How to Safely Drain an Above Ground Pool (Even Without a Pump)

Draining your above ground pool can be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as dealing with poor water chemistry, making structural repairs, or storing your pool for the winter. If you're not careful, however, draining your pool the wrong way can lead to costly damage, including issues with your pool liner or the collapse of the structure itself. Whether you're draining just a portion of your pool or emptying it completely, it's important to know the proper steps and safety precautions.

This guide walks you through how to safely drain your above ground pool, with or without a pump, ensuring your pool stays in good shape.

When Should You Drain an Above Ground Pool?

While draining a pool is not a regular maintenance task, there are certain scenarios where you might need to drain some or all of the water from your above ground pool:

1. Water Chemistry Issues: If your pool water has high levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) or Cyanuric Acid (CYA), draining some of the water and replacing it with fresh water is necessary to restore proper balance. TDS levels above 2,500 parts per million (PPM) and high CYA levels can affect the effectiveness of pool chemicals and overall water clarity.

2. Repairs or Maintenance: For minor repairs, such as fixing a pool liner, it’s usually possible to work while the pool still has water. However, significant repairs like replacing the pool liner or addressing frame issues may require a completely empty pool.

3. Winterizing the Pool: If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to drain your above ground pool for seasonal storage. This helps prevent the pool from freezing and protects it from weather-related damage.

Preparing Your Pool for Draining

Before you begin draining your pool, there are a few things you need to prepare for:

1. Check Water Disposal Guidelines: Some areas have regulations regarding pool water disposal, so make sure to check with your local water authority for any specific rules. You might not be allowed to drain the water into storm drains, and you may be required to dispose of it through the sanitary sewer line.

2. Neutralize Pool Chemicals: To avoid contamination, stop adding chemicals in the days leading up to draining your pool. Test the water and make sure it’s chlorine neutral before you start the draining process. If necessary, use a chlorine neutralizer.

3. Wait for Ideal Weather: The best time to drain your pool is on a mild, clear day with temperatures below 85°F (29°C). This will help prevent damage to your pool liner. Avoid draining during extreme heat.

4. Turn Off Pool Equipment: Be sure to turn off all pool equipment, including pumps, filters, and heaters, before starting the draining process. If the water level drops below the skimmer line, the pump may draw in air, leading to potential damage.

5. Stay Near the Pool: Draining an above ground pool can take anywhere from 8 to 14 hours, depending on the size and method you choose. It’s important to stay nearby to monitor the draining process and ensure everything goes smoothly.

How to Drain an Above Ground Pool

There are three main ways to drain your pool: using a siphon with a garden hose, using a submersible pump, or utilizing your pool’s built-in drain adapter. Here’s how each method works:

1. Draining Without a Pump: Using a Garden Hose Siphon

If you only need to partially drain your pool or don’t want to use a pump, siphoning with a garden hose is an easy and effective method. While it takes longer than using a pump, it’s a simple, DIY solution that doesn’t require any additional equipment.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Submerge the garden hose fully underwater in your pool and hold both ends below the surface until the air bubbles stop.
• Once the hose is filled with water, cover one end of the hose with your hand, then pull that end out of the water.
• Place the covered end of the hose on the ground at a lower level than the pool’s waterline. Once you release your hand, the water will begin to siphon out.

For faster draining, you can also connect one end of the garden hose to your outdoor faucet and allow water to flow through the hose. Once it's full, disconnect the hose from the faucet, place it on the ground, and let the siphon work.

Note: This method works best for pools with a higher water level. As the water level drops, the siphoning process will slow down, and you may need to finish with a shop vac.

2. Draining with a Submersible Pump

If you need to drain a larger pool or want to speed up the process, using a submersible pump is your best option. These pumps can drain a pool quickly and efficiently.

Steps:

• Attach a garden hose to the submersible pump.
• Place the pump in the center of your pool, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
• Plug the pump in and monitor the water flow through the hose. Ensure the water is being properly directed away from the pool area (ideally into a sanitary sewer line).
• Turn off the pump once the water level is low enough that the pump can no longer extract water. You may need to use a shop vac to remove any remaining water.

Important: Never use your regular pool pump to drain the pool. If the water level falls below the skimmer, the pump will begin to pull in air, which could cause damage to the pump.

3. Using a Pool’s Drain Adapter

Many above ground pools, especially temporary models from brands like Intex, come equipped with a drain adapter. This is a built-in feature that allows for easier draining without needing additional equipment.

How to Use:

• Connect a garden hose to the drain adapter.
• Open the valve to begin draining. Monitor the water flow to ensure it’s being directed properly and not flowing into areas where it could cause issues.
• Move the hose as needed to continue draining the pool.

Refilling Your Above Ground Pool

Once you’ve drained your pool, be sure not to leave it empty for too long. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and weather can damage the liner. Begin refilling your pool as soon as possible, either by using several garden hoses or a hose and a pump.

As the water level rises, you can turn on your pool pump and filter to begin cleaning the water. Once the pool is half-filled, test and balance your pool chemistry to ensure the water is safe and clear.

Conclusion

Draining an above ground pool is a manageable task if done properly. Whether you’re performing maintenance, repairing structural issues, or preparing for seasonal storage, the key is to follow the correct method and take precautions to avoid damage. By using a garden hose siphon, a submersible pump, or your pool’s built-in drain adapter, you can drain your pool safely and efficiently.

For more pool care tips, be sure to check out our full range of products and resources at AQUASTRONG. Stay ahead of your pool maintenance needs and keep your pool in excellent condition year-round.