Owning a pool is a luxury that bleeds money. Maintenance, chemicals, and repairs add up fast. If you are looking to cut costs, skipping the professional service fee is a good start. You can drain your pool yourself. It requires a standard garden hose and a submersion pump.
This isn’t a task for the faint of heart. You need to be careful with water flow and contamination. But if you follow the steps, you can save a significant amount of cash.
Step 1: Shut Down the Systems
Before you touch a hose, you must isolate the pool. Turn off the pool filter. If you have an automatic water fill valve, shut that off too. You do not want the system trying to refill the water while you are trying to empty it. That will only waste time and electricity.
Step 2: Locate the Clean-Out Port
Go to the front of your house. Look for the clean-out port. It is usually installed in the ground. You will find it in your front yard, often near a water spigot. The cap is screwed into place. Unscrew it to open the port.
This is the exit point for your pool water. Do not skip this step. The water needs a place to go.
Step 3: Connect the Hose and Pump
Take one end of your garden hose. Insert it into the open clean-out port. Thread the hose to the back of your house. This requires planning. You need a clear path. Do not kink the hose. Kinks slow down flow. Slow flow means a longer wait.
At the back of the house, attach the other end of the hose to a submersion pump. Place both the hose and the pump in the deepest part of your pool. Position it near the drain. This ensures you get the last of the water out. The pool will begin to drain.
Step 4: Monitor the Flow
Return to the front of the house. Check the clean-out port. Is the water draining properly?
If the water is not flowing into the port, stop immediately. Turn off the pump. Call a plumber. Do not ignore a blockage. A backed-up pump can damage the unit or cause flooding in unwanted areas.
Step 5: Protect the Pool and Yourself
Once the pool is empty, you must act quickly. Cover the pool or prepare to refill it. Sunlight can damage a drained pool liner. Prolonged exposure to UV rays degrades the material.
When you refill the pool, remember this. It takes about a week for chemicals to reach proper levels in fresh water. The water will not be safe for swimming right away. Test the pH and chlorine before diving in.
Safety Warning : Once you insert your garden hose into the clean-out port, the hose is contaminated. Do not use it for food, drink, or cleaning.
There is a reason professionals charge for this. They have the equipment and the knowledge to avoid mistakes. But if you are handy and cautious, you can do it alone. Just be mindful of the hose. Do not mix it with your other household tasks. The contamination risk is real.
