Submerge the pool pump's intake hose under the water, as close to the center of the swimming pool as possible. Choose a space on your property for the pump's outlet hose to drain. This area should be away from the pool and the ground should be level to avoid flooding.
In-ground pools typically have a sanitary sewer drainage inlet near the pool equipment. Pools and spas not plumbed with a sanitary sewer drainage inlet can be drained to a sanitary sewer line plumbed to the home. Consult a licensed plumber or pool professional if you are unsure how to go about draining your pool.
You pretty much have two options when it comes to draining an above ground pool: you can use a submersible pump, or siphon the water out with a garden hose.
Submerge the pool pump's intake hose under the water, as close to the center of the swimming pool as possible. Choose a space on your property for the pump's outlet hose to drain. This area should be away from the pool and the ground should be level to avoid flooding.
Pool water should never be drained to the street or the storm drain. Storm drains in the Bay Area typically run into local creeks, rivers and the bays. In most places, it's against the law to drain pools and spas this way because pool water contains chemicals that can endanger or kill wildlife.
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.
But did you know there's an easy way to reuse the water that's already in the pool? All you have to do is recycle it! Meet reverse osmosis — the best way to purify your swimming pool water. It works by pushing the existing water through semipermeable membranes that hold off any impurities, particles, and buildup.
Though it's illegal to discharge swimming pool/spa backwash and drainage water off your property, in general you can dump this water into the public sewers. You can also reuse this water to help your thirsty plants! Emptying a Pool/Spa the Plant-Friendly Way: Draining an Aboveground Pool/Spa 1.
Locate the Drain Valve
The drain valve is located on the outside of the pool. Run a garden hose out, with the female end near the drain valve. Connect the other end to a sprinkler, and water your lawn or garden (if pH is good and chlorine low).
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.
Put one end of your garden hose inside the port. Thread the hose to the back of your house. Attach the other end of the garden hose to a submersion pump and place the hose and pump in the deepest area of your pool, near the drain. The pool will begin to drain.
For vinyl liner pools however (and fiberglass pools too), draining completely is discouraged, and is to be avoided, unless absolutely necessary. Big problems can result from draining a vinyl liner pool. The most common problem is that an older liner can pull away from the walls, and shrink somewhat.
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.
You'll need to keep draining water off the cover with a pump or siphon to protect it from damage. Important: Never drain an above ground pool completely when winterizing. Your vinyl liner can dry out, shortening its life considerably.
This siphoning process is simple enough. Immerse the entire hose in some water, then cover one end of the hose with your hand and quickly pull it out of the pool, pointing down below the water level. If you don't cut the hose, you may need to attach the hose to your spigot and fill it with water.
Water will always run downhill, so the simplest form of drainage is to slope the land around your pool away from the pool itself. A rock border placed 1.5 feet around the perimeter will also stop water from pool in the soil around the pool and prevent erosion.
If you can pump around 30 GPM (gallons per minute), which is also equivalent to 1800 GPH (gallons per hour), it should take you 2.78 hours or 2 hours and 46 minutes to drain your pool using a hose.
When to Replace the Pool Water
You should replace pool water every five to seven years. As much as possible, you should drain and refill your pool during mild weather. It's to avoid pool damage caused by direct sunlight and heat. Moreover, a pool maintenance company can recommend the ideal time to drain your pool.
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.