How to Drain an Above Ground Pool

When the summer wanes and it's time to drain your above ground pool, a pool owner has several choices for emptying the pool and getting it ready for the winter months.
The easiest option is to rent a sump pump from a local rental center. If cost is a factor; however, an above ground pool can also be emptied by using a few household items with just a little more effort.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sump pump (owned or rented) Garden hose Outside spigot

1. The first step is to select a location that is suitable for draining the large amount of pool water onto. This location must be lower than the location of the pool to allow for effective drainage.
   With a sump pump, attach a discharge hose and arrange the hose to drain in the predetermined drainage location.
   A professional sump pump should be capable of draining a standard pool in approximately 12 hours.

2. If it is preferable to drain the pool with household items, this is the method.
   Attach a standard garden hose to an outside spigot. The other end of the garden hose will be placed in the deepest part of the swimming pool.

3. Turn the spiggot on and allow the water to run for about one minute. After the minute elapses, grasp the hose approximately 2 to 3 feet away from the spigot and bend it tightly to prevent water from flowing through the hose.
   Turn the spigot off and remove the hose from its attachment.

4. Quickly move the bent hose end to the predetermined drainage location and release the hose. It will take time, but the water will drain out of the pool through the hose.

Tips & Warnings

• If the water drainage slows down, repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 to get it started again.