How to Drain Water From an Inground Pool

Pool water must be drained to the right place.

If you're a swimming pool owner, it's inevitable that from time to time you'll need to drain and refill your pool. Draining a swimming pool can be challenging if you've never done it before and are unsure how to proceed. Remember that your pool must be drained to a sewer clean-out port. This is the sewage line designated by your city for such purposes. Once you've located that sanitary sewer line, it's relatively easy to drain your pool with the proper equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Drainage hose
• Submersible pump

Instructions

1. Shut off the power to the pool's filtration system by flipping the switch at the circuit breaker.

2. Turn off the valve for the automatic water filter.

3. Locate the sewer clean-out port to find the sanitary sewer line. This is usually located relatively close to the pool or the house. Place it near a water spigot, and cap it with a rubber cap about 4 to 5 inches in diameter.

4. Unscrew the cap, then attach one end of the drainage hose to the clean-out port.

5. Run the other end of the hose to your pool where you'll connect it to a submersible pump.

6. Place the pump under water in the deepest part of the pool, ideally next to the drain, and turn it on.

7. Continue to monitor the progress of the water as it drains out of the pool to ensure that there are no clogs or backups on the water's path to the clean-out port. It's best to pump at a rate no higher than 10 gallons per minute.

Tips & Warnings

• If any backup issues occur when draining the pool with a submersible pump, contact a plumber immediately.

• If your pool has an integrated sewer system, contact the company that installed the pool to ask for instructions on draining.

• It's best to refill your pool as soon as possible after draining it to avoid sun damage to the pool's ceramic finish.

• Never drain your pool into the street or storm drains. This is against the law as it can contaminate the sewage system or possibly get you a citation for water waste.

References

• How to Drain Any Swimming Pool
• Pool Draining Tips