How to Remove Water From 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 major 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.

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When Should I Drain My Swimming Pool?

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.

Regardless, consult with an expert first before deciding to take water out. These steps apply to inground and above-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.

How to Drain A Pool with a Cartridge Filter

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

1. Using the Drain Plug

• Shut off the pump.
• Go to the back of the filter and unscrew the drain plug.
• Turn the pump back on and let the water run until it reaches the point where you want to drain the water out.
• Turn the pump back off and put the plug back into the drain plug.

2. Using the Drain Valve- If your system has a valve in between the pump and the filter.

• Shut the pump off and rotate the valve so that it blocks the water going to the filter.
• Turn the pump on and the water will come out of the opening.
• When you get to the point where you've taken out enough water, turn 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.

How to Drain a Pool with a Sand Filter

• 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 correct amount of water out of your swimming pool, turn the pump back off.
• Rotate the multiport valve from the "Waste" position, in a clockwise direction, back to "Filter."
• Pick the backwash hose up to help drain all the water out and roll it back up.

How to Drain a Pool with a DE Filter

• Manually shut the pump off at the breaker box.
• Turn the multiport valve on the DE filter in a clockwise direction 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 in a clockwise direction until you get back to "Filter."
• Turn the pump back on.

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.