The need to drain your inground pool can arise for several reasons. These include the repair or removal of your pool, or the chemical levels have been continuously difficult to maintain, and you have decided it is best to start over again. 

Either way, it is important to only drain your pool into your home’s sewer system. Some pools have their own sewerage connection, whereas others need to be drained manually.

Why Should I Drain My Pool into the Sewerage System?

Draining your pool into the sewerage system allows the water to be treated and reused, producing less water wastage. The chemicals in your pool should not be drained into your stormwater system as there is no treatment done for stormwater – as the saying goes, “only stormwater down the stormwater drain.”

Several regulations in place across Australia require the water to be drained into the sewerage system. The regulation, AS/NZS 3500, has several clauses regarding the drainage connections and where the water from swimming pools should be drained.

Why Drain a Pool?

Draining a swimming pool is a necessary part of its maintenance, but it’s not a task to be taken lightly. There are several reasons why you may need to drain your pool, including:

  • High Levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Over time, the accumulation of total dissolved solids in the pool water can affect its chemistry and clarity, making it difficult to maintain balanced water conditions.
  • Repairs and Maintenance: If your pool requires significant repairs, such as fixing cracks, leaks, or replacing tiles, draining the pool may be necessary to access the damaged areas.
  • Debris and Sediment Buildup: Sometimes, more than normal cleaning methods are required to remove accumulated debris or sediment from the pool, necessitating a complete drain.
  • Water Chemistry Reset: When the pool’s water chemistry becomes unmanageable, starting fresh with new water can help restore balance and ensure a safe swimming environment.

Preparing to Drain Your Pool

Before you start draining your pool, there are several things you need to do to prepare:

  • Check the Drainage System: Ensure that the pool’s drainage system is functioning correctly and that the drain is clear of debris.
  • Inspect the Pool Shell: Look for any signs of damage or leaks in the pool shell that the draining process could exacerbate.
  • Disconnect Equipment: Disconnect the pool pump and any other equipment that could be damaged during the draining process.
  • Remove Pool Accessories: Remove pool accessories, such as ladders or handrails, to prevent damage or loss.
  • Consider Professional Help: If you’re unsure about the process or have a complex pool system, consider hiring a pool professional to drain your pool safely and efficiently.

How do I Drain my Swimming Pool Manually?

If your swimming pool doesn’t have sewer connections, you will need to drain it manually. It will probably take 1-2 days to complete draining and filling your swimming pool (if that is the course you are taking).

Step One:

Get a submersible sump pump. You can usually rent or purchase one from your local hardware store (e.g. Bunnings).

Step Two:

Set up your pump and discharge hoses. Connect the hose to your sewer service draining point (inspection opening). Depending on your property, this may be located outside near your bathroom.

Step Three:

Lower the pump into the pool’s deep end and plug it in. Before turning it on, ensure the hose is properly attached to the pump and the other end securely in the sewer inspection opening.

Submersible Sump Pump
Submersible Sump Pump

Step Four:

Monitor the water discharge to ensure the pump is working properly and the water is flowing nicely into the sewerage service. The time it takes a pool to empty will depend on the pump speed and the size of the pool.

Step Five (Optional):

As your pool is draining, you can spray down the sides of it to save time in the cleaning process later on.

Step Six:

Drain the last bit of water in the pool manually using buckets. The amount of water the pump actually drains (and how much is left afterwards) depends on the pool’s shape at the deep end.

Step Seven:

Clean your pool. Ensure you clean under the lip of the pool as well as the sides and the bottom.

Mostly Drained Swimming Pool
Mostly Drained Swimming Pool

Step Eight:

Refill your pool. Depending on the size of your pool, this may take up to a day. It is advised that you re-fill your pool as soon as possible to avoid any damage due to direct sunlight and other outside factors, and never leave it empty for more than a week.

Step Nine:

Add the required chemicals or additives. You should check the chemical levels daily until they reach the proper level for your pool—this may take a few days.Do you need help manually draining your swimming pool or would prefer a professional to do it? Canberra Plumbing and Drains can help! Call our friendly team on 0474 488 899 to book your appointment today!

How To Drain a Pool Safely

Before you start draining your pool, you must ensure you’re safe. Be aware of the risk of a pool pop, which can occur if the pool shell lifts due to hydrostatic pressure from groundwater, especially after heavy rain. 

Turn off all the electrical equipment associated with the pool, including pumps, filters, and heaters, to prevent electrocution. Once the pool is drained, put barriers around the perimeter to prevent accidents, especially if you have kids or pets that could fall into the empty pool.

Note: Vinyl-lined and fibreglass pools should not be drained unless absolutely necessary for repairs. Draining these types of pools fully can cause structural damage from the soil pressure. In those cases, you should only partially drain the pool.

Pool Types and Draining Considerations

Different types of pools have different draining considerations. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Concrete Pools: Concrete pools are more prone to structural damage than fibreglass pools. To prevent issues, it’s crucial to pay careful attention to the surrounding structure and groundwater levels.
  • Fibreglass Pools: Draining fibreglass pools can be particularly risky, especially during the rainy season. The pool’s lighter weight increases the risk of it lifting out of the ground due to underground water pressure.
  • Aboveground Pools: These pools are generally easier to drain than in-ground pools. However, be cautious, as the liner can shrink if the pool is left empty for an extended period.
  • In-ground Pools: Due to high groundwater levels, in-ground pools are at risk of lifting. The entire pool could float up out of the ground, causing catastrophic damage.

Understanding the specific considerations for your pool type can help you avoid potential issues during the draining process.

Why Drain a Pool

There are several reasons why you might need to drain your pool:

  1. Repairs: If your concrete pool needs major repairs such as fixing cracks, leaks or replacing tiles, you may need to drain the water to access the damaged areas.
  2. Water Chemistry: Over time, the total number of dissolved solids (TDS) can affect the water chemistry and make it hard to balance. Draining and refilling the pool will reset the water chemistry.
  3. Calcium Buildup: Hard water can cause calcium deposits on the pool surfaces, which can be ugly and rough to the touch. Draining the pool and acid-washing the surfaces will remove this buildup.
  4. Winterising: In colder climates, some pool owners drain their pools for the winter to prevent damage from frozen water.

But remember, complete drainage should be done sparingly and only when necessary. Regular pool maintenance, such as proper water chemistry and cleaning, can often prevent the need to drain the pool fully. If you’re not sure how to do it yourself, we always recommend opting for the help of a pool professional or even our expert team.

Disposal of Pool Water

When draining your pool, you need to be aware of the local regulations for disposing of pool water. In most cases, it’s illegal to discharge pool water into storm drains, as the chemicals can harm aquatic life and disrupt the water balance of local waterways. Check with your local authorities to see what the rules are in your area.

One eco-friendly option is to reuse the drained pool water for irrigation purposes, especially for plants that can tolerate the chemicals in the water. However, don’t oversaturate the soil or damage plants that are sensitive to chlorine or other pool chemicals.

Refilling the Pool

After draining your pool, you need to refill it as soon as possible to prevent damage from the sun and other elements. The time it takes to refill the pool will depend on its size and the flow rate of your water source. On average, it takes 12-24 hours to refill a typical residential pool.

Once the pool is refilled, you’ll need to rebalance the water chemistry. This involves testing and adjusting the chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and other parameters. For the first few days after refilling, you need to monitor the water chemistry daily to make sure the levels are stable and safe for swimming.

Cleaning the Pool Shell

Once the pool is drained, cleaning the pool shell is essential to remove any debris or sediment that may have accumulated. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Remove Remaining Water: Use a submersible sump pump to remove any remaining water from the pool.
  • Blast Away Debris: Use a hose to blast away any debris or sediment from the pool shell.
  • Scrub Stubborn Stains: Use a pool cleaning brush to remove any stubborn stains or buildup.
  • Sanitise the Shell: Apply a pool cleaning solution to sanitise the pool shell and remove any bacteria or algae.
  • Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the pool shell thoroughly with fresh water to remove any cleaning solution or debris.

Always follow safety precautions when cleaning the pool shell, including wearing protective gear and ensuring the area is well-ventilated. Thoroughly cleaning the pool shell can ensure a fresh and clean start when you refill your pool.

When to Call a Pro

While draining a pool can be a DIY project, there are times when you should call a professional. If you need complicated repairs, have a high water table in your area or are unsure about any part of the drainage process, it’s best to call a pro. Professional pool technicians and plumbers have the knowledge and experience to handle these situations safely and effectively.

If you need help draining your pool, call us at Canberra Plumbing & Drains, and we’ll gladly assist you.