No, you should almost never drain your pool completely. A full drain is a last resort that can cause severe structural damage. Instead, you can usually fix most issues by "shocking" and chemically treating the water, or performing a partial drain and refill.
Pools should be partially or completely drained every 3 to 5 years. You typically only need a full drain and refill for major structural repairs (like replastering). Routine drainage is for correcting chemical imbalances, such as high Cyanuric Acid (CYA) or Calcium Hardness.
A sore throat from a chlorinated pool is usually caused by chloramines, which form when chlorine binds to sweat, oils, or urine in the water. These irritants become airborne gas, inflaming your throat. Mild irritation usually clears in a few hours.
Water Replacement: Refilling a 100,000-gallon pool can range from $300 to $1,500 in water alone, depending on municipal rates. Labor & Service Fees: Hiring a pool company may add $500–$1,500 for draining, monitoring, and startup balancing. Even if handled internally, expect added labor hours.
Do not fully drain fiberglass pools or inground vinyl liner pools, unless you are replacing the liner, because the surface or liner can bow, crack, or shift. For these pools, partial drain and refill in small increments is typically the safest approach.
Pool shock is a chemical treatment that helps break down contaminants – such as leaves, dirt and debris, even oils from your skin -- that can gradually build up in your pool water. Shocking your pool as part of your weekly pool maintenance routine will help keep your water clear and balanced.
For concrete or gunite pools, the shell is often the single most expensive component. Furthermore, it requires extensive engineering and highly specialized labor.
Dirt-Only Fill
The pool shell stays mostly intact, and dirt is dumped inside. A hole is cut in the bottom for drainage. Pros: Lowest upfront cost. Cons: Leaves a visible concrete shell and offers no real usability.
Swimming in a pool with excess chlorine (typically above 4 ppm) can cause immediate physical distress. Common symptoms include red, itchy, or burning eyes, dry and irritated skin, brittle hair, and respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, or a sore throat.
In swimming, the 80/20 rule generally refers to one of two core principles: Training Intensity Distribution (spending 80% of your time on easy swimming and 20% on hard efforts) or the Pareto Principle (fixing 20% of your technique issues to correct 80% of energy waste).
Cryptosporidium spreads easily through water. People who have diarrhea should not swim or bathe with others until two weeks after it has resolved. And all it takes is a gulp of contaminated water for someone to get sick: watery diarrhea, stomachache, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss and mild fever.
A cowboy pool (also known as a stock tank pool) is a large, galvanized steel livestock tank that has been repurposed into an above-ground swimming pool or soaking tub. They serve as a popular, budget-friendly alternative to traditional in-ground pools.
The term ghost pool generally refers to one of three things, depending on whether you are talking about billiards, public history, or swimming pool construction.
What are some high-end features I can add to my swimming pool? Adding lighting, waterfalls, or a hot tub are examples of high-end pool features that enhance the luxury feel of your swimming pool.
During swim season, a simple rule of thumb is to run the system 1 hour for every 10°F of air temperature. For example, at 100°F, run the pump at least 10 hours per day. If you're fighting algae or recovering from a major weather event, you may need to run it 24 hours until the water clears.
Adding vinegar (acetic acid) to a pool temporarily lowers the water's pH and helps dissolve calcium buildup. However, it is a weak acid. Because you need massive quantities to adjust pool chemistry, it introduces organic sugars that can feed bacteria and algae.
A pool generally needs resurfacing every 7 to 20 years, depending on its finish. However, the most actionable rule is to resurface when you notice flaking, peeling, significant cracks, or a sandpaper-like texture that scrapes swimmers' skin.
FAQ: Pool Fill In
Many areas require a permit and/or inspections, but rules vary widely. Some jurisdictions specify how the pool must be modified, how drainage is handled, and how far below grade certain materials must be removed. Always confirm locally before you start.
While there is no single census, demographic data from organizations like the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) estimates that over 90% of traditional nudist resort and club members are 35 or older, with median and average ages typically hovering around 55 to 60.
Don't allow horseplay.
Rowdy behavior and any activity involving dunking or throwing people in the water should NOT be allowed.