Pool Closing FAQs: Common Questions About Closing Your Pool for the Winter

This process can take several hours, depending on how much water is left in your pool. If you have a lot of water, we recommend using a submersible pump to speed up the draining process. So consider partially draining your pool and replacing it with fresh water in batches. If you do have to drain your pool completely, say, to make repairs, it might be worth hiring a professional. These are perfect for draining standing water from pool winter covers. These can assist in draining pool water even when its not winter.

• Close your pool too early and you may actually incubate algae in the water before it cools significantly.
• Hydrostatic pressure, or water pushing upwards, is the reason why pools can pop up out of the ground.
• Concrete, gunite, vinyl, fiberglass—they’re all at risk of popping when drained.
• It is essential to choose the right equipment for your pool, as using the wrong equipment can lead to damage, inefficiency, or even safety hazards.
• Additionally, you should ensure that the pool is properly refilled with clean, sanitized water, and that the chemical levels are balanced and safe for use.

Be aware of the risk of a pool pop, which can occur if the pool shell lifts due to hydrostatic pressure from groundwater, especially after heavy rain. Consulting a professional should be considered a last resort after thoroughly assessing the situation. By hiring a professional, you can have peace of mind knowing that your pool is in good hands, and that the draining process is being done correctly and safely. This can help you save time, money, and stress in the long run, and ensure that your pool remains a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment for years to come. Completely draining a pool is a task that should not be taken lightly, as it can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process.

What Are Pool Pillows & Why Are They So Important for Above Ground Pools During Winter?

Once the particles have been removed from the sides of the pool, turn your filter back on and agitate the water. Use a spray bottle or a small garden sprayer to apply the bleach cleaner to the liner. You can clean any spots on the liner while the pool is full by applying the cleaner above the water line. If you want to ensure your pool is winterized the right way, contact us at Benson Pools. Our team is happy to handle all of the details and keep your pool protected so that it’s safe and ready to use once spring arrives.

Will an inground pool collapse without water?

The temperatures could reach more than 100 degrees and will crack the pool plaster or the tiles. If you have a pebble pool surface, it is recommended that the ambient temperatures are at 90 degrees or lower. If you have a plaster surface, then you should drain at lower temperatures (80 degrees or lower). Note that the materials on your pool’s floor is not the same as in your pool sitting. Here's how to drain an above ground pool with either a garden hose siphon or a sump pump.

There are obviously many ways to clean and maintain your pool without using something as extreme as acid, but sometimes, it is what your pool needs. Make sure to take the necessary safety precautions and wear PPE if you plan to acid wash a pool yourself. Draining a pool is a big task that not only takes a while but will also cost you a lot in water bills when you eventually refill the pool. But some issues are unavoidable, so in this article, I will break down some scenarios when you need to drain your pool and describe the best way to do it safely. The time it takes to drain a pool can vary depending on its size and the type of filtration system. On average, it can take several hours to a full day to drain a pool, depending on the complexity of the job.

Pull out your pool vacuum or turn on your automatic cleaner (if you have one) to remove all debris from your pool. Keep on vacuuming until the waterline reaches approximately halfway on the skimmer plate. Make sure to turn the filter to “waste” so the excess dirty water doesn’t enter your filter. Likely, the rainstorm has dumped a lot of debris into your pool, which your filtration system should be working on clearing. In that case, your basket is likely filled to the brim, so empty it as soon as possible!

How Long Will it Take to Drain the Water?

When this happens, the sand cannot filter out particles as effectively. Knowing what you’re doing before you start can help the process go more smoothly, and help you avoid costly damage. If water accumulates under the pool with nowhere to go, it would create hydrostatic pressure, which is what would make the pool pop. These valves help relieve that pressure, thereby preventing (hopefully) popping. This is an extra precaution in case any drainage problems occur. Once the pump removes most of the water, drain the last bit manually with a bucket.

Obviously, you won’t need the pump if everything is frozen over, but it’s a smart tool to use when you have water on the cover. In case the water freezes, the pillow will redirect the ice from expanding out, and it will expand up into the cover instead. There are a few different types of winter pool covers you can use on your pool. This preps it for the winter months so nothing left inside can freeze and damage the filter. It also allows you to have your pool up and running faster when you reopen it. When winterizing a pool, you should always clean out your filter.

It means you’ve given the water under the pool a place to go rather than staying stuck under there and pushing your pool out of the ground. This could cause the water to pool around the drain, and you have the same problem as if you’d just drained the water into the ground around the pool. Directing it downhill will help keep it away from the pool should you encounter any problems. Give the ground time to dry out after it’s absorbed a lot of rain. Remember, just because the ground looks dry on the surface doesn’t mean it’s not still saturated several feet down around the sides and bottom of your pool. Set up a sump pump and connect discharge hoses, ensuring they lead to an appropriate sewerage draining point.

You should check the chemical levels daily until they reach the proper level for your pool—this may take a few days. By following the guidelines outlined in this article and consulting with a professional pool technician, you can ensure your pool remains a safe and enjoyable space for years to come. The frequency of draining a pool completely depends on the factors mentioned earlier. As a general rule, pools should be drained completely every 5-7 years, or as needed based on the signs mentioned earlier.

The frequency at which you should drain your pool depends on several factors, including pool usage, climate, and maintenance habits. Pools that are used frequently, such as those in commercial settings or those with large families, may require more frequent draining to maintain proper water quality. Pools located in areas with high levels of rainfall or extreme temperatures may also require more frequent draining to remove contaminants and debris. The time it takes to replace a pool skimmer can vary depending on the complexity of the installation, the type of skimmer, and the individual’s level of expertise. On average, a skimmer replacement can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the specific circumstances.

Depending on the size of your pool, this should be plenty of time for all of the water to pass through the filter, keeping your water clearer. Shock at night to give your pool shock the time it needs to do its job. (.5 kg) of shock for every 10,000 gallons (37,854 L) of water, and test until you’re at or near the target of 3 ppm. Shocking gets rid of chloramines and helps bring your pool’s chlorine levels to a well-balanced 3 parts per million (ppm). Keep your pool shock and your skimmer far, far away from one another.

Step 3: Choose a Draining Method

Once the old skimmer is removed, the area should be cleaned and prepared for the new skimmer. This may involve applying a new gasket or sealant to ensure a watertight connection. Pool owners may need to replace their skimmer if it becomes damaged or worn out. This can occur due to various reasons such as corrosion, cracking, or general wear and tear. If the skimmer is not functioning properly, it can compromise the overall cleanliness and safety of the pool water.

Learn essential vacation pool care steps to prevent algae and equipment damage while you're away. As always, test ProGorki Official to see if any chemical adjustments need to be made, and ensure that your pool does not turn green or cloudy. I recommend checking the pH, alkalinity, calcium, and cyanuric acid levels. On the other hand, rainwater can also dilute the pre-existing chemicals in your pool water and cause your pH levels to rise.