How to Empty an Inground Concrete Pool: The Ultimate Guide

Are you a proud owner of an inground concrete pool? Have you been wondering how to empty it properly? Look no further than this ultimate guide that will walk you through the entire process. From understanding why and when you should drain your pool to taking precautions while draining, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Draining an inground concrete pool may seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and tools, it can be done quickly and easily. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step process for draining your pool, as well as tips for refilling and maintaining it.

Before you start the process, it is essential to know the risks and precautions associated with draining an inground concrete pool. This guide includes a section on the necessary precautions that you should take to ensure the process is safe for you and your pool.

So, whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or a first-time pool drainer, this ultimate guide has everything you need to know. Keep reading to learn more about how to empty your inground concrete pool and get ready to take the plunge!

Why and When Should You Drain Your Pool?

Draining your inground concrete pool is an important maintenance task that every pool owner must undertake. One of the main reasons for draining your pool is to carry out repairs. If your pool has been damaged by harsh weather conditions, leaks, or other types of damage, it is essential to drain the water out to carry out repairs. Draining the pool also helps to keep it clean and prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, and algae. By draining your pool, you can give it a thorough clean to keep it sparkling.

Another reason to drain your pool is to change the water. Over time, the water in your pool can become contaminated by oils, lotions, and other substances, which can lead to cloudy water, stains, and other issues. Draining the water and refilling it with fresh water can help to improve the water quality and keep your pool looking and feeling great.

It’s essential to know when to drain your pool. The frequency of draining your pool depends on several factors, including how often you use your pool, the quality of water, and whether or not it is heated. Experts recommend draining your pool once every three to seven years, depending on these factors.

Draining your pool can seem like a daunting task, but it is essential to ensure that your pool remains in top condition. By keeping an eye on the condition of your pool and knowing when to drain it, you can avoid costly repairs, maintain water quality, and enjoy your pool for many years to come.

When to Drain Your Pool?

1. Heavy Algae Growth: If you notice the growth of excessive algae in your pool, it might be time to consider draining it. Even with regular cleaning, algae can build up in the walls and floor of your pool, and the only way to eliminate it is by draining the water and cleaning it properly.

2. Chemical Imbalance: If the water in your pool has a poor chemical balance, it can be hazardous to swim in. When the water becomes too acidic or basic, it can cause skin irritation, red eyes, and other health issues. In such a situation, it’s best to drain the pool, clean it, and refill it with fresh water.

3. Structural Damage: If your pool has significant structural damage, such as cracks or leaks, it might be necessary to drain it. Draining the water can help you identify the extent of the damage and decide on the necessary repairs.

4. Winterizing: If you live in an area with harsh winters, you’ll need to drain your pool and winterize it to protect it from damage caused by freezing water.

It’s essential to note that draining a pool is not something you should do regularly, as it can damage the pool’s structure and shorten its lifespan. Only drain your pool when necessary, and always consult with a professional before doing so.

Why Should You Drain Your Pool?

Water chemistry maintenance: As time passes, minerals and chemicals in the pool water can become imbalanced. Draining your pool allows you to start fresh and ensure that you maintain proper water chemistry levels.

Surface repairs: Draining the pool provides the opportunity to repair surface damage such as cracks or stains on the pool’s walls or floor. This can extend the life of your pool and make it look like new again.

Algae buildup: Despite regular cleaning, algae can accumulate in your pool over time. Draining and scrubbing the pool can help get rid of stubborn algae and prevent future growth.

Renovations: If you plan on making major changes to your pool, such as resizing or adding features, draining it is often necessary to complete these renovations effectively.

Regular pool maintenance is essential to keep your pool looking great and functioning correctly. Now that you understand why it’s important to drain your pool, let’s take a look at when it’s necessary to do so.

Step-by-Step Guide to Draining an Inground Concrete Pool

Step 1: Turn off the pool’s electrical and gas supply. This is important for safety and to avoid damage to the pool’s equipment.

Step 2: Use a submersible pump to remove the water from the pool. Place the pump in the deepest part of the pool and run a hose to a suitable drainage area.

Step 3: Once the water is drained, use a pool brush to remove any debris or dirt that may have settled on the bottom and sides of the pool.

Remember to take precautions during the process to ensure the safety of yourself, others, and your pool.

Step 1: Turn Off the Power Supply to the Pool Equipment

Before starting the draining process, it’s essential to turn off the power supply to the pool equipment. This includes the pool pump, filter, and heater. This will prevent any potential accidents and ensure that the equipment doesn’t get damaged during the process.

Locate the main power switch or circuit breaker that controls the pool equipment and turn it off. If you’re unsure which switch or breaker controls the pool equipment, consult the owner’s manual or contact a professional.

It’s also recommended to drain the pool during a time when the weather is dry and sunny. This will help to speed up the process and prevent any potential damage to the pool structure caused by water saturation.

Step 2: Determine Where to Drain the Pool Water

Check local regulations: Before draining the pool, make sure to check local regulations. Some areas have restrictions on where and how much water can be drained. Contact your local government or water authority to find out the rules in your area.

Choose the right drainage location: You need to choose the right location to drain the pool water. The best option is to drain the water into the sewer system. However, if it is not possible, you can drain the water into the storm drain or a drainage ditch. Just make sure the location you choose is safe and legal.

Consider the environment: When choosing a drainage location, you should consider the environment. Avoid draining the pool water near plants or trees as the chemicals in the water can harm them. If you must drain near vegetation, dilute the water with fresh water before draining it.

Step 3: Drain the Pool Water

Once you have determined where to drain the water, it’s time to start the draining process. Depending on the size of your pool and the drainage method, this step can take a while. If you have a large pool, you may want to consider renting a submersible pump to speed up the process. Make sure to follow all local regulations when disposing of the water, as it can be harmful to the environment and even illegal to drain it in certain areas.

As the water level drops, it’s important to keep an eye on the pool’s surface to ensure that it doesn’t crack or pop out of the ground. It’s recommended to drain the water in stages, removing no more than a third of the water at a time. This will help to prevent any damage to the pool’s structure.

Once the water is drained, it’s important to give the pool walls and floor a thorough cleaning to remove any debris or algae that may have accumulated. This will prepare the pool for any repairs or renovations that need to be done before refilling it.

Step 4: Clean the Pool Walls and Floor

Once the pool is empty, you need to clean the walls and floor. Use a pool brush to scrub the walls and floor of the pool to remove any dirt and algae. Vacuum the pool to get rid of any remaining debris.

If the pool has stubborn stains or algae, you can use a pool cleaner or acid wash to get rid of them. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any cleaning product.

After cleaning, use a power washer to rinse the walls and floor of the pool thoroughly. This will help remove any remaining dirt or debris.

Remember to also clean the pool equipment, such as the skimmer and filter, to ensure they are functioning properly when you refill the pool with water.

Precautions You Need to Take While Draining an Inground Concrete Pool

Draining your inground concrete pool is not something you should take lightly. To ensure that the process goes smoothly and safely, it’s important to take certain precautions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Check local regulations: Before draining your pool, make sure you are in compliance with any local regulations. Some areas have rules regarding where pool water can be drained.

Use a professional: If you are unsure about how to drain your pool, it is best to hire a professional to handle the job. They have the expertise and equipment to do it safely.

Turn off the gas: If you have a gas heater, be sure to turn it off before draining the pool. This will prevent damage to the heater.

Inspect the pool: Before draining the pool, inspect the walls and floor for any cracks or damage. If you notice any issues, it’s best to address them before draining the pool.

Protect the pool: When draining the pool, it’s important to protect the surface from damage. Use a pool cover or tarp to prevent debris from falling into the empty pool and damaging the surface.

Check the Local Regulations

Before draining your inground concrete pool, it’s essential to check the local regulations and obtain any necessary permits. Each locality may have specific regulations regarding the proper drainage and disposal of pool water. Violating these regulations may result in hefty fines and legal consequences.

Moreover, some regions may have water conservation regulations, requiring you to reuse or recycle the drained pool water. So, it’s best to check with your local water department to determine the regulations concerning the use and disposal of pool water.

If you hire a professional pool contractor, they should know about the local regulations and have the necessary permits to drain the pool safely and correctly.

How to Refill Your Inground Concrete Pool After Draining?

Refilling your inground concrete pool after draining is a simple process. The first step is to make sure the pool is clean and dry. Next, turn on the water supply and begin filling the pool. It’s important to fill the pool slowly and evenly to avoid damaging the pool walls or creating water pressure issues.

Another important factor to consider when refilling your pool is the water chemistry. It’s important to test the water and adjust the chemicals as needed to ensure the water is balanced and safe for swimming.

If you have trouble maintaining the water chemistry, consider hiring a professional pool service to help you maintain the water balance and keep your pool sparkling clean.

Use a Hose to Fill Your Pool with Water

When you are ready to refill your inground concrete pool, the best way to do it is by using a garden hose. Before you begin, make sure you have a clean filter and add any necessary chemicals based on your pool’s water test results.

Start by filling the pool to about halfway and then stop the water flow. Check the chemical balance of the water, and adjust if needed. Continue to fill the pool to the desired level. You should monitor the water level to avoid overfilling, which can cause damage to the pool’s surface or surrounding landscape.

Remember to keep an eye on the pool while it’s filling and check the water level regularly. Once it’s full, turn on the pump and filter system to circulate the water and ensure it’s properly balanced.

Maintenance Tips for Your Inground Concrete Pool

Keep Your Pool Clean: Regularly clean your pool to keep it free from debris, dirt, and other contaminants. Skim the surface of the pool daily to remove leaves, bugs, and other debris. Brush the walls and floor of the pool to remove algae and other buildup.

Maintain Proper Chemical Balance: Keep the chemical balance of your pool water in check. Test your pool water regularly and adjust the chemical levels as needed. Maintain the proper pH balance, alkalinity, and chlorine levels to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.

Run the Pool Pump and Filter Regularly: Run your pool pump and filter regularly to keep the water circulating and filtering out contaminants. You should run the pump and filter for at least 8 hours a day during the summer months.

Check for Leaks: Regularly check your pool for leaks. Look for any signs of water loss, such as a drop in water level, soggy spots around the pool, or cracks in the pool structure. Fix any leaks as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your pool.

Hire a Professional for Regular Maintenance: Consider hiring a professional pool maintenance company to handle the regular maintenance of your inground concrete pool. They can provide regular cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment checks to keep your pool in top shape.

Check and Balance the Pool Chemistry Regularly

One of the essential maintenance tasks for your inground concrete pool is to regularly check and balance the pool chemistry.

pH levels: pH is the measure of how acidic or alkaline your pool water is. The ideal pH range is between 7.4 and 7.If the pH level is too high or too low, it can cause skin and eye irritation, corrosion of pool equipment, and cloudy water.

Chlorine levels: Chlorine is used to disinfect pool water and keep it safe for swimmers. The recommended chlorine level is between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm). Low chlorine levels can result in algae growth, while high chlorine levels can cause skin and eye irritation.

Alkalinity levels: Alkalinity is a measure of how well your pool water can buffer changes in pH. The ideal alkalinity range is between 80 and 120 ppm. Low alkalinity can cause pH fluctuations, while high alkalinity can make it difficult to adjust the pH level.

Frequently Asked Questions