Above ground pools rely on water to keep their structure. It is imperative to keep the water level at least more than half way filled at all times. There are a few situations though, where you will need to completely drain your above ground pool so you will be left with the question, what is the proper way to drain my pool?
Draining Your Above Ground Pool – Typical Scenario’s
Here are some situations where you might need to completely drain your above ground pool:
It’s time to change your liner. Either due to an unexpected puncture and leak, or getting the full life out of your liner and needing a change. This is one time it will be inevitable to completely drain the pool.
You did not properly close your pool for the winter and are left with dirty water and would like to start with new fresh water.
You just purchased a brand new above ground pool from The Pool Factory and need to begin removing your good, old reliable above ground pool.
Chlorine lock has found another victim and it’s time to replace at least ½ of your pool water with new water.
Only if you are experiencing any of these situations or the small handful of others that require draining, should you continue to drain your above ground pool. Otherwise, your pool is best maintained when you can keep the proper water level year-round.
An empty pool (or as little as 1/4 filled) and an exposed liner on a hot day can cause the liner to shrink from the heat and deem the liner useless. An empty pool is also susceptible to collapse. Especially, in high winds and/or bad weather.
How Do I Drain My Above Ground Pool?
The Pool Factory offers a few different submersible pumps that are able to do the job:
The AquaPro Cover Pump is the finest pool cover pump ever designed. Features a powerful 110 volt 3500 GPH automatic submersible pump with a specifically designed strainer base.
This pump is our most basic electric pump that removes 350 gallons per hour. This will also do the job, but may take starting to drain your pool the night before you need to have it done or planning for two days.
I have a 12 x 21 oval Hampton on order and expect delivery soon. I plan to install my pool approx. 20 inches below grade and would like to see your recommendations. I’m considering painting the exterior of the pool that falls below grade with a roof sealer (tar i think) to protect it from corrosion. I understand the sequence is to fill the pool with water, then back-fill around the pool. I want to be sure that I do not void my warranty, I was also considering a building a retaining wall around the pool, but I think this approach make the most sense. I’d appreciate your comments.
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I have 21′ found above ground pool. We did not open it one year and i spent all last year trying to get my pool clean. The water would get cloudy but as soon as i tried to vacuum it would stir all the dirt and leaves up and the water would turn black. It was just to dirty for the filter as well. I had to pump the filter every 5-10 minutes. I was going to drain the pool completely but then read it will ruin the liner. I spoke to another pool guy and he said drain it and clean it fast and it should be ok. What are your thoughts? I just don’t know what to do.
Hi Colleen,
I would recommend a rechargeable battery powered leaf vac to clean your pool. It is a great new product from Water Tech and would be perfect for your situation. It might help you avoid draining the pool and conserving the water. As for draining the pool, your pool guy is correct. We would recommend only draining on a cool, cloudy day and refilling within a few hours.
Thanks for your tip. I had my pool collapsed in the past because I forgot to fill it with water. Very nice post.
I am draining my pool to sell it. I can’t quite get the remaining 4 or 5 inches out. I am using the garden hose method. What would you suggest to get the rest of the water out?
Hi Brett,
A submersible cover pump like this one would do the trick: Ocean Blue Winter Cover Pump