When the swimming season comes to an end, in many cases the pool is completely drained and stored in a dry storage for the winter.
This article will make pool draining easy for you. This is because it primarily addresses a variety of ways to drain the pool with and without a hose. Moreover, following this part, it additionally answers the most arising questions on the subject of pool draining.
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Pool draining made easy: 6 ways
There isn’t just one way to drain your own pool, but numerous, easy-to-use alternatives. In the following sections, we will present six options in this regard, which also include a variant without a hose.
Possibility 1: Draining the pool with a hose
A comparatively simple and at the same time rather quick method to empty the pool consists in using a hose. It may be necessary to purchase a plastic hose with a diameter of about two centimeters, but this should not be too problematic.
With regard to the length of the hose, the individual situation on site is crucial. In general, one should ensure a safe and legally legitimate disposal of the water, which is often contaminated with chemicals. In some cases, one to two meters is already sufficient for this purpose; some times, a different length is needed.
Once a suitable hose has been found, one end of the hose is hung into the water over the edge of the pool, but not all the way to the bottom. While passing the other end of the hose over the bottom, you finally reach the desired water drain.
To get the drain going, you suck with your mouth on the end of the hose that is above the water drain. Once the pool water flows through the hose, you go back to the pool. There, it is advisable to stabilize the hose and follow the decreasing water level by hand.
Due to the negative pressure in the hose, a constant flow of water is guaranteed for a certain time. However, this reaches its end when the water level is approximately at the same height as the favored water discharge. Provided that the pool is located at a higher level, this method even makes it possible to drain the water completely without leaving any residual water.
Possibility 2: Draining the pool via a floor drain
In some cases, the use of a so-called floor drain can be useful to free the pool from water. A floor drain must always be connected to the respective filter system and only a small part of the water can be drained through it. First and foremost, a floor drain supports the process of circulation in the respective pool.
Assuming that one plays with the idea of a floor drain, one should find out whether the corresponding pool size is given, because there are better alternatives for the pool drainage alone. If one has decided on the installation, among other things, a professional assembly as well as piping should take place to ensure the adequate functioning of the floor drain.
Option 3: Draining the pool without a floor drain
Due to the fact that a floor drain is primarily intended for circulation in larger pools of any shape, it is generally suitable only for draining small amounts of water. As an alternative, you can, for example, with the help of the pool pump to clear the pool of water.
In the skimmer there is a connector, in the threads of which you can connect a homemade adapter. After that, the pool hose is connected to the adapter and you are now able to drain the water with the help of the skimmer and the pool pump.
To prevent the pool pump from running dry, you can integrate a submersible pump into the whole process if necessary. This process should only be used with a self-priming pump or a pool pump with a pre-filter, otherwise the pump will overheat.
The result of improper use with the wrong pool pump can be serious damage to the particular model up to complete inoperability.
Option 4: Use a submersible pump
A submersible pump is an extremely efficient way of removing water from the pool. They are available either by ordering from a mail-order company on the Internet or from a local hardware store. Their major advantage is mainly due to the fact that, thanks to their submersible nature, only a minimal amount of moisture is left on the bottom of the pool.
However, there are a few basic aspects that should be taken into account for the smooth use of the submersible pump, otherwise, in the worst case scenario, damage to the same may occur.
For this reason, the water should be clear or clean under all circumstances. If necessary, the pool water must be cleaned of dirt particles or mud before using the submersible pump.
In order to be able to assume a very good performance of the submersible pump from the outset, it is essential to have the wiring done by a specialist.
An essential part of the maintenance work is also the inspection of the cables with regard to cracks or other damage. In addition, in order to significantly extend its service life, once disconnected from the mains, the submersible pump should be cleaned at regular intervals.
To drain the pool with a submersible pump, it is inserted vertically into the pool water and lowered to the bottom of the pool. The hose, which is connected to the submersible pump as a pressure line, should also be checked for possible damage before being put into operation. Furthermore, it must be ensured that the drained water is led directly into the sewer system due to the chemicals used.
Once the submersible pump has reached its position, neither it nor the pool water should be subjected to any movement during operation. To prevent the submersible pump from sucking in air, it is also essential to check the water level at regular intervals. Removal of the submersible pump is done after the pumping process is completed and is accompanied by storage in the dry.
Possibility 5: Push down the edge of the pool
Unless you have a hose at hand, nor want to use a bucket, it is possible to empty the water of the pool to a certain level by gently pressing the edge of the pool.
However, one must be aware that this will also leave a residue in the pool, which should be skimmed off later. The prerequisite for this method, however, is that the wall of the pool was made of a material that yields.
Assuming that this is possible, the pool wall is pressed both towards the center and towards the bottom. Once the edge of the pool is below the water level, the water can flow out of the pool, but because of the chemicals used, care must be taken to ensure that the waste water is appropriately collected and directed into the sewer. Even if the edge of the pool gives way, proceed carefully so that there is no damage to the pool skin.
Option 6: Use a bucket
This is one of the classic and easiest methods of draining a pool, although it can turn out to be a bit more time-consuming, depending on the size of the pool.
Furthermore, scooping with a bucket usually equates to a strain on the individual’s muscular strength, which is why you should have a certain level of physical fitness. However, the most essential advantage about using a bucket is that it can be found in just about every household.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about pool emptying answered.
Although there are different ways to rid a pool of water, a few basic factors come into play in a variety of cases. For this reason, the following sections answer the most frequently asked questions about draining a pool.
When should you drain the pool?
In principle, depending on the stability of the pool, you should make sure that you do not empty it during strong wind conditions or rainfall. In some cases, this may lead to the risk of deformation or increased risk of accidents. In addition, it should be taken into account that it makes sense to leave the pool completely empty, if possible, only for a short period of time.
Depending on the reason for which you want to empty the pool of water, the time for emptying the pool may vary. In any case, it is advisable to prepare all the necessary utensils in advance, so that the maintenance work can be carried out in a timely manner.
In order to thoroughly clean the pool, it may be necessary to drain the pool water in the spring. Aside from that, even during the current swimming season, for example, the water may tip over and need to be replaced. Regardless, moreover, most repair work, such as replacing or sealing the pool liner, among other things, requires draining the water.
Where to put the pool wastewater?
In general, it can be said that the waste water from the pool should in no case be allowed to seep away in its immediate vicinity. For this reason, it is necessary that the water is safely drained away.
Not only when emptying the pool, but also during the regular process of backwashing, the question arises as to where the pool wastewater should be directed. As a rule, there are no standardized guidelines for this, but rather individual handling by the respective localities.
For this reason, it is definitely worthwhile to consult the relevant operator of the sewer system or the administration of the municipality on site.
What is the fastest way to empty the pool?
In most cases, for a very timely emptying of a pool, is recommended to use a submersible pump. These can be purchased inexpensively not only in a local hardware store, but also, as a rule, on the Internet in comparison.
Apart from their speed, however, submersible pumps also hold a significant advantage over other methods. They are able to pump the water of a pool down to the bottom of the pool. Normally, the remaining amount of pool water is no more than five millimeters.
Which pools need to be drained before winter?
This question cannot be answered in general terms, as it depends on the type of pool and the intended winterization. In case of ambiguity or doubt, not only the advice of a professional expert, but also the exchange with other pool owners is a good idea to get the appropriate orientation.
Especially in the case of a built-in pool, after the bathing season will not be a complete dismantling of the pool. However, with these models it is also necessary to lower the water level to a certain range, so that you can reliably prevent damage from frost or ice. In case you want to dismantle the pool and store it in a dry place for the winter, it is strongly recommended to empty it and dry it thoroughly.
What is the best way to empty my Intex or Bestway pool?
You really can’t give a blanket answer to this question, as it depends on a variety of factors. On the one hand, not only the costs play a role, but also the availability of the tools.
Another point is ultimately the speed or completeness of the emptying. The best way to empty your Intex or Bestway pool therefore depends primarily on your individual requirements or wishes for this process.
Conclusion
There are a variety of circumstances that make the emptying of a pool necessary. These include, among others, the classic cleaning in the spring before the pool is put into operation in the new swimming season. However, during the hot months, damage, for example to the pool liner, can also make it necessary to drain the water.
One should inform oneself in advance in detail about the local regulations with regard to the disposal of the pool water. Due to the fact that this usually contains a certain level of chemicals, it usually has to be discharged into the sewage system. It is therefore advisable in any case to contact the local authorities to guarantee adequate disposal.
Regarding the chosen method, it can be said that it is possible to drain the pool water with the help of a hose, as well as without it. A very efficient alternative is, for example, the use of a submersible pump, but there are also conceivable ways in which you can do it yourself. In general, it is important to weigh up which method best suits the individual wishes, requirements and conditions on site.
