How to Drain Your Swimming Pool

Knowing how to drain a pool the right way can help you avoid damage, save money, and keep your pool in top condition. Whether you're preparing your pool for a hurricane, lowering high TDS levels, or planning maintenance, proper pool draining is a critical step. We’ll help you uncover when and how to drain your pool safely, what tools you’ll need, and important precautions to take so you can get the job done efficiently and protect your pool in the process.

Note: This article walks you through partially draining your pool. To fully empty your pool, call a professional.

Need help from the pros?

There are a few reasons why you may want to drain some water from your pool:

• In cases where your water has a high level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), a Pinch A Penny expert may recommend that you drain some water from your pool and add fresh water.
• If you know that a large tropical storm or hurricane is approaching, you may also want to drain some water to prevent overflow.
• In the event you need a repair or resurfacing, the techs will take care of this process.

It’s best to consult with an expert first before deciding to take water out.

These steps apply to draining above-ground and in-ground pools, as well as saltwater and chlorine-treated pools. If you decide this is a necessary step, this article will show you how to drain water out of your swimming pool, regardless of what type of filter you have.

Warning: We do not recommend you drain a pool past the skimmer line. Doing this may cause your pump to run dry, damaging or destroying it.

For pools that have a cartridge filter, there are two ways to achieve this.

• Shut off the pump.
• Unscrew the drain plug from the back of the filter.
• Turn the pump back on and let the water run until it reaches the desired level.
• Turn the pump back off and put the plug back into the drain plug.

• Shut the pump off and rotate the valve so that it blocks the water going to the filter.
• Turn the pump on. Water will come out of the opening.
• When you've drained enough water, shut the pump off and turn the 3-way valve back to the regular position. This way, water can pass from the pump into the filter again.

• Turn the pump off.
• Roll the backwash hose for your sand filter out into the yard or approved draining area.
• Rotate the multiport valve on the top or side in a clockwise direction to the “Waste” position.
• Turn the pump back on.
• After you get the desired amount of water out of your swimming pool, turn the pump back off.
• Rotate the multiport valve clockwise from the "Waste" position back to "Filter."
• Raise the backwash hose to help drain all the water out before rolling it back up.

• Manually shut the pump off at the breaker box.
• Turn the multiport valve on the DE filter clockwise until you get to "Waste".
  
• Turn the pump back on.
• When you've taken enough water out of the swimming pool, turn the pump off.
• Rotate the handle on the multiport valve clockwise  to "Filter."
• Turn the pump back on.

If you removed only excess rainwater, you may not need to add water back (you should still test the water). If you drained your pool to improve water chemistry, refill it as your local Pinch A Penny expert recommends. In general, to restore the water level, follow these steps:

Before you begin, make sure you have the pool maintenance supplies needed to test and rebalance your water.

1. With the pump off, return the equipment to its normal “Filter” or operating setting.

2. If needed, refill the pool to the recommended level (typically around halfway up the skimmer opening).

3. Restart the pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Confirm normal circulation (return flow; water is no longer discharging). If it’s not functioning properly, turn off the pump and call a professional.

5. Allow the water to mix in before checking the chlorine and pH. After substantial water replacement or heavy rain, ask your local Pinch A Penny for a complete water test. For saltwater pools, also check the salt level.

6. Correct any imbalances and retest. Confirm appropriate swimming conditions before use. For ongoing water care and maintenance guidance, read our pool care guide.
   
   

Draining a pool isn’t something you’ll need to do often, but when the time comes, doing it correctly is key to protecting your pool and surrounding area. By following the proper steps and safety precautions, you can ensure a smooth process and avoid costly damage. 

If you're unsure or prefer professional help, your local Pinch A Penny experts are always here to assist. From expert advice to reliable pool services, we’ve got everything you need to keep your pool clean, safe, and swim-ready year-round.

Yes, you can use a garden hose as a siphon to drain a limited amount of water. Because this method uses gravity, the discharge end has to be lower than the pool’s water surface. First, submerge the hose in the pool to fill it with water. Keeping one end underwater, cap the discharge end and move it downhill to an approved drainage spot. To start the flow, uncover the end. Keep a close eye on the pool’s water level, and don’t drain past the skimmer line. To stop the siphon, lift the intake end from the pool.

There’s no set schedule for when you should partially drain your pool. You may need to lower the water level after heavy rain or add water when testing shows dilution is needed. Water level, test results, and professional advice should guide when and how much water to replace. For guidance on how to empty a pool, consult your local Pinch A Penny expert.

Some pool systems can use the main-drain line to send water to a waste outlet, depending on the plumbing and equipment. The main drain itself is a suction inlet, not a waste outlet. Confirm with a professional whether your system supports this method.