Swimming is one of the most refreshing and rejuvenating activities that we can indulge in during the hot summer months. A pool not only provides us with a cool respite, but it also serves as an excellent space to bond with family and friends. However, owning a pool comes with its own set of maintenance and upkeep requirements.
If you own a Bestway pool, it’s crucial to know how to drain it properly. Whether it’s for routine cleaning purposes or winter storage, understanding the correct technique can help prevent damage to your pool and ensure optimal performance.
In this article, we’ll take you through the steps required to drain a Bestway pool efficiently. From selecting the right spot to dismantling the equipment correctly, we’ve got you covered. Not only will you learn how to drain a Bestway pool smoothly, but you’ll also become more confident in handling pool maintenance tasks in general.
So, if you’re looking for expert advice on managing your Bestway pool, keep reading!
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need To Drain Your Bestway Pool?
If you own a Bestway pool, you know that regular maintenance is necessary to ensure its longevity and proper functioning. One important aspect of maintaining your Bestway pool is draining it periodically. Here are some reasons why:
Prevent Algae Build Up
Algae thrive in warm, stagnant water, making swimming pools the perfect breeding ground. Regular chlorination can help prevent algae growth, but over time, it can still build up on the walls, floor, and other surfaces of your pool. Draining your Bestway pool ensures that any existing algae is eliminated as well as any spores that could lead to future outbreaks.
“When it comes to preventing and treating algae in your pool, draining and refilling the water entirely will be incredibly effective.” -Olympus Pools
Clean Pool Walls and Floor
Even with regular cleaning, debris builds up on the floor and walls of the pool over time, leading to staining or discoloration. Removing the water from your Bestway pool enables you to scrub and clean all the nooks and crannies thoroughly. Certain stains may need specialty chemicals, so this would also be a great time to add those chemicals for preventative measures before filling the pool back up again!
Reduce Risk of Damage During Winter Months
Whether you live in an area with harsh winters or mild ones, cold temperatures can damage your pool’s plumbing equipment. When water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on pipes, filters, and pumps which can cause damage or cracks resulting in costly repairs. If you’re not planning to use your Bestway pool year-round and if you live in colder climates, it’s best to drain the pool entirely and cover it with an appropriate pool cover to prevent issues down the road.
“Don’t leave water in pools over winter. Above or in-ground, it doesn’t matter; as long as there’s still water in them they’re vulnerable.” -Swimming Pools
Improve Water Quality
Over time, the chemicals you add to your Bestway pool can build up in the water and cause imbalances leading to problems such as cloudiness, pH levels rising too high or too low, etc. Draining your pool lets you start fresh by eliminating these chemical imbalances and allowing you to refill it with balanced water from the tap!
Remember that before draining your Bestway pool, make sure to turn off all circulation equipment, remove any accessories like ladders, vacuum hoses, and skimmers.
“Regular maintenance helps keep a pool clean, clear, and ready for swimming but sometimes bringing a new life into the pool is entirely necessary and required. Emptying the water and refilling gives new life to the water quality in the pool.” -Olympus Pools
- Step One: Turn off your filtration system (including pump and heater).
- Step Two: Connect a garden hose to the drainage outlet valve at the bottom of the pool. Standby while gravity drains out most of the water.
- Step Three: Once most of the water has drained away, disconnect the old garden hose first then attach a submersible pump exhaust hose to the same drainage outlet
- Step Four: Run the submersible pump’s exhaust hose onto an area where it won’t flood back around the pool area/house foundation/or property line.
- Step Five: Turn on the submersible pump and wait for the last few inches of water to exit your pool.
Draining a Bestway pool may seem like a daunting task, but it’s necessary for cleanliness, preventing damage from winter cold snaps, minimizing algae growth, and improving water quality. Taking care of this maintenance now can save you thousands in repairs down the road!
Tools You Will Need To Drain Your Bestway Pool
Submersible Pump
A submersible pump is an essential component for draining your Bestway pool. This type of pump can be completely submerged underwater, allowing it to efficiently and quickly remove water from the pool. It’s important to choose a submersible pump that has enough power to handle the volume of water in your pool.
When selecting a submersible pump, consider factors such as flow rate, horsepower, and cord length. A pump with a high flow rate will be able to drain your pool more quickly than one with a lower flow rate. Similarly, a pump with greater horsepower will have more pumping power, meaning it can move water faster.
The cord length is also an important consideration. Make sure to select a pump with a cord that’s long enough to reach your nearest outdoor outlet without needing an extension cord.
Pool Hose
A pool hose is another critical tool for draining your Bestway pool. The hose typically connects to the submersible pump and allows you to direct the flow of water away from the pool and into a drainage area.
When choosing a pool hose, consider its length and diameter. Ideally, you should select a hose that’s long enough to extend from the pump to your desired draining location without becoming kinked or tangled. Additionally, a larger diameter hose will allow for faster water flow and easier removal of debris.
It’s also important to properly secure the hose to both the pump and the drainage location to prevent leaks or air suction.
- Tips:
- Before starting to drain your Bestway pool, make sure to turn off all electrical components, including the pool filter and heater.
- Choose a location for draining that’s downhill from the pool. This will help ensure optimal water removal and prevent backflow into the pool.
- Regularly check the progress of the drain to ensure the pump is functioning properly.
“A submersible pump is a great option for quickly removing large volumes of water from your Bestway pool.” -PoolSupplyWorld
Draining your Bestway pool requires both a submersible pump and a pool hose. Choose a high-quality submersible pump with enough power to handle the size of your pool, and select a pool hose with sufficient length and diameter. Follow proper procedures and tips to effectively drain your pool while avoiding damage or leaks.
Step-By-Step Guide To Draining Your Bestway Pool
Prepare The Pool Area
The first step to draining your Bestway pool is to prepare the pool area. You need to clear any debris around the pool and remove any toys, furniture or accessories in it before you begin the process. Once you have cleared the area around the pool, look for a suitable drainage location where you can pump out the excess water.
You should also check the condition of your pool’s drain valve to ensure that it functions properly when you are ready to use it. If the valve needs replacement, you will have to do so before emptying the pool.
Attach Hose and Submersible Pump
The next step is to attach a hose to the submersible pump. The hose should be long enough to reach the location where you want to drain the pool water. Connect one end of the hose to the pump and submerge the other end into the pool’s water. Make sure that the hose does not have any kinks or twists as this may cause disruption of water flow during the pumping process.
Once you have successfully connected the hose, carefully lower the submersible pump into the water making sure that the power cable is away from the pool water source. Most Bestway pools come with a built-in outlet that you can connect to the pump to direct the water outside the pool area.
Turn On Pump and Drain Water
Before turning the pump on, plug it into an electrical outlet and let it run for some time to prime the pump motor. This action allows the pump to get rid of any trapped air inside the unit, which could cause disruptions while pumping.
Next, turn on the pump and allow it to run continuously until it drains all the pool water completely. You can either let the pump sit at the bottom of the pool or hold on to it while it pumps out the water. Ensure that you monitor the progress closely and adjust the hose as it moves around in case the flow is disrupted.
Clean and Store Pool Accessories
After draining your Bestway pool, the next step is cleaning and storing the accessories. The cover should be removed from the top of the pool before vacuuming any debris inside. Clean the filter system thoroughly and store any plugs, valves, and hoses in a dry place. If possible, clean the sides and bottom of the pool using specialized cleansers recommended for use with Bestway pools.
You should also consider deflating the pool before putting it away, which helps in reducing overall storage requirements. Make sure that you properly fold the pool according to manufacturer guidelines before placing it in its carrying bag or box. Failure to follow proper storage procedures may cause damage to the pool, thus negating its durability.
“Good preparation is key to any successful task” -Todd Stocker
If you follow these simple steps when draining your Bestway pool, you will keep the pool clean, extend its service life, and save money in the long term. Proper maintenance increases the durability of the pool lining and keeps it operational beyond the expected lifespan.
Tips To Keep In Mind Before Draining Your Bestway Pool
Check Local Regulations
Before draining your Bestway pool, it is important to check with your local regulations. Some areas have specific rules or requirements for draining and disposing of pool water, and failing to follow these regulations could result in fines or penalties. Check with your local government or environmental agency to ensure that you are in compliance.
Test Water pH Levels
Testing the pH levels of your pool water is an essential step before draining your Bestway pool. If the pH level is not balanced, it can lead to damage on the surface of the pool and can also cause damage to the pump and filtration systems. Use a testing kit to determine if the pH level needs to be adjusted before beginning the draining process.
Remove Debris from Pool
It is important to remove any debris from the pool before draining it. This includes leaves, twigs, insects, and any other objects that may be floating on the surface of the water. Removing this debris will help prevent clogging or damage to the drain during the draining process.
- Use a Skimmer Net: A skimmer net is a useful tool for removing debris from the surface of the pool. Simply skim the net along the top of the water, pulling out any debris as you go. A vacuum cleaner can also work just as well.
- Brush the Walls and Floor: Use a stiff brush to scrub the walls and floor of the pool to loosen and remove any dirt or algae that may be clinging to them. Once loosened, these particles should float to the surface, where they can be removed using the skimmer net.
“Proper maintenance includes regular cleaning, shocking, testing and balancing water chemistry.” – Kendra Cagle
Pump Out the Water Carefully
When pumping out the water from your Bestway pool, it’s essential to do so carefully to avoid damaging any part of the pool. Here are some tips:
- Use a Sump Pump: A sump pump is a useful tool for removing large quantities of water. Simply insert the hose into the drain plug and turn on the pump. Make sure to route the discharge hose away from the pool area to prevent flooding.
- Monitor the Water Level: Keep an eye on the water level as you’re draining the pool; you don’t want to drain too much water and cause damage to the surface or structure of the pool itself.
- Be Patient: Depending on the size of your pool and the amount of water in it, draining can take several hours. Be patient and let the pump work at its own pace to get all the water out without creating negative consequences
- Maintain Adequate Suction: Ensure that there is adequate suction as you drain water out – this means making sure that the filter system isn’t clogged with debris and that everything else is running smoothly.
- Unplug All Electrical Connections: Before attempting to remove water via the pool’s drainage outlet always unplug all electrical connections including pumps, switches, heaters and other devices to avoid electrical hazards.
By taking the time to prepare properly before draining your Bestway pool, you can help ensure that the process goes smoothly and without problems. Checking local regulations, testing pH levels, removing debris, and pumping out the water gently but steadily will keep your pool in good condition and help avoid future issues down the line.
How To Properly Store Your Bestway Pool After Draining
So, you’ve enjoyed your Bestway pool all summer long and now it’s time to pack it up for the winter. But how do you properly store it after draining? Here are some tips.
Thoroughly Clean and Dry Pool
Before storing your Bestway pool, make sure to drain all the water out of it completely. Once drained, use a pool vac or scrub brush to thoroughly clean the sides and bottom of the pool. Allow it to air dry completely before disassembling it. Storing a wet or damp pool can lead to mold and mildew build-up, which can be harmful to both your pool and yourself if left untreated.
Disassemble and Store in a Dry Place
Once your Bestway pool is cleaned and dried, begin taking it apart. Remember to keep track of all parts so that when next season comes around, you won’t have trouble locating any missing pieces. Try to fold the pool as neatly as possible to prevent any unnecessary creases or damage.
When choosing where to store your pool, make sure it is in a dry place like a garage or shed. Be aware of any sharp objects nearby that could potentially puncture the pool while it’s stored away. If possible, consider using a cover specifically designed for your pool model to protect it from dust and debris during storage.
An additional step that many pool owners take is treating the water with a chemical solution before doing final drains, to help kill off any remaining bacteria.
“Pool owners should take just as much care packing away their valuable pool equipment as they do setting it up.” -The Cover Guy
Properly storing your Bestway pool is crucial to maintaining and ensuring its longevity for next summer. By following the above steps, you can rest easy knowing your pool will be in top shape when it comes time to set it up again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to drain a Bestway pool?
To drain your Bestway pool, you will need a submersible pump, a garden hose, and a drainage area. The submersible pump will suction the water from the pool and push it through the garden hose. The garden hose will transport the water to the drainage area. Make sure the pump has a long enough power cord to reach the nearest electrical outlet.
Where should I drain the water from my Bestway pool?
You should drain the water from your Bestway pool to a location that can handle large amounts of water. This can be a storm drain, a sewer cleanout, or a sloped area that leads to the street. Never drain the water onto a neighbor’s property or onto a public sidewalk. Always check with your local government for any regulations regarding pool draining.
How can I speed up the draining process of my Bestway pool?
To speed up the draining process of your Bestway pool, you can use a larger submersible pump, a wider diameter garden hose, or a pool cover pump. A pool cover pump is specifically designed to remove water from pool covers, and can also be used to drain your Bestway pool. Additionally, you can siphon the water out of the pool using a garden hose, but this method will take longer.
What should I do with the debris at the bottom of my Bestway pool when draining it?
You should remove any debris at the bottom of your Bestway pool before draining it. Use a pool skimmer net to scoop out leaves, bugs, and other debris. If there is a large amount of debris, you can use a pool vacuum to suck it up. Once the pool is drained, dispose of the debris in a trash can or compost pile.
Is it safe to drain my Bestway pool into my yard or garden?
It is generally safe to drain your Bestway pool into your yard or garden, as long as you follow a few precautions. First, make sure the drainage area is not too close to your home’s foundation or any neighboring structures. Second, avoid draining the water onto plants that are sensitive to chlorine or other pool chemicals. Finally, never drain the water onto a public sidewalk or street.
How often should I drain and clean my Bestway pool?
You should drain and clean your Bestway pool at least once every three months. However, if you notice the water becoming cloudy or discolored, or if there is a strong odor coming from the pool, you may need to drain and clean it more frequently. Regular maintenance, such as using pool chemicals and skimming debris from the surface, can help extend the time between draining and cleaning.