Draining a pool is a major undertaking because it takes so much time and is expensive to do. However, a pool drain is necessary, especially if there’s algae buildup or too much total dissolved solids.
Before starting, you must first understand when you need a pool drain and how to do it properly. It is highly recommended to consult with an expert pool service company. But for an initial assessment on your own, read the rest of the article for some tips.
Reasons to Drain a Pool
Generally speaking, most pools rarely need to be completely drained. Experts have identified ways to maintain a pool without the need to drain it properly.
However, there are a few important reasons that automatically requires draining a pool. These are the following:
1. High level of total dissolved solids
Total dissolved solids, or TDS, are substances that have accumulated in the pool water over time. A high level of TDS in the pool results in unbalanced water chemistry.
A pool owner’s typical response to unbalanced water chemistry is to add more chemicals. But doing so does not always solve the problem.
Depending on the water clarity and the quality of the chemicals used, it may be best to empty the pool every 3 to 5 years. This is the best way to avoid an accumulation of TDS.
2. Accumulation of Cyanuric Acid (CYA)
CYA is sometimes referred to as Calcium Hardness levels. Regarding CYA, excess buildup in the water cannot be solved by just simply dumping chemicals.
The most efficient way to reduce CYA is by partially emptying the pool and then adding freshwater. The fresh water helps to dilute the CYA levels in the pool.
3. Routine pool maintenance
Yes, some routine pool maintenance requires draining a pool. This may include acid washing to remove any stains and scales on the pool surface, fixing any cracks on the walls, etc.
4. Repainting or refinishing
A pool that must be repainted or refinished would need a complete drain. A complete drain is also necessary if the pool has a vinyl liner that needs replacing.
Best Time for a Pool Drain
A pool drain is ideal when the weather is mild. It is a general rule that if the temperature goes above 85 degrees, then the process should be postponed. Pool draining should also be postponed when the temperature is near or below freezing.
Given the recommended temperature, draining a pool during spring or fall is best. Nevertheless, pool owners who choose to drain their pools in spring will have fresh water in time for summer.
Yes, pool draining can be done in the fall, but do listen to your pool specialist. They do not usually recommend letting a pool be empty over the winter. They’d advise refilling it at least partially during this season.
Steps to Drain a Pool
Before getting started, make sure to take note of the following:
- Check with the local municipality: Find out when and where to remove the pool water. Some municipalities do not allow discharging of pool water into storm drains.
- Take note of the area’s groundwater level: High groundwater levels can make an empty inground pool pop out. If this is the case, it may be best only to do a partial pool drain.
- Refrain from completely draining an inground or fiberglass pool: The best practice for these kinds of pools is to partially drain them. It is best to go a foot at a time or a third of the water at a time. Completely draining these pools will damage the liner or the pool’s surface.
- Make sure to turn off the pump’s electricity and pool lights. Remove the trippers too before doing a pool drain.
The first thing to keep in mind when draining a pool is to avoid using a pool pump. Doing so will pull air into the suction line, making the pump lose its prime. When this happens, the pump may get damaged or might burn up.
After removing the old water, refill the pool with a garden hose. Explore using two garden hoses for faster refilling and have a freshly refilled pool in about 14 to 16 hours.
Consult a Professional for Pool Drain.
Draining a pool is no joke and should not be done willy-nilly. It is best to contact a trusted pool service company for this kind of task.
Consider Cherry Pool Services should you need to drain your pool. We are the trusted pool service company in San Diego.
We have been doing this for years, and we know the type of treatment that each pool type needs. Therefore, we will ensure to provide cost-effective treatments that will keep your pool in good condition for a long period of time.
Call us at (858) 999-1004 to learn more about our services.
