How to Empty a Pool: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Empty a Pool: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Empty a Pool: A Step-by-Step Guide


Emptying your pool might seem like a daunting task, but whether you’re preparing it for maintenance, repairs, or just clean-up, draining your pool correctly is essential. If not done properly, you could risk damaging your pool or the surrounding area.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, helping you do it both safely and effectively. And if during the process you need some extra guidance or professional help? Don’t worry—local pool service in Orlando, FL, like Pure & Simple Poolcare, are just a call or click away!

 

Why Do You Need to Empty a Pool?

While it’s not common practice to drain your pool entirely on a regular basis, certain scenarios require a complete emptying. Here are a few reasons why you might need to do it:

  • Repairs and Maintenance: You may need to drain the pool to fix cracks, replace tiles, or make structural repairs.
  • Deep Cleaning: If your pool has stubborn algae buildup or overwhelming debris, emptying it allows for a thorough cleaning.
  • Refilling with Fresh Water: Over time, pool water accumulates minerals, contaminants, and debris that make it harder to clean. Starting fresh can restore balance.
  • Changing the Pool’s Surface: If you're planning to resurface or repaint your pool, it’ll need to be drained first.

Regardless of why you’re draining the pool, you’ll want to follow the right steps to ensure a seamless process.

Things to Know Before You Start

Before emptying your pool, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.

1. Check Local Regulations

Certain areas, including parts of Orlando, FL, have strict laws on where chlorinated pool water can be discharged. Be sure to check local water disposal regulations to avoid potential fines or environmental harm.

2. Protect Your Pool Structure

Pools rely on the surrounding ground pressure to maintain their shape. If left empty for too long, or if drained improperly, the structure can crack, shift, or even “pop” out of the ground!

3. Know the Water Table Level

If your area has a high water table (meaning water is close to the ground’s surface), emptying the pool can create hydrostatic pressure, possibly causing your pool to lift or shift.

4. Check the Weather Forecast

Avoid draining your pool during periods of heavy rain. Flooded grounds can add pressure to your empty pool, increasing structural risks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Emptying a Pool

If you’ve done your research and ensured it's safe to drain your pool, here’s how to do it right.

Step 1: Turn Off the Pool Equipment

Before you start draining, switch off all the pool equipment, including pumps, heaters, and automation systems. This prevents damage while the water is being removed.

Step 2: Set Up a Submersible Pump

A submersible pump is the most efficient tool for draining a pool. You can rent one from local home improvement stores or contact a pool service provider in Orlando, FL, like Pure & Simple Poolcare, to assist.

How to Use a Submersible Pump:

  • Place the pump in the deepest part of the pool.
  • Attach the drain hose to the pump and lead the other end to an appropriate drainage area (checking local laws first).
  • Turn on the pump to begin draining.

Step 3: Monitor the Draining Process

It’s important to keep an eye on the water level as it drains. If the pump is left unattended, it might run dry, damaging the equipment.

Step 4: Remove Leftover Debris

Once the majority of the water is out, there’ll likely be some remaining at the bottom, along with debris. Use buckets, sponges, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove the last bit.

Step 5: Clean the Pool Interior

Now’s the perfect time to scrub your pool’s interior. Remove algae, dirt, and stains to give your pool a fresh start. For particularly stubborn stains, consider a pool acid wash—but this process is best left to professionals.

Step 6: Refill Your Pool or Contact Professionals

After cleaning or completing any repair work, refill the pool gradually to maintain structural stability. Use a hose timer to avoid leaving it running too long.

If this process feels overwhelming, here’s where experts like Pure & Simple Poolcare in Orlando, FL, come in. They can handle the draining process and get your pool sparkling clean for its next swim season.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Draining a pool is a straightforward task when done correctly, but here are a few common errors to steer clear of:

  • Ignoring Local Regulations: Always check where you can legally dispose of pool water to avoid fines.
  • Draining in Hot Weather: High temperatures can damage the pool’s surface once the water is drained, especially plaster and fiberglass pools.
  • Rushing the Refill Process: Refill gradually to maintain proper pressure on the pool walls and floor.

How a Professional Pool Service Can Help

Draining a pool yourself can be time-consuming and risky if you’re not sure how to handle things like water table levels or hazardous chemicals. Opting for experts ensures the process is smooth, safe, and compliant with local regulations.

Professionals like Pure & Simple Poolcare offer services that include not just pool draining but also deep cleaning, acid washing, and equipment inspection. They handle the hard work so you can enjoy your pool stress-free.

Keep Your Pool Pristine with Pure & Simple Poolcare

Maintaining a pool in Orlando, FL, can be hard work—but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re emptying your pool for updates, cleaning, or starting fresh, trust Pure & Simple Poolcare to provide expert services tailored to your needs.

Why Choose Us?

  • Expert pool care backed by years of experience
  • Eco-friendly methods that protect your pool and the environment
  • Free estimates for all services

Get started today with Pure & Simple Poolcare—contact us now for your free estimate and give your pool the care it deserves!

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