As the swimming season comes to an end, properly closing your pool is essential to ensure it remains in good condition for the next year. One critical step in this process is draining your pool. There are three main methods to do this:
- Using your pool’s main drain,
- Employing a submersible pump, or
- Hiring professionals like us to handle it with industrial-grade equipment.
In this blog post, we’ll break down each method and provide additional tips to help you decide which is best for you. We will also answer some Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom, if you scroll all the way down.
Not Sure This Process is For You?
That’s why there are professionals for this kind of job!
Method 1: Using Your Pool’s Main Drain
If your pool is equipped with a main drain, you can use your pool pump to send the water to waste.
Steps
- Set the Multiport Valve to ‘Waste’: Turn the system off to change this setting. This bypasses the filter system, preventing damage.
- Activate the Main Drain: Close the skimmer valves so that only the main drain is pulling water.
- Turn on the Pump: The water will start draining out through the waste line.
- Monitor the Water Level: Never leave the pump unattended. Turn it off once the desired water level is reached.
*Important Note
For pools with vinyl over steps, it’s crucial not to lower the water level past the top step. Keeping the steps submerged prevents the vinyl from drying out and potentially shrinking or cracking.
Pros
- Cost-Effective: Utilizes existing pool equipment.
- Convenient: No additional equipment needed.
- Efficient Drainage: Pool pumps can handle significant water volume effectively.
Cons
- Limited to Pools with a Main Drain: Not all pools have this feature.
- Risk of Pump Damage: Running the pump dry can cause serious damage.
- Requires Monitoring: Must watch the water level to prevent over-draining.
Method 2: Using a Submersible Pump
A submersible pump attaches to a garden hose to drain water directly from your pool.
Steps
- Acquire a Submersible Pump: These can be purchased or rented from hardware stores.
- Connect to a Garden Hose: Ensure the hose reaches your desired drainage area.
- Place the Pump in the Pool: If your pool has stairs, lower it close to the desired height of where you want the water to stop draining. That way, it will stop removing water even if you forget about it. Otherwise, just lower it to the bottom of the pool.
- Plug in and Turn On: The pump will start removing water immediately.
- Monitor the Process: Check regularly to ensure everything is functioning properly.
*Important Note
Similar to Method 1, if you have vinyl over steps, do not lower the water level past the top step to keep the vinyl material properly hydrated.
Pros
- Easy to Set Up: Simple connection to a garden hose.
- Versatile: Can be used for other dewatering tasks.
- Accessible for Pools Without Main Drains: A good option if your pool lacks a main drain.
Cons
- Additional Cost: Requires purchasing or renting equipment.
- Potential Electrical Hazards: Care must be taken to prevent electrical accidents.
- Slower Drainage Rate: Using a garden hose can be slower than using the pool’s main pump.
- Hose Limitations: Standard garden hoses have limited capacity, which can extend the time needed to drain the pool.
Method 3: Hiring Professional Services
Our company offers professional pool draining services using industrial-grade water pumps.
Steps
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact us to set up a convenient time.
- Preparation: We’ll assess your pool and prepare the necessary equipment.
- Draining Process: Our team uses powerful pumps to drain your pool efficiently.
- Post-Drain Services: We can also assist with cleaning and winterizing your pool.
Pros
- Fast and Efficient: Industrial pumps significantly reduce draining time.
- Professional Expertise: Ensures the job is done correctly and safely.
- Additional Services: Opportunity to handle other pool maintenance tasks.
Cons
- Cost: More expensive than DIY methods.
- Scheduling: Requires coordinating with our team’s availability.
Special Cases
Vinyl Over Steps
For pools with vinyl over steps, it’s essential to keep the steps underwater. Do not lower the water level past the top step. This prevents the vinyl from drying out, which can lead to shrinking, cracking, or other damage.
Vinyl is sensitive to drying and temperature changes. Maintaining the correct water level helps preserve the material’s integrity.
Pools with Automatic Covers
If your pool is equipped with an automatic cover, you should not drain the pool at all. Draining can lead to damage of the cover mechanism and void the manufacturer’s warranty. Most automatic cover warranties specify that the pool must remain filled to support the cover and its components. Draining the pool can cause undue stress and potential failure.
Consult with professionals before making any changes to the water level in pools with automatic covers.
Maintaining Water Levels and Cover Care
Monitor Water Displacement
It’s important to maintain the recommended water height throughout the off-season. If your pool cover accumulates water, it can cause water displacement in the pool itself.
Drain the Cover Regularly
By draining water off the cover, you prevent excess weight and water displacement, which can lead to wasting the clean water underneath your winter cover.
Protect Your Investment
Regular maintenance of the water level and cover condition helps protect your pool from damage and ensures a smoother opening when the swimming season returns.
Want to Have Someone Do this For You?
Contact us today to schedule your pool draining service and ensure your pool is well-prepared for the off-season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Needs to Drain Their Pool?
While not every pool owner needs to fully drain their pool, it’s sometimes necessary to avoid winter damage, particularly for above-ground pools. Above-ground pools often need to be partially drained before winter to prevent freezing, liner damage, and structural strain. On the other hand, in-ground pools typically require a different winterization process that focuses on covering the pool and balancing the chemicals, rather than draining. This helps maintain the water level for structural stability throughout the winter months.
Does our Climate Affect Whether We Should Drain Our Pool?
Climate plays a significant role. In colder regions with freezing temperatures (like much of the geographic area we service here in Ontario), it’s crucial to drain the pool partially to prevent ice damage. Warmer climates may not require draining, or only minimal draining for winter maintenance.
When is the Best Time to Drain a Pool?
End of the Swimming Season: We recommend draining after the final use of the season, but before temperatures drop below freezing.
Avoid Mid-Winter Draining: Draining a pool in mid-winter can cause additional challenges, such as freezing water lines.
Where Should I Drain My Pool?
Every municipality has different rules concerning where you can drain your pool; make sure you follow local regulations.
- Municipality Rules: If you’re not sure about your region, check with local authorities before draining to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Alternative Draining Methods: Make sure you direct the water to grass areas, storm drains, or areas approved by local authorities.
- Environmental Concerns: It is important to remember that letting chlorinated water run directly into streams or rivers can harm aquatic life.
Why Is it Important to Drain My Pool Before the Snow Arrives?
The primary reasons for draining a pool are to prevent potential damage from overflowing due to snow and rain— that, and you can’t drain frozen water.
How Far Should I Drain an Above-Ground Pool for Winter?
- Recommended Water Level: Most pools should be drained to 12–14 inches below the top of the deck. This level helps prevent overflow due to precipitation while maintaining enough water to support the pool structure.
- DIY Winterization: If you’re closing the pool yourself and plan to use a shop vac or compressor to clear the lines, you’ll need to drain the water below the jets. This ensures that the plumbing lines are free of water, reducing the risk of freezing and damage.
- Refill After Clearing Lines: After you’ve cleared and sealed the lines, it’s recommended to refill the pool back up to the 12–14 inch range from the top of the deck. This helps maintain the pool’s structural integrity and provides protection against debris and weather elements.
- Professional Services: A professional pool company can winterize the lines regardless of the water height. We have specialized equipment and techniques to clear the lines without needing to lower the water level below the jets.
Ready to close your pool with ease?
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