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Swimming pools may need to be emptied occasionally for repairs. Gunite and concrete pools sometimes develop leaks where the material was thin and over time became a small hole. Vinyl liners often tear and fiberglass pools can crack as well. Because most repairs cannot be made under water, you have to drain the pool to get to the problem.
Swimming pools don't hold up well when empty, so make sure if you do empty your pool, it is only for a short time. Try to schedule your repairs for nice days with no wind or rain. And try to refill the pool the same or the next day. - Some municipalities have restrictions on how you may drain your pool. Because you will be draining a lot of chemically treated water, be sure to check your local regulations first. If you have a water runoff in your street, you may be able to run a hose right out to it. But be careful not to drain the water so that it runs into your neighbor's yard or directly around the pool. If you haven't treated the water for a long time, you can disperse it across your yard, but don't leave it sit in any one place for too long. It will cause a flood and create a hole where it drains into the ground.
- Run your backwash system until the water is at the skimmer level, then place a 2-inch sump pump at the lowest level of the pool. If you have a very deep pool, you may have to work your way down in order to keep the electric cord out of the water. Use duct tape to hold the electrical connection up and away from the water. When you can no longer pump, use a shop vac to suction out the rest of the water. Know that you will burn out your pump if you keep on using it where there is no more water. The shop vac will also help you remove any debris left in the bottom of the pool. It helps to have a friend assist so that you aren't continuously in and out of the pool emptying the vacuum canister.
