Should I Drain My Pool?

This is the time of year that many pool owners begin cleaning up their pool and preparing it for the pool season.  We often get asked about draining a pool – is it a good idea?  It really depends on the situation.

Some commercial pools and many residential pools in colder climates are drained or partially drained on a regular basis.  These pools were structurally designed to be drained.

Residential pools in the Denton area were not structurally designed to be drained.  Therefore, should I drain an inground pool or spa in the Denton area?  In one word – no.  Draining a swimming pool should be a last resort.  But sometimes it is necessary and if it is done right, it can be done.

When does a pool need to be drained?

• To be renovated
• Pools that cannot be cleaned up without draining
• Water chemistry issues that can’t be resolved without draining the pool

In ground structures (including gunite pools, fiberglass pools, vinyl pools, and inground spas) are all susceptible to “floating” or “popping” out of the ground.  This is due to excessive ground water pressure.  As a vessel is emptied and becomes lighter, hydrostatic pressure can float it right out of the ground.

A pool on a hill is less susceptible to floating than a pool in a lower area.

How to best drain a pool:

• Be aware of any groundwater problems due to a high water table in the area.  If a high water table is in the area, please consult Gohlke Pools before draining pool.
• Never drain a pool after a recent rain or with rain in the forecast.
• When draining a pool, be sure that water is drained a sufficient distance from the pool.
• Know what type of pool that you are draining and be prepared to deal with it.

Gunite pools – If the pool is to be drained for any length of time, be sure to have holes drilled into the bottom of the pool to relieve hydrostatic pressure.  Be careful not to drill thru plumbing lines.

Vinyl pools – The walls of vinyl pools are very susceptible to damage if drained.  In addition, liners tend to contract when a pool is drained, making is very susceptible to damage upon refilling the pool.

Fiberglass pools/inground spas – These structures are constructed very similar to a boat, so it is very clear how damage can occur.

• If the pool has a hydrostatic plug, remove it immediately after draining to relieve the water pressure.
• Refill the pool as soon as possible.

Another issue of draining a pool – what to do with the water.  Due to regulations, it must be dealt with properly.

In the City of Denton, it must be drained into the sanitary sewer system – I will address that in next week’s column.