Thinking of Draining Your Swimming Pool? Read This First!

No one fancies the idea of having an empty swimming pool. We like to see our pools filled with water and being safe so we can enjoy the routine dip. However, it’s necessary to empty the pool from time to time. In this article, we will show you the reasons why the pool needs draining and how to do it properly. 

Why Drain the Pool 

The first reason you’ll need to drain your pool is when the water quality goes down. This happens when you have excess total dissolved solids. TDS builds up slowly in the pool water. When the concentration reaches 2500 parts per million (ppm), balancing the water becomes difficult. Most people are tempted to add more chemicals. Doing so won’t solve the issue. 

Another reason you may have to drain your pool is when the levels of Cyanuric Acid (CyA) go up. You can’t reverse CyA by adding chemicals. The most sensible and economical way of lowering the CyA is by draining the pool partially and pumping in fresh water. It’s going to dilute the CyA and reduce its concentration. 

Summer weather is typically hot and dry. Your pool will lose water through evaporation. As the water level drops, the pool water can start becoming hard. This distorts the chemical balance in your pool. You will have to add more water or chemicals to readjust the pool balance. Draining the pool during hot weather and refilling it when the weather gets cool is less expensive than adding chemicals continually. 

You may also find it necessary to drain your pool every three to five years as part of pool care and maintenance. Some Roanoke, VA, pool repairs, resurfacing, or repainting work can only be done when the pool is empty, meaning you’ll have to drain the pool water. 

Lastly, draining your pool during cooler months can prevent cracks on your cement pool deck. These cracks can be dangerous for many reasons, so it’s best to avoid them by removing the water from the pool during the long winter months when it is not in use. 

What to Do Before Draining the Pool 

Find out from your local municipality where you should drain the pool water. Many towns and cities have regulations that prohibit people from discharging water into storm drains. 

Consider the levels of groundwater in your area. A high water table can cause an in-ground pool to flood on the ground. If the level of groundwater is high, it’s advisable for you to drain the pool partially. 

Do you have a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool? Don’t drain it completely. Otherwise, you’ll damage the integrity of your pool. Both types may eventually form cracks or bow. The best thing to do is to drain these pools partially (up to a one-third of the way). 

If you’re not sure of how to drain the swimming pool safely, contact a trusted local pool repair company to assess the situation. This way, you’ll avoid costly repairs from floats, pops, and cracks that might damage your pool. 

What Are the Risks? 

Draining your swimming pool improperly comes with some risks. Your pool can heave out of the ground if the groundwater is high. This is likely to happen during the rainy season. Emptying the pool makes it susceptible to sun damage. Fiberglass pools may crack or bulge and eventually split when being drained. 

When this happens, your warranty becomes void. You also risk damaging your filter pump if you fail to adjust the pipes or the filter correctly. When draining water, there’s also the risk of water backup from the sewer system into your home. 

How to Drain Your Pool 

Remove the pool light and tippers from the pump before draining the pool. Avoid using the pool pump. It’s going to suck air into the suction line and ultimately damage your pump. We advise you to rent or buy a submersible pump and use it to drain the pool water. Once you drain the water, and you are ready to use your poll again, refill your swimming pool with a garden hose. It’s going to take roughly 16 hours to fill it up with two hose pipes. Test the water for chemical balance then add the start-up chemicals. You can also take a portion of water into a lab for testing. 

Don’t drain the water close to your home, as it could easily seep inside your basement or crawl space and cause additional problems in these areas, as well as with your foundation and your home in general. Get in touch with your local pool contractor if you’re not sure of how to drain your swimming pool. For foundation crack repairs and waterproofing, talk to the experts at JES Foundation Repair for a free inspection and repair estimate.