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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 contacting a pool professional for assistance.
Preparing to Drain a 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, especially considering the pressure from the surrounding earth.
- 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.
Pool Types and Draining Considerations
Different types of pools require different approaches when draining. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
Concrete Pools: Concrete pools are generally more vulnerable to structural damage compared to fibreglass pools. Pay close attention to the condition of the surrounding structure and monitor groundwater levels carefully to prevent any damage.
Fibreglass Pools: Fibreglass pools can be especially tricky to drain safely, particularly during wetter months. Because they’re lighter, fibreglass pools have a higher risk of popping out of the ground due to underground water pressure, so always be cautious.
Aboveground Pools: These pools tend to be simpler to drain compared to in-ground pools, but you should still proceed carefully. Leaving an aboveground pool empty for too long can cause the liner to shrink, leading to damage or leaks when refilled.
In-ground Pools: High groundwater levels can pose a serious risk to in-ground pools. If groundwater levels are elevated, the entire pool can lift or “float” out of the ground, causing extensive damage that’s costly to fix.
Other Pre-Draining Considerations
Before you start draining your pool, there are several factors to keep in mind. First, check your local regulations to make sure you’re following the right procedures. Also, take a look at the weather forecast—you want to avoid draining your pool during heavy rainfall or intense sunlight, as both can potentially damage the pool’s surface.
The type of pool you have matters too, whether it’s fibreglass, concrete, or gunite, since each one requires different care and methods for draining. Make sure you have all the right equipment ready, including a submersible sump pump, discharge hoses, and access to a suitable drainage point.
Finally, don’t forget to test your pool water. Checking levels of total dissolved solids and cyanuric acid will help you decide the best approach for safely draining and refilling your pool.
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. Consulting a professional should be considered a last resort after thoroughly assessing the situation.
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.
How to Drain a Pool into the Sewerage System
When it’s time to drain your pool—whether for maintenance, repairs, or a full water refresh—it’s important to direct that water into your property’s sewerage system. This ensures the water gets properly treated, reducing waste and environmental impact. Letting pool water flow into stormwater drains is a no-go, as it can carry chemicals straight into our rivers and creeks, harming local ecosystems.
In Australia, standards like AS/NZS 3500 outline how pool water should be safely drained. These guidelines help prevent damage to both your property and the environment.
If you’re unsure about your setup, it’s a good idea to consult with a licensed plumber to ensure everything’s up to code.
How to Drain a 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.
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 manually using buckets to ensure all water is removed from the pool. 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. For stubborn stains on concrete pools, consider an acid wash, but avoid using it on vinyl and fiberglass pools.
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!
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.
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 scale rings that may have accumulated.
- 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.
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.
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.
