So, here I come with an interesting post on how to drain an above-ground pool quickly even though you're a newbie.
Frankly speaking, I receive queries related to draining an above-ground pool on a frequent basis from my clientele in spite of the fact that draining a pool is a very rare event, and most pool owners expedite this process once in a while.
Moreover, I never advise any of my clients to drain the pool for winterization as it can lead to the damaging of the liner, that is, it can cause the liner to dry and crack from wind and cold.
But, at the same time, there are instances wherein you don't have an option but to drain your above-ground pool.
Draining an above-ground pool isn't a tedious or time-consuming task even for the newbies if done RIGHTLY.
Do I need to drain my above-ground pool?
Well, it DEPENDS.
In most cases, you don't have to go to an extent wherein you'll have no other option but to drain your above-ground pool completely.
However, let's discuss a couple of scenarios wherein draining an above-ground pool becomes a must for keeping the swimming ambiance healthy and safe.
Does it make sense?
REASONS to drain your an above ground pool
Let's have a quick look at some of these reasons why need draining of your pool.
Pool Liner Replacement
Well, it's a fact that we don't replace pool liners very often, right?
However, if the circumstances are built that you don't have an option but to replace your pool liner then you've to drain your pool water because it would be almost next to impossible that you'll be able to replace the pool liner without draining your pool.
Pool liner replacement happens usually due to a tear or leak.
Starting Spring Fresh
It's rare of the rarest scenario wherein you'll have to drain your pool once you've opened it for the spring.
Stuff like this happens when the closing of the pool hasn't been done in an appropriate and correct way.
Loopholes in the winterization process of both inground and above-ground pools can lead to the massive growth of algae and cloudy water.
And, so in such an exceptional scenario, you need to start fresh, and thus, the draining of pool water becomes a MUST.
Chlorine Lock
Well, we've discussed chlorine lock quite a few times, and in case, you're NOT aware of it then it's a humble request that you refer to our earlier post.
Chlorine lock is a phenomenon wherein even after adding a tangible amount of chlorine to the pool water, the reading shows a negligible presence of chlorine.
In layman's terms, chlorine lock is a phenomenon that makes chlorine ineffective in your pool water.
Unfortunately, problems like chlorine locks can't be fixed by simply adding pool chemicals.
The main reason behind the chlorine lock is the presence of too much pool stabilizer or CYA in your pool water.
And, the reason could be the imbalanced pH, that is, either the pH has a raised level or a lower level.
In such scenarios, you're NOT left with many options, the best thing that you can do is to RESTART by draining the overtreated pool water and starting FRESH.
How to drain an above-ground pool?
To be honest, draining an above-ground pool isn't a difficult thing to do ONLY IF you follow the correct methodology.
The two most commonly used methods for draining an above-ground pool are as follows:
- Draining water using a submersible pump
- Using a garden hose to siphon the pool water out
Depending upon your preferences, you can select either of the two.
However, after expediting the draining process for quite a few years now, I feel that the combination of both methods would give you the best result.
Again, it's my personal view, and over a period of time, I've seen fantastic results using both methods together.
I know many of you out here would be inquisitive to know the logic behind my statement, right?
Well, frankly speaking, siphoning the water is a fast process and when done rightly could save you a tangible amount of time.
But, the drawback of this method is that it is not very effective in removing that last foot or so of water.
So, you might need to take the help of a submersible pump.
However, complete draining of a pool is required in very rare scenarios such as replacing the liner.
On the other hand, to deal with problems such as chlorine lock, the siphon method is more than enough as you don't have to drain the last few inches of pool water.
A garden hose is more than enough to deal with problems like correcting pool chemistry, etc.
Dumping Water Preference
It's quite obvious that even before you start dumping your pool water, you need to figure out where you want to dump your pool water.
Moreover, you also need to check with your city administration if there are any laws or special ordinances governing pool water disposal.
In case, you're planning to drain your pool entirely then you must check with your city administration whether there is a prerequisite of dumping the entire pool water into a sewage system due to the presence of chemicals.
Start a Siphon
So, I'm assuming that till now, you've figured out wherein you want to dump the pool water.
And, if that is the case, then all you need to do is to use one of a couple of methods to siphon the water.
Either you can use a garden hose and faucet or cut a few feet off each end of your garden hose in order to create an effective siphon.
So, if you've made up your mind that you should cut your garden hose then usually a section about 6-8 feet long will do the trick.
First and foremost, you need to immerse the entire garden hose in your pool water then you need to cover one end with your hand and pull it quickly out of the pool water and point it down below the pool surface.
If you choose not to cut the hose, you'll need to attach the hose to your spigot and fill it completely with water.
While expediting this process, you would be needing a helping hand who could cover the open end of the hose in order to prevent water from escaping.
Either use a clamp or even crimp the hose so that the water can be kept inside.
Pool Water Draining
So, once you're done with the aforementioned steps, now it's time to drain your pool water quickly and without any hassle.
In fact, for the severed hose siphon, all you need to do is to remove your hand once you're done with lowering the un-submersed end to the ground and then allow the water to drain.
On the other hand, if you're going forward with the full hose method, then once the hose is full, all you need to do is to submerge the hose into the pool and remove the clamp or your hand from the hose end that is present under the pool water.
And, remember, you need to do it only when there are four feet of hose left above the water.
Moving further, you need to quickly lower the hose to the ground.
Also, remove your hand, clamp, or any cover that you've put over that end so that water can flow freely out of the hose.
Remaining Water Removal
As mentioned earlier also, total draining of your pool water is needed in only rare of the rarest circumstances such as replacing the liner.
Though there are quite a few good ways to do it still I would stick to the use of a pump or a wet/dry vac to suction it out.
At the same time, if you're a DIYer and NOT ready to bear the expense then you can take the help of a bucket or other container to take out the water as much as possible.
Though it might consume more of your time would definitely help you to get rid of the remaining water in your pool.
But, at the same time, you should also ensure that the pool has been properly dried before you put a new liner.
The presence of moisture and a small amount of water can encourage the growth of algae and other bacteria.
It's A Wrap
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.
Moreover, it's a humble request if you would have found this piece of information useful and wants to appreciate our effort then please feel free to rate us on a scale of 1 to 5 with the latter being the best.
Coming back to the topic, all the steps that we mentioned in this article is more than enough to help you drain an above-ground pool in an effective way.
At the same time, if you're planning to drain your pool only partially then my recommendation would be to expedite the siphon method as it is easier and hassle-free.
For complete draining, I always advise you to use a pump to drain out the last drop of water and then dry your pool so that algae and other bacteria growth can be negated.
The entire process might seem to you tedious and time-consuming at the very first glance but once you'll start expediting it, you'll NOT find any issue at all.
Last but not least, share this piece of information with the ones who are in need of it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn't it?
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