Is it OK to leave a plaster pool empty?

Author: Prof. Kody Ryan Sr.  |  Last update: Saturday, April 16, 2022

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.

Does leaving a pool empty damage it?

The Problem With An Empty Pool

When that amount of weight and pressure is removed from the structure, the pool can actually pop out of the ground due to ground pressure forcing it up. This can compromise its structural integrity, damaging the walls, floor, liners, and even the deck itself.

Does draining a pool hurt the plaster?

* The weight of water in a pool helps it maintain its shape and structural integrity. * Draining a pool can make problems like cracks and popping plaster worse. * Dumping pool water into the sewer is now illegal in most California counties.

Can you drain a pool and leave it empty?

An empty swimming pool can pop, or float out of the ground. This is due to possible hydrostatic pressure from unknown underground water.

Can you drain a plaster pool in the summer?

As a rule of thumb in our 62 years of experience, we do not drain plaster pools older than 8 years (others may determine is safe) or any plaster pool in temperatures above 80 degrees (high) unless it's an absolute must.

Can I leave my inground pool empty over winter?

How long can you leave a plaster pool empty?

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.

Can I leave my inground pool empty over winter?

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.

Will a pool collapse without water?

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.

What do you do with an empty pool?

50 Alternative Uses for Your Empty Pool
  1. Skate park.
  2. Bulldog skate park.
  3. Roller rink.
  4. Racquetball court.
  5. Handball court.
  6. Volleyball “equalizer” court (tall folk in the deep end, short folk in the shallow end)
  7. Dog park.
  8. Cat corral.

Can I just empty my pool?

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.

How often should you drain your swimming pool?

Even with proper and regular pool maintenance, it's often necessary to drain your pool — completely or partially — every 3-5 years. Draining your pool often isn't necessary, especially if you're following a proper and regular maintenance program.

Can I power wash my plaster pool?

Only pools constructed of plaster, exposed aggregate, or concrete are strong enough to withstand the power of a pressure washer. Any other type of pool, such as vinyl or fiberglass, must be cleaned using chemical treatments or using non-abrasive methods.

Does draining a pool cause it to crack?

Vinyl pools tend to contract when emptied, which can result in damage when they are refilled. Gunite or fiberglass pools can crack, and fiberglass pools may suffer bulging or splitting if drained. It may also void your warranty to drain your fiberglass pool.

Can you leave an above ground pool empty?

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.

Can I empty my concrete pool?

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.

Can you close a dirty pool?

Closing a pool that is green with algae, or dirty with debris or with water that is unbalanced, leads to heavy staining and saturation of the water with dead algae cells, which makes it easier for subsequent generations to grow.

Is it a good idea to fill in a pool?

A well-maintained swimming pool that does not have any leaks should not have to be drained or refilled every year—even every two or three years.

How do I temporarily fill my pool?

5 Creative Ways to Fill the Pool
  1. Turn Your Pool Into a Deck. You don't have to bring in the jackhammers and dirt to fill in your pool if you transform it into a deck. ...
  2. Turn Your Pool Into a Pond. ...
  3. Turn Your Pool Into a Greenhouse. ...
  4. Turn Your Pool Into a Garden. ...
  5. Turn Your Pool Into a Sunken Patio.

Can you leave a Fibreglass pool empty?

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).

How do you protect an empty pool?

Keeping the Pool in the Ground
  1. Don't drain the pool during extended periods of heavy rain. ...
  2. Pump the discharge to a storm drain, or to a point far away from the pool. ...
  3. Pump downhill from the pool. ...
  4. Open the hydrostatic pressure relief plugs on the pool floor. ...
  5. Work Fast.

Can I leave my Intex pool empty in the winter?

In warmer climates, Intex advises to keep your pool up, if you prefer. However, you must winterize the pool when keeping it full throughout the winter. If your area maintains tropical climates all year long, you may not need to winterize your pool at all, especially if you use your pool on a regular basis.

How long can you keep pool water?

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.

Can an inground pool collapse?

The weight of ice or snow are common culprits of pool collapse. Draining your pool too much. An older inground pool may not be able to withstand the weight of dirt against it once it is empty or if the water levels are too low. Groundwater can also push against the pool walls and cause it to collapse.

Should I empty my pool for winter?

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.

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