How to Drain a Pool Correctly
How to Drain a Pool Safely and Correctly (without damage or costly mistakes)
Draining a swimming pool might seem simple — just let the water out, right? But in reality, draining a pool involves careful planning, safety precautions, and knowledge of local regulations to avoid damage to your pool, your property, and the environment. Whether you’re tackling stubborn water chemistry, preparing for resurfacing, or fixing equipment, knowing how to drain your pool the right way matters.
At SNF Pools, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Palm Beach County and beyond handle pool maintenance and complex water procedures safely. Here’s a step-by-step guide to draining your pool the correct way — and why you might want a professional to help.
Know When You Really Need to Drain Your Pool
Before you even think about removing water, ask:
Is draining necessary?
Full drainage isn’t part of routine pool maintenance — most pools only need a complete drain every several years or when specific problems arise. Common reasons to drain include:
Persistent water chemistry issues that can’t be corrected with normal balancing
High levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), stabilizer (CYA), or calcium — which dilute chemicals and cloud water over time
Major repairs, resurfacing, or liner replacement
Severe algae or staining that won’t respond to shock treatments
If your water still looks cloudy or problematic after standard maintenance, a partial or full drain might be part of the solution — but not always the first one. Always consult a pool service professional first.
Check Local Rules & Environmental Safety
Before you begin draining your pool, it’s crucial to check local regulations for where you’re allowed to discharge water. Many municipalities prohibit draining water into storm drains because pool water often contains chlorine, salt, and other chemicals that can harm local ecosystems. Untreated pool water can be toxic to fish and wildlife.
Safe Options for Water Discharge
Direct discharge into the sanitary sewer (via sewer clean-outs) — often the most environmentally responsible method.
Slowly draining onto a grassy or landscaped area where it can infiltrate without damaging people’s property.
Neutralizing chlorine first (using chemicals or letting water sit) before any drainage is attempted.
Always follow local codes — in some areas you may need a permit. Ignoring these rules can result in fines or environmental harm.
Gather the Right Tools and Prep the Area
Draining a pool requires proper equipment and precautions to protect your pool system and surfaces. Here’s how to prepare:
✔️ Turn Off Pool Equipment:
Shut down the pump, heater, automatic controls, and electrical connections before you drain to prevent equipment damage.
✔️ Use a Submersible Pump:
A submersible pump placed at the lowest point of the pool is the safest and most efficient way to remove water — more effective than trying to use the pool pump for drainage.
✔️ Connect to a Safe Outlet:
Attach a discharge hose from the pump to your pre-approved drainage location (lawn, sewer clean-out, etc.). Secure the hose so it won’t pop out or spill water onto neighbors’ property.
✔️ Monitor Weather & Ground Conditions:
Don’t drain during or immediately after heavy rain because high groundwater levels can cause structural issues or “floating” of an empty inground pool.
Drain Slowly and Safely
Fast drainage can cause problems like soil erosion around your pool, flooding in your yard, or overloading nearby sewer lines. A slow, controlled discharge helps prevent these issues.
As the water level drops:
Watch for sediment and debris settling out so you can clean and remove it properly later.
Never leave a draining pool unattended — pump malfunctions or hose failures can happen quickly.
Keep children and pets well away from the work area for safety reasons.
After the Water is Out: Continued Care
Once most of the water is drained:
✔️ Remove the last few inches: Use a wet/dry vacuum or a small pump — don’t force your pool pump to run dry.
✔️ Inspect for Repairs: Look for cracks, tile damage, or surface wear that may need professional attention.
✔️ Re-fill and Re-balance: When refilling your pool, add fresh water gradually and test chemistry continuously until pH, alkalinity, and chlorine are within ideal ranges.
Why You May Want Professional Help to Drain your Pool
Draining a pool isn’t inherently dangerous — but doing it incorrectly can be costly. Mistakes may lead to:
Damaged plaster or liner shrinkage
Structural stress or cracking
Municipal violations or environmental fines
Equipment failures
A trained pool service company like SNF Pools can help ensure your pool is drained correctly and safely, with full attention to local regulations, environmental impact, and long-term pool health.
Draining a Pool Done Right
Draining your pool should always be approached thoughtfully — not as a quick weekend chore. From checking local codes to using the right equipment and minding environmental concerns, proper pool draining protects your investment and keeps your pool in great condition.