You are draining the pool much faster than water can flow through the hydrostatic valve, which is designed to equalize the water level in the pool to the groundwater to compensate for a small leak or water loss. Leslie Pools say I need to drain 1/2 the water out of the swimming pool and replace with fresh water. Of water under my pool. Spit out the water and place the hose on a ground. The advantage of the latter method is that you can reuse 90% of the water (the environment would thank you). Remaining organic debris, like leaves, alters the water's acidity and may be harmful to the environment once the pool water drains into local bodies of water. You’ll be left with a ditch or a sinkhole under your pool, neither of which is Clearing your yard of debris is essential as well; moving pool water across the yard drives lightweight debris into the storm drain. susan lopez 6/19/2015 1:53:20 PM I have an inground pool, gunite, I have for about three years in the late spring, drained the pool by closing the skimmer line, have the main drain valve open fully, and the return line open fully, had an issue of the pool pump not priming, called out my pool company and they had to replace the pump. The National Swimming Pool Foundation recommends that pool owners not drain your pool entirely. Knowledgeable pool owners often ask about the hydrostatic relief valve and why it wouldn't protect the pool in this case. Step 3. When suitable, drain the pool one-third to one-half, and then refill quickly. Make sure that the pH of the water is between 6.0 and 8 If you own a pool for long enough, eventually you face the task of draining it. You can also use the pHin smart monitor to keep the water in your pool or hot tub balanced. You can use more than one hose if you want to drain the pool faster. A hydrostatic relief valve only allows as much water to flow through as the force of gravity permits. You may also need to drain the pool in intervals. Bermuda grass and Oleanders can be watered without much problem, but avoid using this water on citrus, hibiscus, or other salt-sensitive plants. They drain the water out through the bottom drain into the ground below the pool. To start draining the water, position your lips around the free end of the hose and suck air until you feel water in your mouth. If a partial pool draining can accomplish the result, a complete draining of the pool can be avoided. By Chris Wiant, MPH, PhD . Spit the water out. The MS4 conveys water directly to rivers and streams, and chlorinated water can kill aquatic life. NOTE: Never drain a fiberglass or in-ground vinyl liner pool completely as you can damage the integrity of the pool surface or liner. Draining Water From Swimming Pool by J.P. (Stockton, Ca.) The water helps to “hold down” your pool. Although it may sound strange, check your municipality's laws concerning the discharge rate. Can it be done this way? If a partial pool draining can accomplish the result, a complete draining of the pool can be avoided. Home Depot is always an option. Make sure that the pH of the water is between 6.0 and 8.0, and that high levels of chlorine or biguanide sanitizers are not present in the water before draining. Do not completely drain your pool. After draining the old water, you can refill the pool with a garden hose. District of Columbia law prohibits the discharge of swimming pool water into public space. Help ! This does not sound right to me, putting 12,000 gal. Take the other end of the hose to where you want the water to drain. Two hoses will fill the pool quicker. Chlorinated swimming pool water may also not be discharged into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) or storm drain. Two hoses will fill the pool quicker. Find ways to drain your pool wisely. The time it takes to drain your pool water will depend on the municipality laws, the pump speed, and the total size of the pool. This does not sound right to me, putting 12,000 gal. Siphon the water out of the pool by placing your mouth on the end of the hose and sucking repeatedly until water comes out. Always complete partial drains 1/3 of the pool at a time. If you cannot locate a hydro-static valve, call a pool professional to drain it. Updated by Dr. John Mullen.