If you are reading this, I assume that you have an above ground pool and are trying to remove the drain plug. This guide will help you with the job so you can get back to relaxing in your pool. Hopefully, you won’t need to call a professional plumber because of something that you could have done to prevent this in the first place.
Table of Contents
Get The Right Plug
The first step is to make sure that you get the right plug for your pool. This probably depends on the size of your pool but also on whether you have an above or below ground pool. Generally speaking, above ground plugs tend to be a little more reliable than their underground counterparts. This is mainly because they are physically connected to the pool itself and therefore are less likely to become clogged. Below ground pools tend to have a larger diameter and therefore more potential for becoming blocked. This can be especially problematic if you have installed an electric pool pump because the blockage can cause it to stop working. The blockage itself can become a potentially serious health issue if you are in direct contact with it due to the chemicals that it contains.
If you have an above ground pool that was built before 2014, then you are most likely to have one of these unreliable plugs. The good news is that they are still available and easy to replace. The bad news is that they are still unreliable and can cause serious problems. If this is the case, then it is time for an upgrade! Fortunately, there are still a few manufacturers out there that make high-quality plugs that are relatively simple to install. Even better, many of these manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty to back up their claims.
Make Sure That The Pool Is Empty
The next step is to make sure that your pool is empty. This can be a bit of a challenge if you have a large pool. The best approach is to do the following:
- Turn off the main electric power switch
- Drain the pool water through a connected hose (this will prevent the plumbing from becoming clogged)
- Leave the pool for a couple of hours to allow all of the water to be removed
- Check for water in the pool (if there is any, then something is wrong)
- Reinstall the plug and turn the power switch back on
- Check for water in the pool once more before using it
- If there is still no water in the pool, then call a professional
Check The Plumbing
After you have drained the pool and it is dry, it is time to check the plumbing. First, make sure that there are no leaks in the pipe system by turning on the main electric switch and putting a couple of buckets beneath the area where the pool connects to the main pipe. If you see any signs of leakage, then this confirms that there is still some water in the pool. The good news is that this indicates that the blockage is not as serious as you might think.
It is time to take out the garbage can and empty it outside. As you drain the contents of the can, it is important to be mindful of the environment because eventually, this will be recycled or disposed of in a more sustainable way. Once you have emptied the can, it is time for the next step.
Remove The Pump
If everything checks out, then it is time to take out the swimming pool pump and empty its contents. This can be a bit of a chore because most electric pumps are rather bulky and therefore difficult to move around. Luckily, there are a few manufacturers out there that make smaller, more portable pumps for swimming pools. These types of pumps are generally easier to transport and can be a good choice for anyone who intends to move the pool around a bit. This is particularly useful if you are planning on having people over for some swimsuit competitions that you are involved in.
Check The Spigot
Once you have removed the pump, it is time to check the spigot. This is the fitting that allows you to drain the pool. If you are missing this fitting, then it is likely that you will have to call a professional to help you out. Checking for drips is also a good idea because this could indicate that there is still some water in the pool despite your best efforts at emptying it. If you see any signs of moisture around the spigot, then this is a problem area that needs to be addressed. Professional help might be required in this case.
Reinstall The Plug
Now that you have checked all of the items that you could have checked and are confident that the pool is empty, it is time to re-install the plug. Before you do this, you should turn off the main electric switch so that the pool does not become accidentally triggered when you are re-plugging it. You should also use a non-metallic plug to minimize the risk of electrocution. If you are feeling extra-careful, then you can choose to use a die-cast or plastic plug instead.
Once you have done all of these things and the pool looks and functions properly, then you can sit back and enjoy your pool without any worries or fears of having it damaged or destroyed due to a faulty plug or drainpipe connections.