Is it better to drain pool for winter?

Author: Leola Dietrich  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 15, 2022

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.

Why dont people drain their pool in the winter?

Pool lining can dry out when it's left without water overtime. When it dries out, it can expand and stretch, leading to cracks and imperfections. Then, when you fill the pool back up, the water can seep through those cracks and cause damage.

How much should you drain a pool for winter?

Drain the water down to no more than 6 inches from the bottom of the skimmer if you plan to use a standard floating winter cover. Use your pool filter, switched to the "Drain" setting, to empty the pool water.

Should I drain my pool below the skimmer for winter?

Why water level is important

You should never drain your inground pool during winter. Although it may seem scary to leave water in a pool during freezing temperatures, you can actually damage your pool more by removing too much water. Your water should only be drained so it sits just below the skimmer and jets.

How high should pool water be in winter?

The best way to keep your winter cover on your pool is simply to maintain 2 inches of water on top of it and keep it free of leaves and other debris and monitor the water level inside the pool regularly.

Should I Drain My Pool And Start Over?

Is it OK to leave an inground pool empty?

How long can you leave a pool empty? Well, the minimum amount of time possible in order to minimize the risk of serious damage. Most issues that require a pool drain will take at least a day or two to resolve, but it's recommended to not let it sit empty for any extended period of time.

Does draining a pool damage it?

First, if the draining is done at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions, you can actually risk damaging your pool structure and liner. All the water from your pool needs to go somewhere when it's drained, and that usually means the ground.

When should you drain your pool?

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.

How long can a swimming pool stay empty?

Modern concrete pools can usually stand being drained for as long as needed, but there'll still be a risk of popping if the ground water level is high. Fibreglass pools are less resilient. The floor may come loose and float to the top when refilled, even after a short period.

How long does it take to drain a 10000 gallon pool?

A 10,000 gallon pool will take about 14 hours to drain, the maximum rate recommended by the City of Phoenix. It will take twice as long to drain if the pool size is doubled or cut in half.

Where does the water go when you drain a pool?

During normal operation, water flows to the filtering system through two or more main drains at the bottom of the pool and multiple skimmer drains around the top of the pool. The main drains are usually located on the lowest point in the pool, so the entire pool surface slants toward them.

Will an inground pool collapse without water?

Most inground fiberglass and concrete pools are built structurally to withstand the weight of the dirt against them when drained. However, if the groundwater is high enough, it can push the entire pool out of the ground. The pool shell acts like a ship and floats up in the groundwater.

How do I clean my pool after draining?

  1. Step one: Drain the pool. ...
  2. Step two: Remove the dirty pool liner. ...
  3. Step three: Prepare the pool liner. ...
  4. Step four: Make a cleaning solution. ...
  5. Step five: Scrub the pool liner. ...
  6. Step six: Wash the pool liner. ...
  7. Step seven: Dry the pool liner. ...
  8. Step eight, option A: Refill the pool.

How do you winterize a pool?

Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Winterise Your Pool
  1. Balance the water. ...
  2. Maintain the pH and Total Alkalinity levels. ...
  3. Keep your phosphates low. ...
  4. Use a copper based algaecide. ...
  5. Bring in the garbage man for your pool. ...
  6. Clean the pool! ...
  7. Clean the filter. ...
  8. Clean your salt cell (if you have a chlorinator)

Is it safe to drain a concrete pool?

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. The greatest danger you face when draining a pool is hydrostatic pressure.

How long does it take to drain a 5000 gallon pool?

Draining a pool can take up to 14 hours, depending on the size, so be sure to drain it on a day when you have sufficient free time. You need to be home to check on the pool, the hoses, and the pump frequently.

How do I know if my pool main drain is working?

you can tell if your main drain is working by perhaps putting a leaf on it. If it sticks, its working. In any case though, the main drain is not why your pool is having a problem. It has nothing to do with your pool turning green.

How do you clean a pool that has been sitting for two years?

Use a filter cleaner, or change the sand or cartridge if it's not been done in many years. Use clarifier to help coagulate suspended particles or use flocculant to drop particles to the bottom. Fill the pool high with water and vacuum the pool to waste, by setting a multiport filter valve to waste (sand or DE filters).

Does backwash drain the pool?

It is not recommended to drain a swimming pool through the backwash valve. While sucking from the main drain and putting the water down the backwash line will work in some scenarios it puts your pool pump at risk of losing prime and running dry.

How do I drain my pool pump for the winter?

Turn Off and Winterize Pool Equipment

If needed, partially drain your pool to lower the water level below the skimmer and return lines. Remove all drain plugs to completely drain the equipment, then remove the pool pump, chlorinator and hoses. Bring all equipment indoors for storage over the winter.

What is the fastest way to drain an inground pool?

How to Drain A Pool with a Cartridge Filter
  1. Shut off the pump.
  2. Go to the back of the filter and unscrew the drain plug.
  3. Turn the pump back on and let the water run until it reaches the point where you want to drain the water out.
  4. Turn the pump back off and put the plug back into the drain plug.

Can you drain your pool into the sewer?

How to drain your swimming pool You may need to drain a fraction of your water to improve water quality or make repairs. codes and you could be cited for water waste. Draining your pool into the sewer system allows water to be treated and reused. If you have a septic tank, do not drain your pool into the tank.

Can I drain my pool into my yard?

Flooding Your Grass Is Not A Good Idea

The problem with draining your pool in the yard, if permitted by your local water regulatory laws, is that it will quickly reach its saturation level and increase the risk of flooding your lawn, drowning the roots of your grass, and attracting mosquitoes.

How can I drain my pool without flooding the yard?

All you need is a medium-size water or vacuum pump. Unroll the pump's intake hose so that it reaches the center of the pool (or as close to it as possible), and submerge it in the pool. Place the outlet hose so the exiting water doesn't flood the area, but drains off away from the pool.

Is it OK to drain a Pebble Tec pool?

However, if the pool has a stone or Pebble Tec finish, it is pretty safe to drain a pool during the summer months, Good said.

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