Draining Your Pool In Phoenix? All Answers

pool drain? When do you need to drain your Arizona pool?

pool drain

How often should I drain my pool in Arizona?

We recommend completely draining and refilling your Arizona pool every 2 to 3 years. Due to the desert climate, it is recommended that the pool only be drained during the fall and winter months when the weather is cooler. This is also the cheapest time as you probably won’t be able to use your pool in colder weather anyway.

Is it okay to drain my Arizona swimming pool in the winter?

Yes! The best time to drain your pool is during the fall and winter months.

Why can’t I drain my Arizona pool in the summer?

Draining your pool during Arizona’s hot, dry summer months puts you at risk of costly damage to your pool. The bottom of the pool can crack due to heat and lack of moisture. Draining your Arizona pool in the summer is also bad for the desert environment where water is scarce. Most of the drained pool water evaporates instead of being used to water the lawn or other plants on the property.

Why do I need to drain my pool?

Arizona is a desert and most of the water used for normal life has to travel a long way and go through many treatments. The water is known for being some of the harshest in the country and you will see signs of build-up beginning on your decorative pool tile. Your pool needs to be drained regularly to get rid of scale and hard water that has built up in your pool.

Does my Arizona pool need to be drained to be properly cleaned?

In some cases, your pool will need to be completely drained to rid it of scale and allow you to chemically start with a clean base. Draining your pool is the perfect opportunity to make any necessary repairs, have a deep cleaning or acid wash and have your tiles cleaned. It is recommended that a chlorine or acid wash be performed when draining your pool as a preventive maintenance measure to keep your pool running at its peak efficiency and to ensure your pool is safe and chemically balanced.

My pool turned green. Can it be repaired without draining?

When your pool has turned green, it takes an aggressive combination of filtration, cleaning and chemicals to bring it back to the beautiful blue color you are used to. It’s usually best to just drain the pool completely and run a full chlorine wash to remove any accumulated algae and bacteria. All pool filters must also be professionally cleaned to prevent the pool from turning green again. Green pools are dangerous breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can transmit the deadly West Nile Virus. A green pool in Arizona can result in fines because of the health risk they pose. Ensure your green pool issue is resolved quickly and professionally to avoid further complications.

Do you drain ponds across Arizona?

Pool Daddy currently serves most of the greater Phoenix area. The areas included are Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, North Scottsdale, South Scottsdale, Tempe, Phoenix, North Phoenix, Peoria, and Glendale. Learn more about the different pool services in Arizona that we offer.

Related topics:

pool drain pump

Pool drain cover

pool drain safety

Pool drains and trellis

Pool Main Drain Cover

A swimming pool is a great addition to your property. On the other hand, you may be concerned about the effects of chlorinated water on your lawn when your children splash water, run around on the lawn, or when you empty the pool to do certain repairs.

For starters, it stands to reason that increased exposure to one element, chlorine, can cause chemical imbalances in the soil that rob your weed of vital nutrients for optimal growth. But is that scientifically true?

In small amounts, chlorine has no harmful effect on grass

Reports suggest that chlorine in small amounts has no known harmful effects on weed. While there are some elements on the periodic table that when added to the soil tend to lock in some of the essential nutrients that the weed needs making it look deficient. The good news is, chlorine isn’t one of them. Most soils are able to withstand chlorine at high acid levels.

So there’s no need to worry about your kids splashing water on your lawn when getting in and out. In fact, it’s recommended to use excess pool water on your lawn to conserve water in your community.

Flooding your weed is not a good idea

When you want to drain pool water into your backyard for regular maintenance, possibly due to chipped paint on the pool walls, cracks, or equipment failure, then flooding becomes a problem.

The problem with draining your backyard pool, where permitted by your local water codes, is that it quickly reaches its saturation level and increases the risk of flooding your lawn, drowning the roots of your grass and attracting mosquitoes. Flooding is particularly likely to occur on flat, level terrain.

You can reduce flood risk by:

Move the hose to different sections of your garden

Empty the tank at intervals – even if it takes several days

If you have a saltwater pool, you should follow the same steps and remember to saturate the bottom with freshwater after each drain to lower the salinity.

final remark

If you plan on draining your pool, you should prepare by neutralizing the pH. Stop adding chlorine and other chemicals for several days, and don’t drain the water until chlorine tests show the level is zero or close to it.

Also, balance the pH as highly acidic water – in large quantities – can destroy your plants and landscape.

Finally, keep in mind that there will be some runoff into side gutters that feed urban stormwater runoff, which in turn drains into local bodies of water. Since gutters do not have a comprehensive filtering and water purification system like sewage treatment, you need to filter and clean the pool water and clear the garden of any debris before draining. You may also need a permit if the water leaves your property.

Pools are a great way to beat the heat! However, summer weather can take its toll on your pool: habooobs deposit debris, blustery winds bring shed flowers and leaves, and rain washes garden debris straight into your pool. Just like cleaning up after the big 4th of July party, your pool needs maintenance to keep the water crystal clear. Along with regular chemicals, your pool’s filter may need an occasional flush, known as pool backwashing.

The motto “only rain in the gully” must also be observed for this maintenance. In many cities or towns, it is against the law to drain backwash water from your property into a public right of way such as an alley, street, or arroyo.

Backwash water can contain chlorine, bromine, algaecides, biocides, water conditioners, stabilizers and other chemicals that can remain in the environment for a long time. These materials and other contaminants found in backwash water accumulate in dry muds and streams over time and eventually deposit in urban lakes or streams and become toxic to fish and other aquatic life.

You can make your contribution to protecting the environment

Consider these options to prevent pollutants from entering our waterways:

Use backwash to water grass or other areas on your property that allow water to seep into the ground. Many homes in the Southwest already have salt-tolerant plants. For more information, visit this website: http://www.amwua.org/plants

Backwash basin directly into the private sewer cleaning on your property instead of into the gutter.

If you have a septic tank and don’t have enough area to drain on your property, try this: Hire a contractor to pump the pool water into a truck to transport it off-site. Check the Yellow Pages or the Internet for waste disposal companies that offer this service. DO NOT DRAIN OR BACKWASH INTO YOUR CLEAN UP WHEN ON A CLAW SYSTEM.

Before making any repairs, consult a pool professional to determine if repairs can be made without draining the pool.

Now that you’ve backwashed your pool, you’re probably wondering, “Why do I have to fill my pool so often?”

First, pools lose water through evaporation. This expected water loss depends on solar radiation, temperature, wind, humidity and shading. A typical swimming pool loses its equivalent volume of water in a year—up to 25,000 gallons of water. In addition to evaporation, part of the water is lost through “splashing out” and, as mentioned above, through backwashing. Also, keep in mind that up to 30 percent of all pools have some type of leak. While evaporation of pool water is normal, an unusual drop in the water level can indicate a leak.

Leaks can occur for a variety of reasons such as: B. Holes, tears or fissures that allow water to escape undetected under the patio. However, most leaks occur in pool equipment. Many pools have an automatic filling device (automatic pool water leveler) to maintain a constant water level in the pool. These devices can mask a leak by automatically replacing lost water, preventing a visible drop in the pool level.

How to check your pool for leaks

Step one

Check the automatic filling of the pool and/or spa for proper operation:

Pay attention to the water level in the pool. The automatic filling should keep the pool water level at the center of the skimmer box opening. Too high and water can escape through gaps under the liner at the top of the pool or through the autofill pot (container that holds the autofill).

Check the auto fill float to see if it can stop the water flow. If your autofill is letting water flow through it, gently raise the float to see if the flow stops.

step two

Check the pool and/or spa system equipment:

Observe the pool water level and then turn on the pool equipment. A drop in the water level can indicate a leak.

Visually inspect pool equipment, especially around pipe connections. Crusty, white mineral deposits on pipes can indicate a slow leak.

Walk around the pool and pool equipment and make your way from the water supply line to the pool equipment. Look for damp patches, small holes, or depressions in the ground as these could indicate a water leak underground.

Consider a bucket test if you suspect a leak in your pool system.

The bucket test

Disable (disable) autofill (if any). Place a bucket or container on a pool step without submerging it. Use a large rock or brick to weigh down the container. Fill it with water so that it is level with the pool water. Mark the water level in the bucket. Mark the pool water level on the outside of the bucket. Wait at least two to three days for natural evaporation to occur. Compare the two water levels:

If the pool water level (outer mark) has dropped more than the bucket water level (inner mark), you may have a leak and should contact a pool builder.

If the level changes are the same, only evaporation has taken place.

9. Resume normal autofill operation.

Watch the bucket test instructional video.

Visit Stormwater Outreach for Regional Municipalities AZSTORM.org for more information on your community’s pool backwash policy and other tips to protect our environment. Remember: “Only rain in the gully.”

For more details on caring for your pool, see these recommended links on the Water – Use It Wisely resource page:

Water – Use It Wisely is proud to feature guest bloggers who write on topics related to water and water conservation. Justin Bern is Senior Water Quality Specialist in the City of Scottsdale’s Water Resources Department. He assists city environmental program coordinators in protecting drinking water and water reuse infrastructure and complying with county, state, and federal environmental permits.

Need to drain your above ground pool? Maybe it’s full of uncomfortable standing water. Or maybe you need to take it down completely for the season or do emergency repairs. In either case, you will need to drain some or all of the water from your swimming pool. And if you’ve never drained your pool, doing it wrong can damage your pool liner or worse, the whole thing can collapse.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to draining an above ground pool with or without a pump. You can watch the video tutorial below. Or read on for the full guide to draining the pool.

When should you drain an above ground pool?

There are few reasons you would ever need to completely drain your pool. Depending on the size of your pool, you should only ever need to partially drain it, also to fix leaks. However, there are several situations in which you may want to drain most or all of the water:

1. Your water chemistry can no longer be balanced

Part of regular pool maintenance is maintaining your pool’s water chemistry. But even if you’re meticulous about maintaining your pool, you can end up with a build-up of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). These are the by-products of all the chemicals you use to keep your pool clean, which slowly build up over time. If your TDS is greater than 2,500 parts per million (PPM), you will need to drain some of your pool water and replace it with fresh water.

Another reason to replace your pool water? Your cyanuric acid (CYA) levels are too high. The only way to lower these levels is to partially drain your pool and replace it with fresh water.

2. You need to make structural repairs

You can complete most pool repairs without draining all of the water from your above ground pool. It’s even possible to patch and repair your pool liner while it’s still underwater. However, special maintenance may require an empty pool. This includes work such as replacing your pool liner entirely or repairing the base of your pool frame.

3. You need to store your pool for the winter

If you have a smaller above ground pool and live in a cold climate, you may need to drain and store it over the winter. Not only does this protect your pool from freezing temperatures, but it may also be necessary to store your pool during the off-season to preserve your warranty.

How to prepare an above ground pool for draining

Before draining your above ground pool, there are a few things you need to prepare:

Have a water sanitation plan. Check with your city for any rules or regulations regarding pool water disposal, especially if you are draining your entire pool. In most areas you can’t drain your pool water into storm drains, so you’ll have to dump it directly into the sewer line outside of your home.

Check with your city for any rules or regulations regarding pool water disposal, especially if you are draining your entire pool. In most areas you can’t drain your pool water into storm drains, so you’ll have to dump it directly into the sewer line outside of your home. Lower the chemical levels in your pool. No matter where you dispose of the water, you need to make sure your pool water isn’t full of chemicals before doing so. Stop adding chemicals in the days leading up to draining and test your water before emptying your pool to make sure it’s chlorine neutral. Then check with your local water authority for additional chemical requirements. If you need to speed up the process, consider using a chlorine neutralizer.

No matter where you dispose of the water, you need to make sure your pool water isn’t full of chemicals before doing so. Stop adding chemicals in the days leading up to draining and test your water before emptying your pool to make sure it’s chlorine neutral. Then check with your local water authority for additional chemical requirements. If you need to speed up the process, consider using a chlorine neutralizer. Wait for mild, warm weather. Depending on where you live, you may be limited as to when you can drain your pool. Check with your local water authority for regulations. But otherwise you should wait for a clear day that is not too hot. Aim for temperatures of 29°C or less to avoid damage to your pool liner.

Depending on where you live, you may be limited as to when you can drain your pool. Check with your local water authority for regulations. But otherwise you should wait for a clear day that is not too hot. Aim for temperatures of 29°C or less to avoid damage to your pool liner. Turn off pumps, filters, heaters and automatic timers. If you have pool equipment with automatic timers, such as B. Pumps, turn them off before you start draining. If the water level falls below the skimmer line and the pump starts, it can overheat.

If you have pool equipment with automatic timers, such as B. Pumps, turn them off before you start draining. If the water level falls below the skimmer line and the pump starts, it can overheat. Plan to stay close to your pool when it drains.

Never leave your pool unattended while it is being drained or refilled. Depending on the size of your pool and whether you’re using a pump or hose, you can expect to drain anywhere from 8 to 14 hours. And remember, you’ll also spend about the same amount of time refilling it (check out our pool fill time calculator to determine how much time it takes to drain or fill your pool).

3 ways to drain an above ground pool

There are three ways to drain an above ground pool: siphon water with a garden hose, use a submersible pump, or use your pool’s drain adapter.

If you only need to partially drain your pool because you need to adjust your water chemistry, hoovering the water with a garden hose is an easy option. However, if you need to completely drain a larger pool, consider using a sump pump to speed up the process.

Finally, if you are draining a pool for storage in a colder climate during the winter months, you may want to use your pool’s built-in drain adapter (if you have one).

Here is a step-by-step guide for each method.

How to Drain an Above Ground Pool Without a Pump: Garden Hose Siphon Method

If you only partially drain your pool or don’t want to use a pump, you can use a garden hose to siphon your pool water. It takes longer than using a pump, but this easy DIY method means there’s no need to buy or rent any equipment.

The easiest way to make a siphon is to submerge the entire garden hose under water and then remove one end of the hose from the pool:

Submerge the entire hose under water in the pool. Hold both ends below the surface until the air bubbles stop. This means that the hose is now filled with water. Put your hand on one end of the hose. While keeping that end covered, pull that end of the hose out of the water. Place the end you are holding on the ground at a lower level than the pool’s waterline. As you move your hand away, the water should start sucking out. The hose on the outside of the pool must be lower than the water level in the pool. And make sure the end that is in the water stays below the surface.

If your water level is too shallow for this method, or you can’t get a siphon, you can speed up the process by connecting your garden hose to your house (or outside) faucet.

How to make a garden hose siphon with spigot?

Connect one end of your garden hose to your faucet and place the other end in your pool. This setting is the same as filling your pool with water. Make sure the end of the garden hose is secured or weighted in the pool to prevent it from jumping out. Turn on the water. Water should run through your hose and fill your pool. Once the hose is completely filled with water, unscrew it from the spigot. Lay this end of the hose on the ground and then turn off your spigot. This should create a siphon at this point and water from your pool should drain out of the hose. Just make sure this end of the hose is lower than the water level in your pool.

Remember that as the water level drops, your hose siphon will always slow down. If you have a larger above ground pool, it may take several days to complete the draining process. It will also leave an inch or two of water at the bottom of your pool liner. Residual water can be removed with a workshop vacuum cleaner.

By the way, if you want more pool maintenance tips like this, check out our pool maintenance video course.

Frustrated with adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clean all the time? We’ve taken all the confusion out of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read, illustrated e-book and video course. It will help you save $100 on pool maintenance instantly! Click here to learn more

How to drain an above ground pool with a sump pump

Using an electric submersible pump, also known as a sump pump, to drain your pool is much faster than using a garden hose. And if you need to drain your pool every winter, buying a sump pump can be a worthwhile investment. But you can also rent one from a local hardware store if it’s a one-time job and you want to save some money.

You need:

Make sure your sump pump’s power cord is long enough to reach from the nearest electrical outlet to the bottom of the pool. While it is possible to use an extension cord, it must be sturdy enough to handle a sump pump.

Attach the garden hose to your sump pump. Locate your home’s cleaning port. This is usually in your front yard near a faucet in the ground. Open the cleaning port by unscrewing the cap. Disconnect your garden hose and insert it into the connector. Just remember that your hose will no longer be hygienic afterwards. Place the sump pump submerged in the center of your pool floor. Turn on the sump pump by plugging it in. Remember not to use an extension cord. At this point, water should flow through the hose. Monitor your water flow. Watch the pump, hose and power cords carefully to make sure everything is running smoothly and water is draining properly into the cleaning port. Remember never to leave a sump pump running unattended. Turn off your pump as soon as the water level is too low. Once the water level is low enough for the pump to stop pushing water, turn it off and remove it from the pool. It’s okay if you still have a few inches of water at the bottom. If you need to remove all the water, use a shop vacuum.

Do not use your pool pump to drain water from your pool. When your water level drops below your skimmer, your pump will start sucking air. And since water doesn’t flow through it, it can burn out or be permanently damaged. When your water level drops below your skimmer, your pump will start sucking air. And since water doesn’t flow through it, it can burn out or be permanently damaged.

How to drain an above ground pool with a drain adapter

If you have an Intex, Coleman, or other temporary above ground pool, your pool may have a drain adapter. This allows you to drain the pool faster if you need to take it down at the end of the season.

Connect the drain plug to a garden hose before opening the valve. Without a hose, the water drains around and under the pool, softening the bottom your pool sits on. You may need an adapter to connect your garden hose to your pool. Lay the other end of the garden hose away from the pool. Make sure it doesn’t drain into a neighbor’s yard. Monitor the water flow. Depending on how many gallons of water your pool holds, you may need to move your hose occasionally. Remember, your water shouldn’t go down a gully.

How to refill your above ground pool

When making repairs or adding fresh water, don’t plan on leaving your pool empty or dry for too long. Sunlight and weather can damage the liner of an empty pool. So, once you’ve completed your repairs, start refilling your pool. Consider using multiple garden hoses to speed up the process.

Once the water is halfway up your skimmer, you can turn on your pool pump and filter again. Then retest and balance your water. If you need help determining the correct chemistry levels for your pool, see our Basic Pool Chemistry 101 guide.

Frequently asked questions about draining an above ground pool

Looking for more help draining your pool? Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

How long does it take to drain an above ground pool?

Draining your pool can take anywhere from 8 to 14 hours depending on how big it is and whether you are using a garden hose or sump pump. Do not leave a sump pump unattended while draining.

What is the fastest way to drain an above ground pool?

Using a submersible pump is the quickest way to drain your pool. It acts like a vacuum to remove water quickly, but you need to monitor it while it’s running. A garden hose siphon is another way to drain water, but it takes much longer.

How often do I need to drain an above ground pool?

It’s rare that you’ll ever have to completely drain an above ground pool unless you dismantle it for the winter every year. Otherwise, most minor leaks and liner repairs can be done while there is still water in the pool. However, if your cyanuric acid or total dissolved solids levels are too high, you will need to partially drain and replace your water.

How do I drain my above ground pool without a pump?

You can drain your above ground pool using a regular garden hose and create a siphon. It just takes a lot longer than using a sump pump and the siphon slows down when your pool’s water level gets low.

Can I drain my pool with my pool pump?

Never use your pool pump to drain an above ground pool. They draw air into the suction line which can damage or burn your pump. Always use a submersible pump to drain an above ground pool.

Need more help with pool maintenance?

Matt Giovanisci is the founder of Swim University® and has been in the pool and spa industry since 1995. Since then, his mission has been to make pool and hot tub maintenance easy for everyone. And every year he helps more people with water chemistry, cleaning and troubleshooting.

Download our FREE pool maintenance cheat sheet. This free printable cheat sheet will help you keep your in-ground, above-ground, or Intex pool clean and clear without messing with confusing water chemistry. Get the FREE cheat sheet

So many of us don’t like the thought of an empty pool. We prefer to see full, healthy, safe pools enjoyed by many and as often as possible. However, pool maintenance is required and sometimes draining the pool is required. However, it is important to understand how to drain a pool properly and the main reasons for draining the pool completely. As your trusted pool maintenance partner, the Leslie’s team wants to make sure you know when draining your pool is the right call – and how to do it right.

Reasons to drain your pool

Poor water quality due to excess Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) or high levels of Cyanuric Acid (CYA) or high Calcium Hardness is the most common reason a pool needs to be drained. Even with proper and regular pool maintenance, there is often a need to completely or partially drain your pool every 3-5 years.

Draining your pool is often not necessary, especially if you follow a proper and regular maintenance program. However, there are some reasons that lead to a complete or partial emptying of the pool.

Problems with water balance and clarity

The most common reason is an excess of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Over time the TDS levels in your pool water will slowly increase and once you reach around 2500ppm you will gradually lose the ability to balance the water. Your first reaction will likely add more chemicals, but that won’t solve the problem. Depending on the quality of your fill water and the quality of the chemicals used, you usually add, you should expect to drain your pool every 3-5 years due to TDS.

Another reason for draining the pool is high cyanuric acid (CYA) or calcium hardness levels. CYA and excess calcium accumulate in the water and cannot be removed by adding chemicals. The most economical method of reducing CYA or calcium hardness is to partially drain the pool and add fresh water, diluting the water parameters.

Regular pool maintenance

You may also need to drain your pool to perform certain types of repair work on pool interior surfaces. This may involve acid washing to remove stains and debris. Repairs and maintenance may also include touching up, repainting, or fixing cracks in the walls. If you have a vinyl liner that needs replacing, that too will require a full pool drain.

Important tips before you start:

Contact your local municipality to find out when and where it is legal to remove your pool water. For example, most local authorities have ordinances against discharging water into gullies.

Consider the groundwater levels in your area. High groundwater levels can cause an empty pool to literally pop out of the ground. If your area has high groundwater, it is best to only partially drain your pool.

Never completely drain a fiberglass reinforced or vinyl lined pool. This can damage the integrity of the pool surface or liner, resulting in warping or tearing. The only time you should completely drain a vinyl pool is when replacing the liner. Otherwise, the best course of action is to partially drain these types of pools. Always fill partial drains with water a foot at a time or 1/3 of the water at a time.

Completely drain a fiberglass or vinyl-lined pool. This can damage the integrity of the pool surface or liner, resulting in warping or tearing. The only time you should completely drain a vinyl pool is when replacing the liner. Otherwise, the best course of action is to partially drain these types of pools. Always fill partial drains with water a foot at a time or 1/3 of the water at a time. Before emptying, turn off the power to your pump and pool lights and remove the stumbling blocks.

DIY TIP: If possible, drain the pool when the outside air temperature is less than 85°F. Spring is generally an ideal time to drain your pool.

How to drain a pool

There are a few things you should keep in mind to safely drain your pool. Never use your pool pump to attempt to drain the pool. Inevitably, you’ll draw air into your suction line, the pump will lose suction, and you’ll damage or burn your pump. Always rent or buy a submersible pump to drain the pool.

After removing the old water, you can refill the pool with water from your garden hose. In order to speed up the water refilling process as much as possible, it can be helpful to run two garden hoses at the same time. It typically takes 14-16 hours to refill an average sized two hose pool.

DIY TIP: For the quickest refill, contact a water transport service to deliver water for your pool. Pool owners who rely on well water sources, or those who have particularly hard water, may want to go this route instead of refilling their home’s faucet.

Test your water immediately after refilling to balance and add start-up chemicals. You can also bring a water sample to Leslie’s for a free AccuBlue water test. Leslie’s tests your water and provides the results with a customized recommendation on how to improve your water quality.

Not sure if your pool really needs to be drained, or have other questions? Visit your local Leslie’s and ask our team of experts. We’re here to help with every aspect of your pool maintenance – even a full or partial pool drain.

To help you understand how it works, here’s a short video that I thought would be useful for your DIY project.

How long does it take to drain a pool with a garden hose?

How long you drain your pool depends entirely on the size and capacity of your pool.

How long does it take to drain a 5000 gallon pool with a hose?

Assuming you are pumping a 5000 gallon pool, the first thing you should do is determine how fast you can pump. If you can pump around 30 GPM (gallons per minute), which is also 1800 GPH (gallons per hour), it should take you 2.78 hours or 2 hours and 46 minutes to drain your pool with a hose.

How long does it take to drain a 10,000 gallon pool with a hose?

If you have a 10,000 gallon pool it should take you 5.56 hours or 5 hours and 33 minutes to drain your pool with a hose.

How long does it take to drain a 25,000 gallon pool with a hose?

If you have a 25,000 gallon pool it should take you 13.88 hours or 13 hours and 52 minutes to drain your pool with a hose.

Review of key points:

Submerge the entire end of the hose in the pool

Turn on the tap and wait for the water to go all the way down the hose

Turn off the faucet and hold the water at the other end of the hose with your thumb

Hold it until you reach the drain area

Release it slowly and wait for the hose to drain by itself

Final Verdict

Draining a pool might seem like a tedious task, especially when you have no idea how to do it. But it’s actually doable. With the right technique and tools, you can do this with a regular garden hose.

A garden hose is undoubtedly the cheapest option for draining a pool. It might not be the best and fastest alternative available, but it will save you a few bucks by trying it out. Who would think you could use a garden hose to hoover your pool?

The monsoon season is officially in full swing in Arizona, making many pool owners’ nightmares come true.

Each year, pool owners and swimmers alike fear the haze of brown dust and high winds that throw buckets of leaves into the pools around the valley.

The season means increased maintenance for pool owners as well as greater compliance with local pool laws.

The laws for maintaining swimming pools, especially draining a pool, vary across the valley. Here’s a quick guide no matter where you live in the greater Phoenix area.

What the law says

It is illegal to empty a swimming pool onto the street in Scottsdale, Mesa, Phoenix, Chandler and Surprise. Legal options include draining the water down a gully, watering your property, or directing the water to a sewage treatment plant or drain located on a resident’s property.

The city of Phoenix’s website states that people should not dump water onto the street or other city right-of-way.

It is illegal under Phoenix City Code Sections 31-8 and 23-33 to dump pool water onto a street or anywhere off one’s property. Violations can result in a fine of up to $2,500, six months in prison, or three years of probation.

In Scottsdale, it is illegal to drain pools into the streets, but it is also illegal to drain into manholes, storm sewers, or other properties.

In Surprise, Mesa, and Chandler, it’s also illegal for the pool to drain off your own property.

Tempe and Gilbert allow you to direct water onto the street.

In Tempe, according to the City of Tempe’s Responsible Discharges brochure, it is legal to discharge water onto the street by following the right-of-way. According to Tempe’s website, there are several stipulations, including making sure the water is free of contaminants, using a pump larger than 1.5 horsepower, and monitoring drainage.

“Tempe allows pool discharges, but only under certain conditions, i.e. dechlorinated, debris free, no nuisance, etc.,” said Shannon Reed, a public information officer, in an email.

Gilbert’s website states that while draining a pool on the owner’s property is the preferred method, people can drain their pools into the gutter and street as long as the street doesn’t flood and the water doesn’t belong to neighbors’ property disturbs.

Should You Drain Your Pool?

Consult a professional before draining a pool, the City of Surprise brochure says. Pools should be drained “when total dissolved solids (TDS) exceed 1,500 parts per million (ppm) or calcium hardness exceeds 350 ppm (or about 20 grains),” according to a Surprise press release.

People looking to drain their pools have a few options. But pool experts say there are a few things to consider first.

Tom Good, president of Swimming Pool Service and Repair, said it’s not advisable to drain your pool in the summer, especially if the pool is plastered, because plaster “won’t stand up to extreme temperatures.”

However, if the pool has a stone or Pebble Tec finish, it’s fairly safe to drain a pool during the summer months, Good said.

SWIMMING POOL SAFETY: Search pool and splash pad safety inspections in the Phoenix area

Although “almost every pool in Arizona could use a water change,” said John Norlock, president of Serkland Swimming Pool Service, adding that summer is not the best time of year to drain.

“A lot of the surfaces in the pools are going to come loose, delaminate, pop,” he said.

Norlock said the ideal time of year to drain your pool isn’t summer, but “fall through early spring.”

But he warned that if people drain their pools in January or February, they should warn the city to avoid increased water bills for the rest of the year, since water bills are based on usage in the first few months of the year.

Rather than draining your pool as soon as the monsoon makes it dirty, Norlock said it’s better to combat dust and debris by slowly replacing the water, either by adding some sort of drain, backwashing for longer or more often, or adding certain chemicals than necessary.

If your pool really needs to be drained completely, there are a few options. Good said that although people can technically drain their pools themselves, the cost of hiring or buying equipment can sometimes be more than simply hiring a professional.

However, Norlock said that because of the different laws and regulations, it’s almost always better to hire a professional to drain a pool.

The preferred and most common method is to simply drain the pool into your backyard — specifically the rocky or desert area, according to the Surprise press release.

The limitations with this method are that the runoff cannot pose a flood risk to nearby properties, nor can it drain into a ditch or an area outside the property. Essentially, when draining a pool, several city ordinances require the water to remain on the property.

Most city guides, especially Scottsdale and Mesa, recommend using pool water to water plants, including a list of salt-tolerant and sensitive plants to consider when draining your pool.

A second option, according to a Surprise report, is to dump the water into the sewers on your own property. Most properties have some type and the process is fairly simple and adheres to city ordinances.

Mesa allows residents to drain their pools into storm sewers if they have the appropriate documentation, an ADEQ Minimus stormwater permit.

Pool cleaning tips

Although the monsoon season can be a headache for swimmers and pool owners alike, Sun Devil Pool Supply’s Craig Broderick shares some maintenance tips pool owners can use to keep their pools clean during the dustiest time of the year.

Run the pool pump “at high speed 7-10 hours per day”.

Wet the pool as often as possible to remove leaves, dirt and debris

Make sure the pool has a cleaning device

Turn off engines before a big storm

Increase chlorine levels during monsoon season

Norlock specifically said people should keep their chlorine levels at 3.0 or higher. He said although many leaders say that maintaining chlorine at or above 1.0 is sufficient, “in this climate it is not.”

“When the chlorine in the pool gets low, the pool will be cloudy one day, green three, and really uncomfortable after a week,” Norlock said.

Norlock added that one of the most important things to remember about pool maintenance during the summer months is to check pool chemicals and clean and maintain pool cleaning equipment.

“You have to do that at least once a week, especially at this time of year. You can fool around in the winter, but not in the summer,” he said.

care of your patch

Your pool has been plastered by top plaster craftsmen. The plaster is a special waterproof cement mix made from marble flour that is designed to do three things:

1. The plaster prevents water from escaping through the Gunite shell (which itself is not waterproof). 2. The plaster is decorative and with proper care will give your pool a clean white interior finish. 3. The patch has a special non-slip texture designed to be smooth yet safe and secure for underwater traction.

With proper care, the new finish of your pool should give you many years of trouble-free enjoyment.

I. WHEN FILLING THE POOL FOR THE FIRST TIME

Once the Plaster Crew has started pouring the water into your new pool, DO NOT STOP THE WATER FOR ANY REASON! The importance of this cannot be overstated. If the water stops, your plaster could develop a permanent ring at the level where the water stops, or it could cause the exposed plaster to dry too quickly and cause chipping or cracking. Gypsum is specially designed to remain submerged at all times. So the faster your pool fills up, the happier we’ll all be!

NEVER USE SOFT WATER TO FILL YOUR NEW POOL! IT COULD DISSOLVE THE PLASTER!

II. AFTER YOUR POOL IS FILLED

When the water reaches the center point on the tile, please call us to schedule start-up. We will ask that you brush the pool interior several times a day for a week or two. The reason for this is to loosen and remove the “plaster dust” or debris left by the plaster. The sooner this is removed, the sooner your pool will be clear and sparkling.

Please do not allow anyone into the pool until the start-up instructions have been given. The plaster is still too soft for normal use and could be easily scratched or dented. Also, since the water has not been chemically treated, it could be unsanitary and unhealthy.

After you receive the start-up instructions, please take extra care to check and balance the chemicals in your pool on a daily basis. This ensures clear, hygienic water – and it helps protect the cast from discoloration or damage from chemical imbalances.

III. SOME FEATURES COMMON TO SWIMMING POOL CLEANERS

A. Plaster is not a smooth, tile-like surface. It has an “eggshell” texture and is hand dragged to be smooth but non-slip underwater.

B. Plaster is neither perfect nor flawless. The plaster finishers are true artists and will do everything to leave an even, attractive finish. Please remember that this is all hand smoothed and it is entirely possible that some minor cosmetic imperfections will occur. This is not uncommon, it will not affect your use and enjoyment of your pool, and is nothing to worry about.

C. Plastering is one of the most difficult parts of pool construction and also one of the most visible.

D. The cement used to make gypsum is made from raw marble dust and is not completely, perfectly and evenly white.

E. Due to the irregular nature of plaster cement, your pool may appear spotty and/or streaky for a long period of time. This appearance is due to the plaster drying and curing at different speeds. It is normal and not a cause for concern.

Q. You may see a number of small tears called “checkers”. These are normal for all plastered pools. These small controls are not a defect and do not cause problems.

G. The underwater light and water in your pool magnify small objects and minor imperfections in the plaster and can make them appear many times larger than they actually are.

H. After a pool has been plastered and is full of water, it is best not to drain the pool for at least two years. This allows for proper curing and aging of the plaster.

I. If the pool ever needs to be emptied to replace the water or to maintain the plaster, it should never be left empty for more than eight to ten days at the most. More than that can cause the cast to dry out and crack. Keep your pool full for best results.

IV. WHAT CAN BE DONE AGAINST STAINS OR CALCIUM DEPOSITS ON PLASTER?

If stains or limescale appear on the surface of your plaster, your pool can be drained briefly and lightly acidified and/or sanded. This will restore the beautiful white finish. And it can make the plaster even smoother than the first day. This is because sanding can leave a smoother finish than hand smoothing. Most cleaning companies do this job with “high-speed” grinders and special grinding wheels.

However, the best “cure” is prevention. Keep an eye on your chemical balances and maintain pH levels. And don’t forget to keep an overview, even in winter. We have found that in winter, when the water is cold and you don’t want to check the pool, the most problems arise. So keep the water maintained and balanced all year round.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call! Good luck and good swimming!

How often should I drain my pool?

Many people who enjoy their pools every day don’t realize that regular water changes are part of the process of maintaining a healthy pool. That requires you to drain your pool occasionally. How often? Sterling Pool Service experts provide key insights to answer this question.

Why should I drain my pool?

Although most pools have a filtration system, pools will eventually need to be drained and refilled. Even with proper pool maintenance, years of chemicals and the effects of the landscaping around your pool (leaves, phosphates, etc.) will take their toll. The same goes for dead skin, sunscreen, oils and—for some pool owners—pet hair and dander. All of this creates pool water that can no longer be treated effectively.

When should I drain my pool?

Pool industry experts recommend that you drain and refill your pool every five to seven years. No two pools are the same, so there is no set number at which you must drain your pool. When your pool has stopped responding to maintenance chemicals or special treatments, you should consider replacing your pool water with fresh water. Make sure to rebalance your pool chemicals after filling.

Note: Pools should never be drained after heavy rain or storms as your pool could float.

How do I drain my pool?

No two pools are the same when it comes to installation and construction. Contact a professional pool service company to ensure it is properly drained. If you need our assistance, contact us online or call us at 888-973-0274. Sterling Pool Service can take care of all your pool needs.

So many of us don’t like the thought of an empty pool. We prefer to see full, healthy, safe pools enjoyed by many and as often as possible. However, pool maintenance is required and sometimes draining the pool is required. However, it is important to understand how to drain a pool properly and the main reasons for draining the pool completely. As your trusted pool maintenance partner, the Leslie’s team wants to make sure you know when draining your pool is the right call – and how to do it right.

Reasons to drain your pool

Poor water quality due to excess Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) or high levels of Cyanuric Acid (CYA) or high Calcium Hardness is the most common reason a pool needs to be drained. Even with proper and regular pool maintenance, there is often a need to completely or partially drain your pool every 3-5 years.

Draining your pool is often not necessary, especially if you follow a proper and regular maintenance program. However, there are some reasons that lead to a complete or partial emptying of the pool.

Problems with water balance and clarity

The most common reason is an excess of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Over time the TDS levels in your pool water will slowly increase and once you reach around 2500ppm you will gradually lose the ability to balance the water. Your first reaction will likely add more chemicals, but that won’t solve the problem. Depending on the quality of your fill water and the quality of the chemicals used, you usually add, you should expect to drain your pool every 3-5 years due to TDS.

Another reason for draining the pool is high cyanuric acid (CYA) or calcium hardness levels. CYA and excess calcium accumulate in the water and cannot be removed by adding chemicals. The most economical method of reducing CYA or calcium hardness is to partially drain the pool and add fresh water, diluting the water parameters.

Regular pool maintenance

You may also need to drain your pool to perform certain types of repair work on pool interior surfaces. This may involve acid washing to remove stains and debris. Repairs and maintenance may also include touching up, repainting, or fixing cracks in the walls. If you have a vinyl liner that needs replacing, that too will require a full pool drain.

Important tips before you start:

Contact your local municipality to find out when and where it is legal to remove your pool water. For example, most local authorities have ordinances against discharging water into gullies.

Consider the groundwater levels in your area. High groundwater levels can cause an empty pool to literally pop out of the ground. If your area has high groundwater, it is best to only partially drain your pool.

Never completely drain a fiberglass reinforced or vinyl lined pool. This can damage the integrity of the pool surface or liner, resulting in warping or tearing. The only time you should completely drain a vinyl pool is when replacing the liner. Otherwise, the best course of action is to partially drain these types of pools. Always fill partial drains with water a foot at a time or 1/3 of the water at a time.

Completely drain a fiberglass or vinyl-lined pool. This can damage the integrity of the pool surface or liner, resulting in warping or tearing. The only time you should completely drain a vinyl pool is when replacing the liner. Otherwise, the best course of action is to partially drain these types of pools. Always fill partial drains with water a foot at a time or 1/3 of the water at a time. Before emptying, turn off the power to your pump and pool lights and remove the stumbling blocks.

DIY TIP: If possible, drain the pool when the outside air temperature is less than 85°F. Spring is generally an ideal time to drain your pool.

How to drain a pool

There are a few things you should keep in mind to safely drain your pool. Never use your pool pump to attempt to drain the pool. Inevitably, you’ll draw air into your suction line, the pump will lose suction, and you’ll damage or burn your pump. Always rent or buy a submersible pump to drain the pool.

After removing the old water, you can refill the pool with water from your garden hose. In order to speed up the water refilling process as much as possible, it can be helpful to run two garden hoses at the same time. It typically takes 14-16 hours to refill an average sized two hose pool.

DIY TIP: For the quickest refill, contact a water transport service to deliver water for your pool. Pool owners who rely on well water sources, or those who have particularly hard water, may want to go this route instead of refilling their home’s faucet.

Test your water immediately after refilling to balance and add start-up chemicals. You can also bring a water sample to Leslie’s for a free AccuBlue water test. Leslie’s tests your water and provides the results with a customized recommendation on how to improve your water quality.

Not sure if your pool really needs to be drained, or have other questions? Visit your local Leslie’s and ask our team of experts. We’re here to help with every aspect of your pool maintenance – even a full or partial pool drain.

What could be more inviting on a warm and sunny day than a clean pool with sparkling water? On the other hand, no one would want to jump and soak in water full of floating debris. Fortunately, you can avoid the latter scenario with regular pool maintenance.

Read on to learn when to drain and refill your pool.

When the pool water needs to be replaced

You should replace the pool water every five to seven years. In mild weather, you should drain and refill your pool as much as possible. It is designed to prevent pool damage from direct sunlight and heat. In addition, a pool maintenance company can recommend the ideal time to drain your pool.

Regular pool maintenance can reduce the number of water changes. This also protects your pool water from harmful elements. It is best to leave maintenance to experienced professionals to prevent damage to your pool.

Why you shouldn’t drain a pool too often

Leaving your pool without water is risky. Draining water can put a pool at risk of damage, including hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure refers to the groundwater pressure around and below your pool, pushing against walls and floors. The pressure of the groundwater under the basin presses against the ground. In the case of concrete pools, this can lead to the pool floor shifting and cracking. In vinyl and fiberglass pools, it can lift the bottom and also damage the walls.

Let Pool and Patio Pros take care of your pool maintenance. Whether you need a pool refurbishment or repair, you can count on our experienced team. Call or text us at (480) 555-9930 or fill out our contact form to get in touch with us.