You are the owner of a swimming pool and this time the situation is hopeless. Your pond is full of algae, dirt, a strange color and there is a lot of debris floating in it. You see only one solution: empty the pool, start all over again. However, draining your pool should be the last resort. Of course, at the very beginning, when building your pool, you must fill it. But the question of cleaning shouldn’t make you empty it. A swimming pool is drained every 5 to 7 years on average and especially in the event of major repairs. Otherwise, avoid emptying your pool as much as possible. Basically, if you want to know when to drain your pool, the answer is: when you have no other alternative.
Why not drain your pool?
Draining a swimming pool is a risky business for several reasons. Your pool is not meant to be empty. Whether you have a pool with a liner, concrete or fiberglass, its operation is optimal when it is full of water. Once the water is drained, you open yourself up to all sorts of damage, so only drain your pool when you have no other option.
The biggest danger you run when draining your pool is that of hydrostatic pressure. It’s a term that seems complicated relating to the pressure of groundwater around and under your swimming pool, this one being carried out against the walls and the floor of your swimming pool. The water is heavy and the hydrostatic pressure can be significant. If you and the professional who built your pool have not sufficiently anticipated the problem of hydrostatic pressure, you can face unpleasant surprises.
What are the risks when emptying your pool?
The pitfall of hydrostatic pressure
Here is a very telling example: if you have a concrete swimming pool, the pressure of the water below can cause its floor to move and crack it. In a pool with a liner or fiberglass, the hydrostatic pressure below can go so far as to lift the bottom of your pool, severely damaging the floor and the walls. Your pool heaving off the ground is a serious problem that can occur if the groundwater level in your area is high. This may be the case all the time, or only after several days of heavy rain. The problem occurs when your empty pool begins to float on groundwater.
Damage caused by UV rays
Empty pools are also susceptible to damage from the sun’s radiation. Vinyl pools tend to crease when drained. Fiberglass pools can crack.
Damage to your filtration pump
If you do not properly adjust your filter, pool hoses and drain lines, you run the risk of damaging or burning out your pool motor.
Flood risks
Be careful not to empty the water from your pool just anywhere. Putting too much water in your drain system can cause it to back up into your home.
When and why should a swimming pool be drained?
As mentioned above, most pools rarely need to be drained. Because draining a swimming pool without damaging it can be difficult, there are often solutions to carry out the most necessary work without removing all the water. However, there are several reasons why you may need to empty your pool: a level of dirt – mixture of chemicals and other too high, the need to repaint your pool or other repair work.
What is the best time of year to drain a swimming pool?
Depending on the type of material your pool is made of, exposure to the elements can damage it. For this reason, the best time to drain your pool is when the weather is mild. If it is too hot or conversely too cold, in this case it is better to postpone the oil change. Due to these temperature parameters, the best time of year to drain a pool is usually spring or fall. Spring can be a good option, as the renewed water will then be ready for summer swimming. Fall can also work, but most professionals don’t recommend leaving your pool empty through the winter, so you’ll need to at least partially fill it.
How to empty your swimming pool?
Before draining your pool, groundwater levels should be considered. If the water levels in the area are high, they can cause your pool to “pop” out of the ground. Additionally, fiberglass and vinyl pools require special treatment as they are generally not designed to be completely drained. Complete removal of water from these pools can cause spot cracking. Once you’ve assessed the groundwater situation and the needs of the type of pool you have, the safest way to drain your pool is to use a pump. You can buy one or rent one from a pool equipment company. Although your filter pump can be used to drain your pool, it can still damage it. Your pool water must be drained onto your property. Of course this one is not accustomed to receiving huge amounts of water at the same time, so make sure that the flow is quite low. Completely draining a pool with a garden hose can take a day or more.
When to consult a professional?
If you are not 100% sure that your pool needs draining, you should consult a professional. Many pool repairs can be done underwater. If you don’t know much about the water table in your area, or aren’t quite sure how to drain your pool, talk to a pool professional who may be able to help. to help.