Draining Your Above-Ground Pool: What You Should Know

Draining your above-ground pool in the backyard can be a daunting task. After all, it’s not like you have access to a large drainpipe that can easily take care of the job for you. That said, there are some steps you can take and alternatives to draining your pool that you should know about before deciding how to proceed. So, what is the best way to drain an above-ground pool in the backyard?

The best way to drain an above-ground pool in your backyard is to use a submersible pump. This type of pump can be used to quickly and safely remove large volumes of water from the pool, often in less than an hour. Just make sure that you follow all safety instructions carefully when using a submersible pump.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss why you might need to drain your above-ground pool, alternatives to draining it, and things you should know before starting the process.

Why Should You Drain Your Above-Ground Pool?

There are a few reasons why you may want to drain your above-ground pool in the backyard. Let’s take a look at some of the most common:

Debris or Algae Buildup In the Water

One is if there is too much debris or algae buildup in the water that can’t be removed with vacuuming alone. If this is the case, then draining the pool and giving it good scrubbing can make all the difference.

Damage to the Liner

Another reason you may want to drain your above-ground pool is if there is any damage or tearing to the liner. If this is the case, then draining it can help prevent further deterioration and give you time to repair or replace the damaged area.

Winterizing Your Pool

Finally, if you live in a climate that experiences cold winters, then you’ll need to drain your pool before winterizing it. This will help prevent the water from freezing and causing damage to the liner or other parts of the pool.

Best Ways to Drain Your Above-Ground Pool

Now that we’ve discussed why you may want to drain your pool, let’s look at the best ways to do it.

Submersible Pump

As mentioned earlier, the best way to drain an above-ground pool is with a submersible pump. This type of pump can be used to safely and quickly remove large volumes of water from your pool in less than an hour. The benefits of this method compared to others are that it is fast and efficient, and doesn’t require you to manhandle the hose or carry buckets of water.

Garden Hose

Another way to drain your above-ground pool is by attaching a garden hose (with a pressure regulator) and running it from the top of the pool to an area away from the house. This can take some time and effort, but it is an effective method if you don’t have access to a submersible pump.

Siphon With a Show Vacuum

Finally, another way to drain your above-ground pool is by using a garden hose and the suction from a shop vacuum. This can take some time but it is an effective method if you don’t have access to a submersible pump or garden hose.

Best Time of Year to Drain Your Above Ground Pool

The best time of year to drain your above-ground pool is in the fall when temperatures are cooler and there is less risk of algae growth. This will also give you more time to repair any damage or replace any parts that may have been damaged during the summer.

Benefits of Draining an Above-Ground Pool

Draining an above-ground pool can help improve its overall water quality and clarity and reduce algae growth. Additionally, it allows you to inspect and repair any damage that may have occurred over time such as holes in the liner or deterioration of other components.

Draining also gives you an opportunity to thoroughly clean all parts of the pool, including the filter and pump system. This can help ensure that your above-ground pool is always in optimal condition when it’s time to fill it again.

Additionally, draining your above-ground pool during the off-season will keep your pool from attracting bugs!

Alternatives To Draining Your Above-Ground Pool

If neither of these methods seems feasible for you, then there are other alternatives that may work better for your situation.

Shock Treatments

One alternative is using shock treatments which involve adding a large amount of chlorine (or other sanitizing chemicals) into the water. This can be an effective way to break down algae and bacteria in your pool without having to drain it.

Filter Cleaning

Another alternative is performing a filter cleaning. Over time, your pool’s filter can become clogged with debris, reducing its efficiency and leading to cloudy water. A thorough filter cleaning can help improve the water quality without having to drain your pool.

Things To Know Before Draining Your Above-Ground Pool

Before you decide to drain your above-ground pool in the backyard, there are a few things that you should know:

Check for Leaks or Damage

Before draining it, you should check for any leaks or damage to the liner or other parts of the pool. This will allow you to ensure that everything is sealed correctly so that no water is lost during the draining process.

Turn off Electrical Components

Second, be sure to turn off any electrical components such as pumps and filters before starting the draining process. This will help prevent any accidental damage while they are out of commission.

Make Sure You Have All The Necessary Equipment

You’ll also want to make sure that you have all of the necessary equipment before starting, including a submersible pump and any adapters or hoses you may need.

How Often Should You Drain Your Above-Ground Pool?

It’s best to drain your above-ground pool at least once a year, preferably in the fall. This will give you an opportunity to inspect and repair any damage that has occurred over time, as well as thoroughly clean all components of the pool. Additionally, it can help improve water quality and clarity while reducing algae growth.

Should You Hire A Professional To Drain Your Above-Ground Pool?

In most cases, you can safely and effectively drain your pool yourself using one of the methods outlined above.

However, if you’re not confident in your DIY skills or don’t have access to the necessary equipment, then it may be worth hiring a professional service that specializes in draining pools. This will ensure that everything is done properly without any risk of damaging your pool.

Final Thoughts

Draining your above-ground pool in your backyard doesn’t have to be a difficult process. With the right equipment and knowledge, you can get the job done quickly and safely without draining your pool.

Just make sure that you follow all safety instructions carefully when using a submersible pump, check for any leaks or damage before starting, have all of the necessary equipment on hand, and consider hiring a professional if needed.

Related Questions

Do you need to drain inground pools in your backyard?

Yes, you should periodically drain and clean your inground pool in order to remove debris and maintain proper water chemistry.

Cleaning can be done with either a submersible pump or by using a vacuum cleaner, depending on the size of the pool and how deep it is. It is also important to check for any leaks before beginning the draining process.

Can you drain an above-ground pool without a pump?

Yes, in some cases it is possible to drain your above-ground pool without a pump. If the pool is at a lower elevation than the surrounding area then you may be able to use gravity to help with drainage.

Additionally, you may be able to siphon out the water using a hose and bucket. However, these methods will not work for large pools or those that are at higher elevations. In those cases, it is best to use a submersible pump.