- Why You Might Need to Empty Your Pool
- Safety First, Obviously
- Method 1: Using a Submersible Pump (The Easy Way)
- Method 2: Siphoning with a Garden Hose
- Method 3: Using Your Pool’s Drain Plug
- Dealing with Those Last Few Inches
- Special Considerations for Different Pool Types
- What Not to Do
- After Draining: What Next?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why You Might Need to Empty Your Pool
First off, let’s be clear – you shouldn’t drain your above ground pool just for fun. These structures actually need water weight to maintain their stability. But there are definitely legit reasons to drain:
- Replacing a liner that’s seen better days
- Doing repairs to the frame or walls
- Completely replacing nasty water that’s beyond chemical help
- Winterizing in harsh climates (partial drain)
- Moving the pool to another location
I remember my neighbor emptied his pool because he thought it needed a “fresh start” every season – totally unnecessary and actually shortened the life of his pool liner. Don’t be that guy.
Safety First, Obviously
Before you drain a single drop, unplug all electrical equipment connected to your pool. Pumps, heaters, lights – everything!
According to pool safety guidelines from the University of California, working with water and electricity is a serious hazard. This isn’t just some box-checking exercise – I’ve heard horror stories.
Also check your local regulations about where you can drain pool water. Most places don’t want chlorinated water going directly into storm drains or natural water sources. You might need to dechlorinate first or direct the water to your sanitary sewer.
But yeah, also think about where all that water’s going. Your yard might become a swamp or you could flood out your basement if you’re not careful. Ideally, drain toward a slope away from your house and any neighbors’ properties.
Method 1: Using a Submersible Pump (The Easy Way)
This is definitely the fastest method if you have access to a submersible pump. You can rent one if needed – totally worth it for larger pools.
First, place the pump in the deepest part of your pool. Connect a garden hose to the pump’s outlet and run it to your drainage area. Then just plug in the pump and let it do its “unlocking crystal clear pool water secrets.”
As the water level drops, you’ll need to reposition the pump occasionally.
I tried this last summer and drained my 15-foot round pool in about 3 hours. Way faster than the other methods.
Anyway, the pump won’t get every last drop. Once the water level gets to about an inch or two, the pump won’t have enough to work with. That’s when you’ll need to switch tactics for the remaining water (more on that later).
Method 2: Siphoning with a Garden Hose
This is the budget option if you don’t have a pump. All you need is a garden hose – but it’s definitely slower.
Steps for Siphoning:
- Fill your hose completely with water – no air bubbles! This is crucial for starting the siphon.
- Submerge the entire hose in the pool.
- Cap one end with your thumb while it’s underwater.
- Keep that end capped while you pull the other end out of the pool and stretch it to your drainage area.
- Make sure this end is lower than the water level in your pool.
- Release your thumb and physics takes over!
The water should start flowing out.
The main downside? It’s slooooow. Painfully slow for bigger pools. Plus the siphon stops working when the water level gets too low, so you’ll still have those last few inches to deal with.
Method 3: Using Your Pool’s Drain Plug
Some above ground pools have a built-in drain plug near the bottom. If yours does, this is pretty straightforward – just open it up and let gravity do the work.
You might be able to connect a garden hose to direct the water where you want it. Check your owner’s manual for the exact setup since these vary by manufacturer.
Warning: never open the drain plug if your pool liner is old or fragile. The sudden pressure change can cause it to tear or pull away from the walls.
I learned this one the hard way with my first pool. Not ideal.
Dealing with Those Last Few Inches
This is where things get annoying. Once you’re down to about 1-2 inches of water, none of the above methods work very well. Here’s what I’ve tried:
- A wet/dry shop vacuum works great for smaller pools
- Push broom to sweep water toward one area, then use buckets
- For vinyl liner pools, you can carefully pull up an edge of the liner to create a low point
- Some people use a sump pump designed for shallow water (these can work in as little as 1/4 inch)
The shop vac is probably the most practical option for most people. According to pool liner experts, getting every drop out is especially important if you’re planning to replace the liner.
Special Considerations for Different Pool Types
Not all above ground pools are the same, and the draining approach can vary a bit depending on what you’ve got:
For metal-walled pools, be super careful about collapsing once the water weight is gone. These should never stay empty for more than a couple days max. Actually, I’d say that about almost any above ground pool.
If you’ve got an Intex or other soft-sided pool, draining is usually easier because they often have built-in drain valves positioned at ground level. But these pools can develop weird wrinkles if left empty too long.
Wait — let me rephrase — the bigger issue with soft-sided pools is that they can develop permanent creases if folded while being stored empty, not necessarily just from being empty.
What Not to Do
I’ve seen some pool owners make disastrous mistakes when draining:
- Never drain during high winds or storms – your empty pool can actually blow away or collapse
- Don’t cut holes in your liner to drain water (yes, people actually do this)
- Never leave the pool empty longer than necessary – the liner can shrink
- Don’t drain onto your well-manicured lawn unless you want dead grass
Also, if your groundwater level is high (like after heavy rain), don’t empty your pool. The pressure from outside can make the whole thing pop out of the ground. Seen it happen in my neighborhood after a particularly wet spring.
After Draining: What Next?
Once your pool is empty, work quickly to do whatever you needed an empty pool for. If you’re replacing the liner, cleaning, or making repairs, have everything ready to go.
The worst thing you can do is leave an above ground pool empty for days while you wait for parts or materials. The walls can warp, the liner can shrink, and the whole structure becomes vulnerable to wind damage.
I usually try to refill the same day if possible. Especially if there’s any wind in the forecast – an empty above ground pool is basically a giant sail waiting to catch a gust.
Emptying your pool isn’t complicated, but it does require some planning and the right equipment. Follow these steps and you’ll have your pool drained safely without damaging your yard or your pool structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Way to Drain an Above-Ground Pool?
The best way to drain an above-ground pool is to use a submersible pump, if you have one. Just set it up in the deepest part and let it do its thing.
If not, a hose works too—just gravity, baby!
How Do I Get Water Out of My Pool Without a Pump?
You can use a garden hose to siphon out water. Just fill the hose with water, cover one end with your thumb, and place the other end in the pool.
Release your thumb, and gravity does the rest. Boom! Water gone.
How Do You Drain a Pool With a Garden Hose?
To drain a pool with a garden hose, stick one end in the pool and the other end out, then siphon the water.
You might need to get the water flow going first by sucking out some water. Super easy!
Can You Use a Shop Vac to Get Water Out of a Pool?
Totally, you can use a shop vac to get water out of a pool! Just remember, it might take a while, and keep an eye on the vac so it doesn’t overheat.
Not ideal, but it works!
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