So winter is coming, this brings you lots more responsibilities to keep your house in top-notch condition. And that includes draining an above-ground pool.
And yes, no experts are needed for assistance.
So, How far should you drain your above-ground pool for winter? In general, if you own a vinyl above-ground pool, it is suggested to drain the pool for about 1 inch below the bottom of the skimmer moth. In short, ensure that there remains enough water to expand and contract during winter.
Therefore, if you are thinking of taking on the project yourself, then this article is for you.
So, let’s dive right into it!
Why it is Better to Drain Above Ground Pool for Winter
There are many reasons why it is better to drain above ground pool for winter. For starters,
A) you get to start the new season with fresh water to ensure you enjoy your summers without having to worry about your water;
B) at times, things happen, and the pool water ends up leaking. In situations like this, you should achieve this for winter;
C) it can also play a big role in eliminating chlorine lock, which is a problem that even chemicals can’t fit.
Chlorine lock occurs when you put a lot of pool stabilizer in the pool that causes the pH level to unbalance. Here, the best way to solve this issue is to put fresh water. And what’s better than draining your pool to get this job done.
How Much Water to Drain
As a general rule of thumb, it could make you drain more water if you own an in-ground pool. The above-ground pool includes a removable pump and skimmer system that can keep draining small sums of water to maintain the quantity.
Now, if there is a vinyl pool liner, you should drain the pool for about 1 inch below the bottom of the skimmer moth. It is also acceptable that you go a few inches below the area you currently live in, specifically those with heavy precipitation during the bitter cold months of winter.
Some professionals also recommend you to go 6 inches below the simmers, where you see the level of the pool’s return back to the jet. You are likely to find this jet a few inches below the pool skimmer.
However, to bear in mind before you dive headfirst is to drain it enough and clean the plumbing system to prevent freezing. Here, if you own a removable pump and a skimmer system, make sure to drain little water, so you have enough space for the water to expand and contract through winter.
Draining an Above Ground Pool for Winter
There is a lot that goes into this tedious work but it shouldn’t drain your energy. Let’s find out what you can do.
1. Disposal
Firstly, you need to find a way to damp the water you will empty from the pool.
You can look for regulations regarding pool water disposal that comes with specific services to help you dispose of water efficiently.
After you are sure of the location where you will dump the water, look for different ways to siphon the water. Here are two of the ways:
● Cut a few feet of the end of the garden hose and create a siphon with it (about 6 to 8 feet long)
If you are thinking of cutting the hose, the best way is to dip the hose in the water and at the same time covering one end with your hand. Then take that end out of the swimming pool quickly and point it downward in a way that is below the pool’s surface.
● Use the complete garden faucet or hose.
However, if you are going this way, make an effort to attach the hose to the spigot and fill in the water. This method can be ideal especially if you have help available during this process. Ask your friend to put something over the open end of the hose and prevent the water from escaping. However, if you can’t count on a friend, using a clamp can do the trick perfectly.
2. Drain the water
Once you are set with that, it’s time actually to drain the water. For the severed hose siphon method, remove your hand immediately after lowering the other end to the ground. As this will be the un-submersed end, the water will start to drain out quickly.
Coming to the full hose method, it’s best to submerge the hose in the pool and remove the clamp or hand when you only have about 4 feet of water left in the hose. After that, lower the hose to the ground and remove the water to start flowing through the hose easily.
3. Remove the leftover water
You only need to get rid of the remaining water if you want to change the liner. You can try different methods to work for you, but the proven one still involves using a pump or a wet/dry vac. However, if you can’t ford to break your bank in this equipment, you can also try using a bucket to remove the water until the pool is almost empty.
Regardless, make sure to dry the pool well before going ahead with another liner to stay away from bacteria and pool algae for the next season.
Tools Needed to Drain the Pool for Winter
Now that you are aware of how far you should drain the pool and how exactly to go about it, you look into the tools you need during this process. I recommend you create a checklist and stick to it throughout the journey. Then, you can click on the links mentioned to help you make the purchase right away.
● Wet/Dry Vac
● Pool Safety Cover
● Push broom with a squeegee to remove water
● Clamp (if needed)
All in all, try not to use sharp objects like a rake or shovel that can damage the pool’s interior. Instead, it’s always best to aid for softer edges that can do the trick for you.
All in all, try not to use sharp objects like a rake or shovel that can damage the pool’s interior. Instead, it’s always best to aid for softer edges that can do the trick for you.
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