When a gunite pool is left empty, its hydrostatic valve allows water beneath the pool to drain into the pool itself. Without a hydrostatic valve, an empty gunite pool may float on top of the underground water. All or part of an empty pool may pop out of the ground several inches or several feet.
Concrete Pools
Once water is removed (and subsequently, the interior hydrostatic pressure), if there's an influx of groundwater, it will push the pool up and out of place. As a general rule, you shouldn't keep any pool empty for longer than it needs to be.
If ground water is not a problem a pool can be left empty for weeks or even months as long the hydrostatic relief in the bottom of the pool is open and functioning. If the time frame of the pool being empty gets into freezing weather there is real risk of freeze-thaw damage to surface of the pool.
I. If the pool ever needs to be drained to replace the water or to maintain the plaster, it should never be left empty for more than eight to ten days at the most. More than this may cause the plaster to dry out and crack. Keep your pool full for best results.
An empty swimming pool can pop, or float out of the ground. This is due to possible hydrostatic pressure from unknown underground water.
Close the pool for winter – but don't drain it.
In winter, the water in your pool is still your friend. Especially when properly winterized, it helps to protect the pool liner, keep it clean and prevent unnecessary damage from debris, harsh weather and other factors.
It's not good to leave your pool empty when the weather gets cold. Leaving your pool filled with water can help prevent your vinyl or concrete foundation from being damaged.
An empty pool (or as little as 1/4 filled) and an exposed liner on a hot day can cause the liner to shrink from the heat and deem the liner useless. An empty pool is also susceptible to collapse. Especially, in high winds and/or bad weather.
The answer is always NO. Above ground pools need the weight of the water in them to provide an optimal level of stability. Without water supporting the wall you run the risk of the pool wall coming out of the track. Also without water in the pool the liner can shrink and no longer fit your pool.
Draining a pool is risky business for several reasons. Your pool is not meant to be empty. Whether you have a vinyl, concrete, or fiberglass pool, it is at its best when it's full of water. Once the water is drained, you open yourself up to all sorts of damage, so drain a pool only when there is no other option.
A common cause of pool collapse is a build up of snow, rainwater, and ice on the pool's cover. The weight of the elements can be too heavy for the pool walls to contain, causing them to fracture and collapse.
Well maintained pool water can last up to 5, maybe even seven years before you need to replace it. This means weekly cleaning, functional filters, and checking ph levels every day. Usage is a huge determining factor.
Backfilling a pool is the process of filling the empty space left by the inground pool with gravel, sand, or dirt. Backfilling is just one part of the pool removal process. The concrete floor and walls of the pool must be broken up and/or removed prior to backfilling.
Because fibreglass pools weigh the least, as compared to concrete or gunite, the danger of lifting is greater. Never empty a fibreglass pool during the rainy season unless the pool has a built-in system for relieving the underground water pressure (which most do).
Do you need to drain any water when winterizing an above ground pool? The answer hinges on how you protect your skimmer during the winter. If you're concerned about freezing and cracking, and don't use a winter skimmer cover plate, then you should drain the water level below the skimmer and returns.
Pool industry experts recommend you drain your pool and refill it every five to seven years. No two pools are alike, so there is no set number at which you must drain your pool.
Your pool can keep running for a few days with no problems while without a pump. However, know that a standard pool needs a pool running for at least once in 24 hours, or you might notice an algae bloom. So, it's best to have your pump ready as soon as possible.
“It's important to change the paddling pool water every day – drain it and let it dry at the end of the day and use an anti-bacterial spray to kill any germs so it is safe to use the next day.”
Yes you can turn your pool pump off for a week. You can turn it off for a month, but there are consequences. The pool will get dirty—no pump, no filtering. The chemicals will not circulate and the water could start turning a nice shade of green as algae forms.
Major Issues with an Unlevel Pool
The pool will twist, buckle, or even collapse, causing property damage and injury to anyone in or around the pool.