As a pool owner, heavy rains can be quite problematic. The rainwater can cause your pool to overflow or become diluted, which can lead to all sorts of issues such as chemical imbalances and debris buildup. It is essential to know how to safely drain water from your pool after rainfall so that you don’t have to worry about the next time it rains.
While it is tempting to just let nature take its course and wait for the sun to evaporate the excess water, doing so may cause your pool’s pH and chlorine levels to fluctuate. Not to mention, the stagnant water left unattended in the pool area attracts bugs and mosquitoes, posing health hazards
“Prevention is better than cure.”
Luckily, draining pool water after a rainy day isn’t rocket science. There are several ways to do so, depending on the type of pool you have (in-ground or above ground) and the severity of the rainfall.
In this post, we’ve compiled a simple yet comprehensive guide on different methods on how to drain water from the pool after rain. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to keep your pool safe, clean, and ready for swimming no matter the weather!
Note: Before attempting any method mentioned below, make sure you understand local laws regarding draining pools. Some municipalities have strict regulations, and failing to adhere to them could result in fines or consequences.
Table of Contents
Assess the Water Level
Heavy rainfalls and storms are common these days, and they can cause flooding. When your swimming pool is at risk of being flooded, it’s important to know how to drain water properly. First things first, you need to assess the water level in your pool after a heavy rainfall or storm.
If the water level is higher than usual, then extra water needs to be drained, which prevents overflow, dilution of chemicals, and damage to the pool structure. On the other hand, if the water level falls below a critical point noticed on skimmers and filters, it may lead to costly repairs.
The optimum pool water requirement is reached midway between the minimum and maximum levels recommended by manufacturers and installers. It makes it easier to monitor chemical balance, pH level, and chlorine concentration when you keep water within that range.
Check the Skimmer Basket
Once you have evaluated the water level of your swimming pool, you must check the skimmer basket to avoid pipe blockage. Leaves, debris, twigs, and mud from surrounding areas might clog the drains, and prevent water from flowing freely through the drainage system. If not cleaned regularly, this will impact filter efficiency and could shorten its life greatly.
Cleaning skimmer baskets is an essential part of maintaining healthy pool longevity. Ideally, it should be done weekly and sometimes even daily depending on environmental conditions. You should also inspect the inlet valves of pumps and ensure they’re free of any obstructions before draining water from your pool.
Measure the Water Depth
A vital aspect of pooling maintenance, measuring the depth of water in pools is necessary for determining their capacity to hold a certain volume of fluid. After a heavy downpour, measure the water depth with a ruler or a tape measure.
The procedure is simple and straightforward. First, determine the waterline of your pool by using any object straight enough such as a yardstick. Measure from the top edge of the wall to the level of the water at different points in the pool. You can then take an average depth measurement from all of these areas to get an accurate water depth reading.
- Step 1: Lower the Water Level: Once you have determined that there’s too much water in your swimming pool, it’s time to drain the excess water out. Start by connecting a hose to a drainage outlet or pump.
- Step 2: Open the Drain Valve: The next step is to open the valve where the hose connects to the pool. Do this gradually to prevent damage to the plumbing system.
- Step 3: Connect the Hose: Place one end of the hose into the area where excess water accumulates. Make sure to place the other end of the hose where the drained water will flow properly and away from pool foundations
- Step 4: Monitor Progress: Allow the water to run continuously until the desired level is reached. This may take several hours or even days depending on the quantity of water you need to drain. Check the progress regularly to ensure the water doesn’t fall below gridlines that could ruin equipment installations, pumps or filters.
- Step 5: Turn off the Pump: Once you are done draining out the excess water, turn off the sump pump and remove the hose connection with care.
“To avoid problems working backwards, I think we have to know the source of the problem before coming up with solutions”. -Sunday Adelaja
Knowing how to drain water from your pool after heavy rainfall or storms can save you lots of money. By following this step-by-step guide, homeowners can easily alleviate discomfort caused by flooded pools and minimize the risk of associated damage such as cracked plumbing, damaged pumps, filters, and erosion around crawl spaces.
Pro tip: To avoid issues during flooding seasons, make sure you clean gutters, maintain drainage areas in unsealed surfaces through landscaping like grading, run-off diverters, and french drains to route water away from pooling spots. If problem persists, call a technician who has experience in handling floods related incidents.
Check the Weather Forecast
If you own a pool, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather forecast to ensure it remains clean and safe for swimming. Checking the forecast regularly will give you an idea of the type of weather to expect in the coming days.
The following are some essential steps that can be taken when draining water from your pool after rain.
Monitor Rainfall Predictions
Rain is a common issue during certain seasons, especially summer and autumn, so it’s crucial to be aware of rainfall predictions and prepare accordingly. If there is heavy rain predicted, you must drain some water from the pool before the storm hits to avoid potential damage.
Draining just a few inches of water before any significant storms help prevent overflowing that could put your property or appliance at risk. Also, heavy rains may cause plants, dirt, and debris to blow into the pool, resulting in contamination of the water or damaged filters.
Check for Thunderstorm Warnings
If thunderstorms are expected, don’t take chances with your family’s safety by leaving them near the pool and get them indoors immediately. Avoid contact with anything metallic since thunderbolts are attracted to metal conductors like ladders, diving boards, and handrails located around pools.
Furthermore, sunlight and chlorine can attract electricity, so it makes sense to switch off all electrical appliances such as pumps, heaters, lighting, and others connected to the pool circuit while thunderstorms last.
Be Aware of Wind Gusts
Wind gusts often accompany thunderstorms and sometimes tend to be strong, causing extensive wind-blown debris around the pool. These can either clog up the pool filter systems or fall directly into the pool requiring cleaning beforehand.
If you have patio furniture like umbrellas, tables or chairs, secure them to prevent them from blowing into the pool during high winds. Consider investing in covers for your pump system and other components that will suffer from wind damage.
Keep an Eye on Temperature Changes
The pool’s temperature may require adjustments after it rains, depending on how much water is added and whether rainwater is colder than normal tap water. A sudden drop in temperature following heavy rainfall can lead to discomfort for swimmers, especially if they enter an icy-cold pool. It might be necessary to turn on the heater before letting people get back into the pool in such cases.
Frequent checking of pool temperatures after adding new water is also crucial since improperly treated water can affect heat transfer, resulting in inefficiencies in the heating process, wastage of energy and increased operational costs.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” -Benjamin Franklin
Draining a pool after a storm should not be taken lightly. Ensure you follow some precautions mentioned above when cleaning up the floodwater is essential. Always remember safety first; don’t take unnecessary risks with your life simply because you didn’t feel like doing the necessary cleaning beforehand. If set up adequately well ahead of time, these steps can help avoid lots of cleanup work afterward, preventing damage to your property and keeping your swimming safe and enjoyable!
Prepare the Drainage System
Rain showers are common, and they can cause a lot of water to accumulate in your pool. In such situations, it is essential to know how to drain water from the pool after rain. The first step towards achieving this is preparing the drainage system in advance. Here are some crucial steps to follow:
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
The first thing that you need to do when prepping your drainage system is cleaning your gutters and downspouts. This is important because clogged guttering will lead to water overflow and can cause severe damage to your property’s foundation if left unattended for long.
To clean your gutters, remove any debris or leaves using a pair of gloves, trash bags, and a ladder. You might also want to consider investing in a gutter guard to prevent future clogging.
Unclog the Drain Pipes
The next step involves making sure that the drain pipes are unclogged and in perfect working condition. If there is a blockage in the pipes, the water will not run out efficiently, leading to more problems.
You can start by inspecting the grate located at the bottom of the pool’s deep end to check if there is anything clogging it. If there is something, use a pool pole with a brush attachment to sweep it away. If that doesn’t work, hire a professional plumber to help you diagnose and fix the issue.
Ensure Proper Grading Around the Pool Area
Grading plays a vital role in ensuring that water flows away from your pool area instead of collecting in it. By having proper grading around your pool area, you can rest assured that there won’t be any standing water left to drain off after heavy rains.
If you notice that your pool area doesn’t have the correct slope, contact a professional landscaper or paving contractor for advice on how to correct it. They might recommend raising the soil level or adjusting the slope of the pavement surrounding the pool to ensure proper drainage.
Install a Sump Pump if Needed
If none of these solutions work and there is still standing water in your pool after rain, you might need to install a sump pump. A sump pump can remove excess water quickly and efficiently while preventing any damage to your property’s foundation and infrastructure.
You can hire a plumber to install the sump pump for you or do it yourself using a few tools such as a saw, digger, gravel, and PVC piping. However, if you are not familiar with plumbing, we recommend that you seek expert help.
“If you find out that your drain pipe is clogged, use either a garden hose or high-pressure washer tool to get rid of debris and unclog.” -SwimmingPool.com
Use a Pool Cover Pump
After heavy rainfall, your pool’s water level may rise above the recommended level. In such cases, it becomes necessary to remove the excess water. One of the most efficient ways to drain water from your pool after rain is by using a pool cover pump.
Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Before using a pool cover pump, it’s essential to read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions. Different types of pumps have various specifications and operation procedures. Familiarizing yourself with these instructions will ensure you use the pump correctly and prevent any damage or accidents.
Place the Pump in the Center of the Cover
The next step is positioning the pool cover pump. To get rid of all the excess water on the cover, make sure you place the pump near the pool’s center for maximum efficiency. Additionally, ensure that the pump is placed close enough to an electric outlet to avoid using extension cords, which could pose a safety risk.
Turn on the Pump and Monitor the Water Level
With the pump in place, connect it to power, and turn it on. The pump should begin pumping water out of the pool onto the ground or nearby drainage area immediately. As the water drains, keep an eye on the water level carefully. Turning off the pump before the water level falls below the recommended level may lead to repeat flooding.
Empty the Pump’s Collection Container Regularly
In almost all cases, the collected water flows into a container attached to the pump. Ensure you regularly check on the collection container and promptly empty it if needed. If left unchecked, an overfilled container can reduce the pump’s effectiveness or cause damage to the equipment due to increased weight.
“Pool maintenance can be quite challenging, but investing in the right equipment, such as a pool cover pump, can go a long way in making things easier for you,” says Mike J. from Pool Homeschool.
Effectively draining excess water from your pool after rainfall is crucial to keeping it sparkling clean and ensuring proper functionality. A pool cover pump is an essential tool that’s easy to use and guarantees fast results when appropriately utilized. Follow these four simple steps to drain water from your pool after rain quickly and hassle-free – read instructions, place at the center of the cover, turn on, and monitor water level regularly while emptying the collection container occasionally.
Consult a Professional
When it comes to draining water from your pool after heavy rain, it’s always best to consult with a professional before taking any action. There are several types of professionals you could turn to for advice and guidance depending on the severity of your situation.
Hire a Pool Maintenance Company
If you’re not sure about how to drain water from your pool or you don’t have the necessary tools and equipment, consider hiring a professional pool maintenance company. Most companies will offer this service as part of their routine maintenance packages or as an additional service. They can help you safely remove excess water without causing structural damage to your pool or its surrounding areas.
Additionally, they can also inspect your pool for signs of damage or wear and tear caused by the heavy rainfall, and make repairs if needed to ensure that your pool remains in top condition.
Seek Advice from a Pool Contractor
If you’re building a new pool, or if your existing pool needs some major renovation work, consulting with a pool contractor can be helpful. They can provide you valuable insights into incorporating functional drainage systems into your design, making sure your pool stays safe even during heavy rains.
They can also guide you regarding the installation of pumps and other equipment that can help prevent pooling of water in the first place. Additionally, given their extensive experience in working with pools, they’ll have practical solutions to problems related to cleaning and filtering contaminated water after a storm.
Consult an Expert in Drainage Systems
In cases where your backyard area has poor soil drainage, seeking advice from specialists in drainage systems could prove out to be beneficial. These experts would analyze your property’s slope, grading, and sprinkler system to determine the cause of excess pooling of water around your pool after rain.
They would then offer expert knowledge about developing a plan to redirect excess water using drainage solutions such as French drains or downspouts, along with grading and leveling techniques that can reduce the potential for severe flooding problems near your pool over time.
Get a Second Opinion from a Pool Specialist
If you already got advice from a professional but still have some concerns, getting a second opinion from another pool specialist could provide additional assurance and clarity regarding draining your pool after heavy rainfall. They will examine your backyard area to determine the root cause of pooling water and assess if any damage has been done to your equipment before recommending relevant measures.
Avoiding taking matters into your own hands is critical since an error-prone attempt could result in unwanted consequences like collapsed walls, damaged tiles or cracked concrete on your pool deck. Instead, It’s always better to seek recommendations from experts who possess the experience, training, and tools necessary to perform complicated jobs safely and competently.
“It’s essential not to treat your belongings appallingly, so if needing assistance, it’s best to consult someone who knows what they’re doing,” advising Timothy Curole, author of “The Ultimate Guide to Swimming Pool Maintenance”.
No matter which type of specialist you choose to consult, make sure they are qualified and offer reasonable rates. Investigate any reviews online to get reassurance about their prior work quality and ability to help customers achieve satisfactory outcomes.
By hiring a professional service provider, one can avoid inflicting structural damage inadvertently and ensure maintaining extra-safe working conditions, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing dip in clean, uncontaminated pool water all summer long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to drain a pool after a heavy rain?
First, turn off the pool pump and remove any debris on the pool cover. Then, use a submersible pump to remove the excess water from the pool. Make sure to drain the water away from the pool area to prevent it from flowing back in. Once the water level is low enough, use a pool vacuum to remove any remaining water and debris from the bottom of the pool.
Is it necessary to drain a pool after every rainstorm?
No, it is not necessary to drain a pool after every rainstorm. If the pool water level is only slightly elevated, it’s safe to leave it as is. However, if the water level has risen significantly, it’s best to drain some of it to prevent damage to the pool structure and equipment. Additionally, you should always test the pool water chemistry after a heavy rain to ensure that it’s balanced and safe for swimming.
What is the best way to prevent pool overflow during rainy season?
The best way to prevent pool overflow during rainy season is to maintain the water level below the pool’s edge. You can do this by monitoring the water level regularly and adjusting the pool pump’s timer accordingly. It’s also a good idea to install a rain sensor that automatically turns off the pool pump when it detects rain. Additionally, you can use a pool cover to prevent rainwater from entering the pool.
What equipment do I need to drain the water from my pool after rain?
To drain the water from your pool after rain, you will need a submersible pump, a garden hose, and a pool vacuum. The submersible pump will remove excess water from the pool, while the garden hose will direct the water away from the pool area. The pool vacuum will help you remove any remaining water and debris from the bottom of the pool. You may also need a pool cover pump to remove any water that accumulates on the cover.
How long does it take to drain a pool after heavy rain?
The time it takes to drain a pool after heavy rain depends on the size of the pool and the amount of water that needs to be removed. Typically, a submersible pump can remove around 1,000 gallons of water per hour. So, if you have a 20,000-gallon pool that’s filled to capacity, it could take around 20 hours to drain it completely. However, if you only need to remove a few inches of water, it can take significantly less time.
Can I reuse the water drained from my pool after a rainstorm?
The water drained from your pool after a rainstorm can be reused for certain purposes, such as watering plants or washing your car. However, you should not use pool water for drinking or bathing. Additionally, you should avoid using pool water that has been treated with chemicals for any purpose other than swimming or pool maintenance. Before reusing pool water, it’s best to test it to ensure that it’s safe and free of contaminants.