Swimming pools can provide endless hours of fun and entertainment during hot summer days, but they also require a great deal of maintenance to keep them in top condition. One of the necessary tasks pool owners may face is deciding whether to drain their pool.
Several factors determine whether it’s time to empty your pool, from cleaning and repairs to water chemistry and safety concerns. In this article, we will explore why you may need to drain your swimming pool, and the varying types of pool drains available. We’ll also discuss how our technicians use the best practices for draining a pool to avoid any damage to the structure or surrounding landscape.
Whether you’re a new pool owner or a seasoned pro, understanding when and why to drain your pool is integral to pool maintenance. Let’s dive in and explore why you may need to drain yours.
Types of Pool Drain
When it comes to draining a swimming pool, a few different options are available. The type of pool drain you use will depend on the size and design of your pool, as well as the reason for draining it.
Here are three types of pool drains you may encounter:
Main Drain
The main drain is typically located at the lowest point of the pool and removes water. It is connected to the pool’s circulation system and can drain the entire basin.
Backwash Drain
The backwash pool drain removes water from the filter system during the backwashing process. It’s usually located near the filter system and drains a small amount of the water level from the pool.
Wastewater Drain
Emptying the wastewater drain removes pool water for access for cleaning or repairs. It’s near the pool’s edge and handles a large volume of water.
It’s essential to note pool drains should only be for their intended purpose and that draining a pool should always be done carefully and with caution to avoid any damage to the pool or surrounding areas. It’s also vital to follow local regulations and guidelines for draining pools to ensure the water is disposed of properly.
How Does a Pool Drain Work?
A pool drain is crucial to a swimming pool’s plumbing system. It removes water from the pool and circulates it back through the filtration system to keep it clean and debris-free. The pool drain allows water to flow out of the pool through a series of pipes. The pipe connection is at the main drain, typically located at the deepest part of the pool. The main drain is covered with a grate to prevent people and objects from getting sucked into the pipe.
When turned on, the pool pump creates a suction force that pulls water through the main drain and into the pipes. The water pushes through the filtration system, where it’s cleaned and treated with chemicals to kill bacteria and other harmful contaminants.
You must ensure the pool drain functions correctly to maintain a safe and healthy swimming environment. A poorly performing drain can lead to stagnant water – a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and other microorganisms.
Why Swimming Pool Drainage is Essential
Swimming pool drainage is an integral aspect of pool maintenance in Australia, as it helps ensure swimmers’ health and safety, whilst also protecting the environment. Here are some of the key reasons why drainage is essential for your swimming pool area:
Avoiding Algae and Other Contamination
If you don’t regularly drain pool water, it can become contaminated with various types of algae and dirt, debris, and other contaminants. These can make the pool unhygienic and unsafe to swim in. These contaminants are removed by draining and refilling the pool, improving water quality.
Preventing Structural Damage
If pool water is left to stand for too long, it can cause damage to the pool structure, including cracking, warping, and discolouration of the pool walls and floor. Regularly draining the pool helps prevent this type of structural damage, which can lead to costly and time-consuming repairs.
Maintaining Chemical Balance
Periodic drainage and pool water replacement also help to maintain the proper chemical balance of the water. If the chemical balance is incorrect, it can result in skin and eye irritation for swimmers and damage the pool and its equipment.
It’s Never Too Late to Drain Water in Your Swimming Pools
It’s never too late to drain pool water, even if you haven’t done it for some time, and here are the general steps to follow when draining a pool in Australia:
- Check Local Regulations: Before draining your pool, it’s vital to check with your local council or water authority to determine the regulations for pool water discharge in your area. There may be restrictions on the time of day or year you can discharge water and specific discharge methods to protect the environment.
- Turn off the Pool Equipment: The first step is to turn off all related equipment, including the pump, filter, and heater. This will prevent equipment damage and help ensure a safe and efficient draining process.
- Choose a Drainage Method: There are a few different drainage methods, depending on the size and location of the pool. You can use a submersible pump to remove the water. You can use the main drain or a pool vac to suction the water out for larger in-ground pools.
- Dispose of the Water: Disposal of pool water must follow local regulations. In some cases, you can discharge the water directly into a sewer system, while in other cases, you may need to use a water truck to transport the water to a designated discharge site.
- Clean the Pool: After drainage, thoroughly cleaning the pool walls and floor will remove any remaining dirt and debris. It will help to maintain a clean and hygienic swimming environment for future use.
- Refill the Pool: After cleaning, refill it with fresh water. Add the appropriate chemicals to maintain the proper chemical balance for safe swimming. You should note that any leftover pool chemicals must be disposed of safely.
Consult a Professional Plumbing Crew for Swimming Pool Drainage
If you plan to drain your pool, we recommend consulting our Woden Valley Plumbing & Gasfitting crew for assistance. Draining a pool can be a complicated process, and giving it the proper care it needs by getting it done correctly, will help avoid damage to your swimming pool area.
We have the experience and tools to safely and efficiently drain your pool while adhering to local regulations and guidelines. We can also advise on the best methods for disposing of the water and help ensure the proper cleaning of your pool is maintained after the draining process is complete.
So, if you plan to drain your swimming pool, consult our professional plumbing crew for assistance. It’s a small investment that can pay off in the long run by ensuring the longevity and safety of your pool.
Contact us and schedule your pool drain service today.
