Will my pool collapse if drain?

Author: Prof. Eddie Mraz  |  Last update: Monday, March 21, 2022

Otherwise, your pool is best maintained when you can keep the proper water level year-round. 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.

What happens if you drain a pool?

When one drains the pool and there happens to be water under the shell (like in the rainy spring when people want to clean up the pool) the entire pool shell can heave. This is because the water under the pool creates an upward hydrostatic force (through buoyancy) and the pool is lifted out of the ground.

Will pool walls collapse without water?

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 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 I drain my pool completely?

If high groundwater is present in your area, it is best to only partially empty your pool. Never completely drain a fiberglass or in-ground vinyl liner pool; doing so can damage the integrity of the pool surface or liner in the form of bowing or cracking. The best practice is to partially drain these types of pools.

Swimming pool collapsed in Brazil

How long can you leave a pool empty?

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.

How long does it take to drain a pool with a garden hose?

The average outdoor spigot on a home can produce up to 12 gallons per minute. A small pool can be filled in a few hours, while a large one can take 14 hours.

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.

Can 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.

Is it safe to drain a concrete pool?

Inground pools made of concrete or gunite are susceptible to popping out of the ground if drainage is not done properly. If there has been a surplus of rain recently or your pool is located in a wet area, it is best not to try and drain the pool yourself at all.

Why should you not drain a pool?

When too much pool water soaks into the ground, the resulting upward water pressure could crack the bottom of your pool or cause it to float right out of the ground.

Why do people not drain their pool?

By not draining it, you'll save money and help out the environment at the same time. Keeping water in the pool helps to prevent the liner from drying out, shrinking and cracking. ... Water provides a protective barrier that greatly prevents the need for costly repairs each year.

Why do above ground pools collapse?

Pool Collapse – An above ground pool collapse is often caused by the results of ice damage, but it can also happen when there is too much snow accumulated on top of the pool and the frame cannot handle the weight.

How often should you drain a swimming 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.

Is it OK to drain a pool with a liner?

While you may think the best thing to do to prepare for winter is to drain the pool, a vinyl-lined pool should not be drained under regular circumstances. Since the water secures it to the pool, draining it can cause the liner to lose elasticity. The liner can shrink causing tears and rips upon refilling.

Will draining an above ground pool damage the liner?

First, we need to start by saying that you should very rarely have to completely drain your pool. In fact, doing so may cause damage to your pool liner. While uncommon, there may come a point that you have to completely drain your above ground swimming pool.

Can a pool collapse with too much water?

The quick answer is no. You don't need to drain your pool, as there is no risk to your pool by it being full. The only thing you lose with a pool filled to the rim is your skimmer's surface cleaning action. Overall, it still draws water and the equipment is just fine.

Can a leaking pool cause a sinkhole?

A sinkhole can occur whether you have an inground pool or an above-ground pool. A pool that is allowed to leak into the foundation underneath can lead to a very large, very dangerous sinkhole. In fact, leaking water is the main cause of a sinkhole. Sinkholes start developing a long time before they actually appear.

Will an above ground pool collapse if not level?

Major Issues with an Unlevel Pool

Installing an Intex pool on an uneven surface will cause the walls to collapse due to uneven pressure. The water presses against one section of the pool with more force than the rest and it will be blown out due to uneven weight distribution.

How can I drain my pool without flooding the yard?

All you need is a medium-size water or vacuum pump.
  1. 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.
  2. Place the outlet hose so the exiting water doesn't flood the area, but drains off away from the pool.
  3. Dry your hands thoroughly.

Can I drain my pool on my lawn?

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.

When should I drain my pool and start over?

Your pool professional will make the call on whether a repair warrants draining the pool. Finally, most pools should be drained and refilled about once every 5-7 years, or when the total dissolved solids (TDS) reaches over 2500 ppm. When this happens, it will become difficult to balance your pool water.

Should I drain my above ground pool?

Important: Never completely drain an above ground pool. This can cause your pool to collapse. If your pool is plumbed with detachable, flexible hoses, remove them and store for the winter. Remove all drain plugs from the pump, filter tank, and any other pool equipment.

How long do above-ground pools last?

A high-quality above ground pool from Valley Pool & Spa should last between 10 and 20 years depending on how well you care for it. However, your pool liner will not last as long as your pool. Contact a pool expert at our store to see if you need a new liner before you decide to replace your entire pool.

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