Draining a swimming pool sounds simple, right? Just pull the plug and let the water out, right….?
Well, not quite…
Emptying a pool the wrong way can lead to very costly damage, like cracked walls, floating shells, or even a full-blown pool pop. So, it’s important to know how to empty your pool safely and correctly.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know, step by step, so you can empty your pool without running into trouble.
The Best Time to Drain a Swimming Pool
The best time is in a dry season: spring or autumn.
Never drain your pool right after heavy rain or during the wet season. That’s when the groundwater around your pool is at its highest, which increases the risk of your pool popping out of the ground (yes, that’s a real thing, and it’s really bad).
Also, double-check with your local city or county before you begin. Some places have rules about where you can discharge pool water, especially if it contains chlorine or other chemicals.
What You’ll Need Before You Start Draining Your Pool
You don’t need a ton of tools to drain a pool, but the right equipment makes all the difference.
A submersible pump is the easiest and fastest way to get the water out.
You’ll also need a long drain hose to direct the water away from your pool, ideally into a storm drain or an area that can handle that much water without flooding.
Make sure your pump plugs into a GFCI outlet for safety. If you’re not using a pump, you can also siphon water out with a garden hose, but it’s much slower and takes some patience.
If your pool has a dedicated waste line and multiport valve, you might be able to use the pool’s own pump system to help remove the water too.
What You’ll Need Before You Start Draining Your Pool
You don’t need a ton of tools to drain a pool, but the right equipment makes all the difference.
A submersible pump is the easiest and fastest way to get the water out.
You’ll also need a long drain hose to direct the water away from your pool, ideally into a storm drain or an area that can handle that much water without flooding.
Make sure your pump plugs into a GFCI outlet for safety. If you’re not using a pump, you can also siphon water out with a garden hose, but it’s much slower and takes some patience.
If your pool has a dedicated waste line and multiport valve, you might be able to use the pool’s own pump system to help remove the water too.
Should You Do a Full Drain or Just a Partial Drain?
Not every situation calls for a full drain.
In fact, partial draining is usually enough for most routine issues like high chemical levels or murky water. You can remove about a third or half of the water, then refill with fresh water to dilute and balance things out.
A full drain should only be done when necessary, like if you’re repairing the pool surface, removing severe algae buildup, or replacing structural elements.
If you’re unsure, it’s always okay to consult a pool professional before making the call.
How To Drain An In-Ground Pool (Safely!)
If you have an inground pool, you need to be extra cautious.
These pools are built to hold water, and removing all of it can make them vulnerable to pressure from groundwater. When the water table is high, that pressure can literally push your empty pool up out of the ground, which is what’s known as “pool pop.” This is more common than you’d think and can cost thousands of dollars to fix.
To avoid it, never drain the pool during or after rainy weather. If your pool has a hydrostatic relief valve (usually found in the main drain), open it before draining to relieve any pressure building underneath the pool shell.
How To Refill Your Pool the Right Way
Once your pool is fully drained and any repairs or cleaning is done, you’re ready to refill.
Place your garden hose in the deepest part of the pool and let it run. Refilling can take anywhere from 12 to 48 hours, depending on your water pressure and pool size.
As it fills, keep an eye on the water level and make sure nothing shifts or leaks.
Once full, turn your pool equipment back on and start circulating the water.
Don’t forget to test and rebalance your chemicals—new water needs chlorine, pH adjustment, stabilizer, and more before it’s safe to swim in.
Final Steps: Clean, Balance, and Swim
After you’ve refilled the pool, it’s time to give it a fresh start. Run the filter system for at least 24 hours to circulate the water, then test the water chemistry. Adjust the pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness as needed. You may also want to shock the pool once to kill off any lingering bacteria from the refill process.
Once everything is balanced and your pool looks clear, congratulations—you’re ready to swim again!
In a Nutshell…
Emptying a swimming pool isn’t something you do every weekend, but when the time comes, doing it properly makes a world of difference. Plan ahead, use the right equipment, and be mindful of when and why you’re draining. For inground pools, be careful to avoid pool pop and groundwater damage. After draining, refill with clean water, balance your chemicals, and enjoy that crystal-clear swimming experience.
And if you ever feel unsure about doing it yourself, or need help with repairs, resurfacing, or a full pool makeover, we’re here to help. At Sutton Pools, we’re expert pool builders in Clarksville, TN, and we’ve seen (and fixed) it all.
Whether you’re draining for maintenance or planning for your next custom pool project, we’ve got the tools, experience, and local know-how to make it happen safely and beautifully. Give us a call anytime!
FAQs
Q. How do I get water out of my pool?
A. You can remove water from your pool using a submersible pump, a manual siphon, or your pool’s built-in drain system (if available).
- For partial draining (like lowering water after heavy rain), a sump pump is quick and easy.
- To fully drain the pool, use a submersible pump, making sure you follow local regulations—some areas have rules about where you can release pool water.
- If your pool has a main drain, you can also set the multiport valve to “waste” and run the pump.
Q. How do I clear up my pool water fast?
A. To clear cloudy or dirty pool water quickly:
- Test and balance the water – Make sure pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels are within the proper range.
- Shock the pool – Add a chlorine shock to kill bacteria and algae.
- Add a clarifier or flocculant – A clarifier helps small particles clump together so your filter can catch them. A flocculant causes particles to sink, so you can vacuum them out.
- Brush and vacuum the pool – Scrub walls and floor, then vacuum debris.
- Run your pump and filter continuously for 24–48 hours – Clean or backwash your filter if needed.
Q. How do you clear the main drain on a pool?
A. To clear a clogged main drain:
- Turn off the pump.
- Remove any visible debris from the drain cover with a pool brush or vacuum.
- Use a drain bladder or plumbing snake inserted into the drain line from the pump side to push out clogs.
- If you suspect a serious blockage, it’s best to call a pool professional to avoid damaging your plumbing.
Q. How to drain water from an inflatable pool?
A. Here are three easy ways to drain an inflatable pool:
- Drain plug – Most inflatable pools have one at the bottom. Open it and let the water flow out.
- Siphon method – Use a garden hose: submerge it, fill it with water, then lower one end to the ground outside the pool to start the siphon.
- Small pump or bucket – For larger pools, a small submersible pump works well. For tiny pools, a bucket might be all you need.
