How often should a pool be drained?

How often should a pool should be drained? What are the problems you’ll face when doing so? These questions will be explored in this blog post. We’ll also look at what could happen if you don’t drain it. Roughly speaking, swimming pools should be drained and the water replaced every 7-10 years. However there are several factors concerning when it should be undertaken.

Take good care of your pool

Careful monitoring of the pools water’s condition will lead to less draining of the pool. Check the PH and free chlorine levels regularly. If the free chlorine levels drop 3ppm, then it will not be able to fight the growth of algae and bacteria effectively. PH levels should also be kept between 7.2 and 7.6.

Your filter system will remove a great deal of debris and contaminants and will go a long way to keeping the pool clean. However, filters will get clogged with dirt and debris over time, so it is essential that these are cleaned during the maintenance process.

What will happen if I don’t drain it?

The pool water has harsh chemicals such as chlorine added to it and will also be exposed to build-ups of dead skin, hair and oils. Eventually the water will not be able to be effectively treated after the period of 7 years is up.

Additionally, the pool surface can be damaged by unmaintained pool water. If you live in a hard water area, then it will be subject to deposits of calcium and minerals building up in the pool. This will damage tiles and grouting, leading to considerable repair costs so deep cleaning of these can be done when empty.

When should I drain the pool?

The timing of when you should drain the pool is mainly down to your own pool maintenance schedule. It also depends on how often it is used and the environment that surrounds it. Draining should take place in autumn or spring, as the milder climate during those seasons will ensure less chance of heat, sun or moisture damage to the pool surfaces.

If your pool has slimy walls, green water, a very bad smell and ‘shocking’ the pool won’t clean it, then you should drain it. If you don’t, then the swimmers that use the pool could find their health affected.

When should I not drain the pool?

Do not drain the pool for cleaning as this can be done with the water still in it. You should also not drain the pool after a large storm or a significant amount of rain. This is because the extra water will exert more pressure on the bottom of the pool as it drains. Also you should not drain your pool if you have a vinyl lining and special care if its a one piece shell especially in areas where there is a high water table.

Always seek help

It is advisable to seek professional help when draining the pool. If the draining goes wrong, it can cost significantly more to repair than if you enlisted the assistance of a professional. So contact us at Deep End Pools to discuss how often a pool should be drained and how we can help you.