pool has a few dozen squirrels and neighborhood cats at the bottom of it this will make the problem of disgusting, dangerous and smells water infinitely worse.
Why shut down a pool?
There are a lot of completely valid reasons to want to shut your pool down for a long time. The owner of the pool may have died, or is no longer willing (or able) to care for a pool. Sometimes repair costs have added up to the point of being unmanageable and there is simply no other options available.
What diseases can be caused by stagnant pool water?
Bacteria & Disease - In addition to the lovely diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, west nile virus, equine encephalitis and many more, stagnant pool water can also be a breeding ground for airborne diseases like Legionnaires disease as well as terrifying pathogens like flesh eating bacteria.
How to keep bugs out of pool?
You can however at least do a little bit of work to minimize the amount of bugs you have. Adding chlorine to the tune of a few liters (less than a gallon) every two weeks to a month is the absolute minimum that you should do . Liquid chlorine, if added in small amounts will help to keep the bugs at a minimum while presenting minimal risk for chlorine damage to the pool. To drastically decrease the chance of the chlorine all sinking to the bottom of the deep end and causing damage to the interior surface, it is strongly suggested that you manually agitate the water after any time you add chlorine. This will also help the chlorine to diffuse into the water better and discourage the bugs from taking over. It will certainly not be enough to stop green water and bugs, but it might just be enough to stop the water from turning completely black.
Why do you need a cover for a pool?
These types of covers will help to keep the pool safe for children , pets and animals during the time that the pool is closed. Having a permanently closed pool in your yard where people and animals can access the body of water is an extreme safety concern.
Do you have to blow out the plumbing in a pool?
Blowing out all of the plumbing lines and capping both ends with permanent (or winterization) plugs absolutely must be done if you want your pool to sit dormant for extended periods of time . If nothing else this should allow you to limit your concern for future damage to the pool structure itself.
Can a swimming pool sit unused?
Swimming pools are not really meant to sit unused for extended periods of time. There are really no good answers as to how to do it well, and without any long term problems. Unlike a car which can be put in the garage, covered and up on jacks, a swimming pool is still outside exposed to the elements.
How long does it take for a pool drain to drain?
Well, the minimum amount of time possible in order to minimize the risk of serious damage. Most issues that require a pool drain will take at least a day or two to resolve, but it’s recommended to not let it sit empty for any extended period of time.
What does it mean when a pool is dry?
Additionally, a lack of water means there’s a lack of moisture on the pool walls. If left exposed to long periods under the hot sun, pool finishes will dry out, creating cracks and flaking.
What About Above Ground Pools?
While above ground pools won’t pop out of the ground, the issue they can present during a drain is the shrinking of their pool liner due to changes in pressure, and exposure to air.
Why does my pool liner bubble?
Additionally, because the vinyl liner is vacuum sealed to the structure and held in place by water pressure, draining it can cause the liner to bubble when you refill it. Sunlight can also cause the liner color to fade when water isn’t present in the pool.
What happens when a pool is full?
When a pool is full, hydrostatic pressure pushes against the walls and floor from the inside while groundwater pushes against the structure’s exterior and underside. Once water is removed (and subsequently, the interior hydrostatic pressure), if there’s an influx of groundwater, it will push the pool up and out of place.
What is a pool made of?
Pools are crafted from various materials that can affect how the structure acts when it’s drained of water. As you might expect, there are also some nuances to be aware of depending on whether you have a concrete, fiberglass or vinyl liner pool.
What is a vinyl pool?
Vinyl liner pools use braced steel, aluminium, or plastic panels as their perimeter shell and have a vinyl liner installed over the walls and floor. This makes them a more lightweight structure than a concrete pool.
