4 Easy Ways to Drain Your Above-Ground Pool: A Step-by-Step Guide

Draining your pool can feel like a big, expensive hassle—trust me, I know. It’s not something any of us want to do unless absolutely necessary. But if you find yourself in a situation where it just has to be done, I’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide to help you drain your pool safely while keeping things compliant with local regulations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Drain Above Ground Pool

When it comes to draining your above ground pool, you’ve got four main options, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at each method:

Siphoning Method

This method is great for smaller above-ground pools and can save you some money, but it does require a bit of patience.

Steps:

• Submerge your garden hose completely under the water.
• Hold both ends of the hose below the surface until the air bubbles stop—this means the hose is full of water.
• Cover one end with your hand, then pull that end out of the water, making sure it’s lower than your pool’s water line.
• When you remove your hand, the water should start siphoning out.

Things to Keep in Mind: The lower the water level, the slower it will drain. Once the water level is down to about 1-2 inches, you’ll need to switch to a different method, like using a shop vac, to remove the remaining water.

Best For: Replacing part of the water, like when addressing water chemistry issues or prepping for winter.

Pros: It’s cost-effective.

Cons: It can take several days to fully drain the pool, so it’s not ideal for situations where you need to completely empty the pool for repairs or liner replacement.

Using a Submersible Pump

If you have a submersible pump, this method is much quicker and easier.

Steps:

• Locate your sanitary sewer or clean-out port and open it by unscrewing the cap.
• Attach a garden hose to the submersible pump.
• Place the pump at the center or deepest point of the pool.
• Start the pump and monitor the water level, adjusting the pump’s position as needed.
• Continue until the pool is empty or at the desired water level.

A Few Inches Left? Don’t worry—use a shop vac to get rid of the last bit of water.

Best For: Fully draining (empty the pool), especially when you need to repair cracks, fix leaks, or replace the liner.

Pros: Quick and efficient.

Cons: Requires a submersible pump, which may not be readily available for everyone.

Using a Drain Adapter

For temporary metal frame pools, like those from Intex or Bestway, a drain adapter can make draining easy.

Steps:

• Simply open the drain adapter.
• Connect a garden hose to the drain adapter and lead the water to a sanitary drain or drain port.

Important Note: If you don’t connect the hose, the water will overflow right where your pool is set up. This can soften the soil, making the ground uneven when you refill the pool, and you’ll end up having to fix this before you can enjoy your pool again.

Best For: Draining temporary or metal frame pool, when you need to replace the water or store the pool for the season.

Pros: Convenient and straightforward.

Cons: Risk of soil erosion and uneven ground if not done properly.

Using A Filter Waste Port.

If you have a sand filter or DE filter, using the waste port is an efficient way to lower your pool’s water level.

Steps:

• Turn off the pump.
• Connect the backwash hose to the waste port on the filter.
• Turn the pump back on, and water will start flowing through the skimmer and out of the waste port.

Important Note: Make sure the water level doesn’t drop below the skimmer. If it does, the pump might start sucking in air, which could cause the motor to overheat and possibly burn out.

Why This Method? This is the fastest way to lower the water level, especially when prepping for winter. However, keep in mind that it won’t drain all the water from the pool—just enough to get the job done.

Check Local Regulations

It’s crucial to understand your local laws and regulations when draining your pool. Unfortunately, I’ve seen too many pool owners overlook this, leading to hefty fines.

Some areas might let you drain water into a storm drain, while others require you to use a sanitary sewer or even hire a water truck. Here’s what you should check:

• Chemical Restrictions: Find out if there are any limits on the chemicals in the water you’re draining.
• Chlorine Levels: Know the acceptable chlorine levels for draining in your area.
• Protected Areas: Be aware of any nearby protected waterways or sensitive areas to avoid.
• Timing: Check if there are specific times or seasons when draining is prohibited (85°F is often a good time).
• Weather Impacts: Understand how weather conditions could affect the discharge process and any related regulations.

For example, in Holbrook, local rules are strict. Fines can reach as high as $2,500—definitely not something you want to deal with. You can’t discharge pool water into storm drains, streets, or public areas. Instead, you’re required to direct the water to the sanitary sewer system to protect the environment.

Before draining, make sure the water is dechlorinated. You can do this by letting the water sit in the sun for a few days or using a chemical dechlorinator. Ensure the chlorine level is below 1 ppm before you discharge the water safely.

Why and When to Drain Your Pool

Draining your pool isn’t something you’ll do often, but there are certain situations where it becomes necessary.

• Deep Cleaning: Over time, even the best maintained pools can accumulate stubborn stains, algae, and debris that just won’t budge with regular cleaning. Draining your pool gives you the chance to scrub every inch of the surface, leaving it spotless and ready for a fresh start.
• Repairs and Renovations: If you’re planning to fix cracks, replace the liner, or upgrade your pool’s features, draining the water is often a must. Major repairs like these are hard to do underwater, so draining the pool ensures the job gets done right.
• Water Chemistry Problems: Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your pool’s water chemistry can get seriously out of whack. If you’re facing issues like an unmanageable CYA or TDS level that just won’t balance, draining and refilling might be your best bet to reset the water chemistry.
•  Winter Preparation: For those of us in colder climates, getting the pool ready for winter can involve partially draining it. This helps prevent damage from freezing water, which could be a real headache when spring rolls around.

Conclusion

Draining your pool is essential for keeping the water clean and your swimming environment healthy.  Always prioritize safety, follow local regulations, and don’t hesitate to consult a professional if you’re unsure about any part of the process.

Cheer!