How To Drain Your Pool Heat Pump In 4 Simple Steps

If you’re a pool owner, you know that maintaining a pool heat pump is crucial for its longevity. One of the most important things you can do is to drain your pool heat pump regularly to prevent potential damage. But where do you start? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we will walk you through four simple steps to drain your pool heat pump. You’ll learn how to turn off the power supply, close the valves, connect the hose, and drain the water. We will also share some pro tips on how to avoid common mistakes when draining your pool heat pump.

Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or a newbie, this guide will give you the confidence to properly drain your pool heat pump. So, let’s dive in and get started!

By following these steps, you’ll be able to drain your pool heat pump quickly and easily. Don’t risk damaging your pump by ignoring this crucial maintenance task. Keep reading to learn how to do it right!

Step 1: Turn off the power supply

Before starting to drain your pool heat pump, you need to turn off the power supply. Locate the power switch of your pool heat pump, and flip it to the off position. By doing so, you’ll ensure that the heat pump won’t accidentally turn on while you’re draining it.

Keep in mind that working on a pool heat pump while it’s still powered can be dangerous. Pool heat pumps use high-voltage electricity to operate, and coming into contact with it can result in serious injuries or even death.

Once you’ve turned off the power supply, it’s a good idea to label the power switch with a “Do Not Touch” sign. This way, you and anyone else who may come near the heat pump will know that it’s in a state of maintenance.

After you’ve finished labeling, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Shut off the circuit breaker

1. Locate the circuit breaker box: Find the circuit breaker that controls the power supply to your pool heat pump. Usually, it’s in a metal box mounted on a wall near your outdoor unit.

2. Open the circuit breaker box: Open the door of the circuit breaker box by pulling it outward or lifting a latch. You should see a list of all the switches, and one of them should be labeled for your pool heat pump.

3. Turn off the circuit breaker: Find the switch for your pool heat pump and flip it to the “off” position. If the switch was previously in the “on” position, it should now be pointing in the opposite direction.

Turning off the power supply is the first step to ensure your safety and avoid electrical shock while working on your pool heat pump.

Step 2: Close the valves

Before you can start draining your pool heat pump, you need to make sure that the water flow is stopped. You can do this by closing the valves on either side of the pump. The valves are typically located on the inlet and outlet sides of the pump.

If you are unsure which valves to close, check your pump’s manual. Once you have located the valves, turn the handles clockwise to shut them off. This will prevent any water from flowing into or out of the pump while you drain it.

After you have closed the valves, make sure to release any pressure that may be in the system. You can do this by opening the bleed valve on top of the pump. This will allow any air to escape and prevent damage to your pump.

Some pool heat pumps may have an extra valve that needs to be closed. This valve is usually located on the condenser side of the pump. Check your manual to see if your pump has this valve and make sure to close it before draining.

Once you have closed all the necessary valves and released any pressure, you are ready to move on to the next step.

Locate the valves

Before closing the valves, you need to locate them. The valves are usually located on the inlet and outlet ports of the pool heat pump. You can find them easily by looking at the owner’s manual or by examining the pump itself.

Once you have located the valves, turn them clockwise to close them. This will prevent water from entering or leaving the pump during the draining process. If your pump has multiple valves, make sure you close all of them.

It’s important to note that if you have a multi-port valve, you’ll need to position it to the “waste” setting. This setting will redirect the water flow to the waste line, instead of back into the pool.

After closing the valves, you can proceed to the next step of draining your pool heat pump.

Pro tip: Make sure you wear gloves when handling the valves to avoid any injuries. Valves can be hot or difficult to turn, so protect your hands while closing them.

Close the suction and return valves

Step 1: Locate the suction and return valves. The suction valve will be on the pipe leading into the pump, while the return valve will be on the pipe leading out of the pump.

Step 2: Turn the valves clockwise to close them. This will prevent water from entering or leaving the pump during the draining process.

Step 3: If your pump has a third valve for the heater, close that valve as well.

Pro tip: If you’re not sure which valves to close, consult your pool’s manual or contact a professional for assistance.

Check the pressure gauge to ensure that the valves are closed properly

Once you have located the suction and return valves, it is important to make sure that they are closed properly. This can be done by checking the pressure gauge. If the gauge reads zero, then the valves are closed correctly.

If the gauge does not read zero, you will need to recheck the valves and make sure they are fully closed. If they still do not close properly, you may need to seek professional help.

It is important to make sure the valves are closed properly to prevent water from entering the heat pump, which can cause damage.

Step 3: Connect the hose

Prepare the hose: Before connecting the hose, make sure it is long enough to reach the drainage area. Also, inspect it for any cracks or holes that could cause leaks.

Locate the drainage port: The drainage port is usually located at the bottom of the heat pump. Look for a cap or plug that can be removed to allow water to flow out.

Connect the hose: Once you have located the drainage port and prepared the hose, connect the hose to the port. Make sure it is securely attached and will not come loose during the draining process.

Position the hose: Direct the other end of the hose to the drainage area. Make sure the hose is positioned in a way that allows water to flow freely out of the heat pump.

Attach the hose to the drain port

Locate the drain port on the heat pump and remove the cap. The drain port is usually located at the bottom of the heat pump. Check the manual if you are unsure about the location.

Once you have located the drain port, attach the hose securely to it. Make sure the hose is long enough to reach the area where you want to drain the water. You can also use a pump to help move the water out of the pool heat pump more quickly.

Make sure the other end of the hose is in a suitable drainage area, such as a sewer, drainage ditch or a sump pump. Ensure that the hose is angled downward to allow the water to flow out freely.

Make sure that the hose is long enough to carry the water away from the pool

Before you begin draining your pool, make sure that you have a hose that is long enough to carry the water away from your pool area. It is important to make sure that the water is being directed to a safe area, such as a sewer drain or a storm drain. Do not drain the water onto your lawn or garden as this could cause damage to your plants or result in water pooling in low-lying areas.

If you do not have a long enough hose, you can connect multiple hoses together using hose connectors. Make sure to securely connect the hoses so that water does not leak out and cause damage to your property.

It is also a good idea to check your local regulations to see if there are any specific guidelines or restrictions on where you can drain your pool water.

Finally, keep an eye on the hose throughout the draining process to make sure that it is carrying the water away from your pool area as intended. If you notice any leaks or issues, stop the draining process immediately and address the problem before continuing.

Step 4: Drain the water

Turn on the pump: Turn on the pool pump to start the draining process. It will help to move the water through the hose and out of the pool.

Monitor the draining: Keep an eye on the draining process to make sure that everything is working properly. Make sure that the water is flowing smoothly through the hose and there are no leaks.

Empty the hose: Once the draining process is complete, turn off the pump and disconnect the hose from the drain port. Hold the hose over the pool to allow any remaining water to drain out.

Store the hose: Once the hose is empty, coil it up and store it in a dry, safe place until you need it again.

Open the drain plug

Step 1: Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the pump.

Step 2: Turn the drain plug counterclockwise to loosen it.

Step 3: Remove the drain plug and set it aside.

Step 4: Let the water drain completely from the pump.

Step 5: Once the water has drained out, replace the drain plug and tighten it clockwise.

Step 6: Ensure that the plug is properly tightened to prevent leaks.

Pro Tips: How to avoid common mistakes when draining your pool heat pump

Read the manufacturer’s instructions: Before draining your pool heat pump, make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This will help you avoid damaging your pump or pool.

Turn off the power: Make sure you turn off the power supply to your pool heat pump before draining it. This will help prevent any electrical hazards.

Use the right tools: Make sure you have the right tools for the job, such as a wrench or pliers, to make the process easier and safer.

Drain the water completely: Make sure you drain all the water from your pool heat pump to avoid any damage from freezing water during winter.

Check for leaks: After draining your pool heat pump, check for any leaks before starting it back up. This will help you avoid any further damage to your pump or pool.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions before draining

Every pool heat pump is different, and it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for draining your specific model. These instructions will tell you where the drain plug is located, how to turn off the power to the unit, and how to properly clean and store the pump after draining.

Not following the manufacturer’s instructions can lead to damage to your pool heat pump or even void your warranty. Don’t assume that all pool heat pumps are the same or that the draining process is universal across all models.

Consult the manual that came with your pool heat pump or look up the instructions online before you begin the draining process. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the manufacturer’s customer service department for guidance.

Make sure the water is completely drained before turning the power back on

Water in the heat pump can damage the compressor or motor, so it’s essential to make sure that the water is completely drained before turning the power back on. This can be done by removing the drain plug and waiting for the water to completely drain out.

It’s important to avoid rushing the process, as any remaining water can cause damage to the pump. Be patient and allow enough time for all the water to drain out completely.

Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water after draining. This will ensure that all water is removed, and your heat pump is completely dry before turning the power back on.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when draining your pool heat pump. Some heat pumps may have specific instructions on how to drain them, and it’s essential to follow these instructions to avoid any damage to the unit.

Consider hiring a professional if you are not comfortable draining your pool heat pump yourself. A professional will have the necessary tools and knowledge to complete the job correctly and safely.

Frequently Asked Questions