How Do You Empty a Swimming Pool? Tips & Tricks From Pool Experts

If it’s your first time emptying a swimming pool, you may think the answer is simply to “let all the water out.” Though it’s not totally off, there’s much more to it than that. Draining your swimming pool might sound straightforward, but doing it quickly, safely, and without causing damage is one of the most important and misunderstood parts of pool ownership.

Luckily, we’ve had decades of experience helping Texas homeowners in realizing their custom pool dreams, and we have a lot of knowledge when it comes to pool maintenance. From fixing a serious chemical imbalance to resurfacing a worn-out pool bottom, whatever the reason, knowing when and how to drain a pool can save you a lot of time, money, and stress down the line.

We’ll cover everything you need to know before you even touch the hose, including the right way to drain your pool, what to watch out for before you begin, and whether it’s ever okay to leave your pool sitting empty for any length of time. Ready to take the plunge?

Why Drain Your Pool? The Basics

There are plenty of reasons you might need to drain a swimming pool, and as a pool owner, it’s important to understand the process and the potential risks that come with it. Let’s start with some of the most common situations where draining your pool becomes not just helpful—but necessary.

Water Issues

Some water issues require more than a quick chemical adjustment. One benchmark for determining water quality is called TDS, or “total dissolved solids.” Over time, everything from minerals and organic debris to chemical byproducts like cyanuric acid from chlorine builds up in your pool water. When those dissolved solids rise past the recommended limit of 2,500 parts per million (ppm)—a point most pools hit every five to seven years, depending on your environment—it’s time to drain and start fresh.

Resurfacing Your Pool

Even the most durable pool surfaces—including the top-tier finishes we use in every custom pool we build—aren’t immune to wear and tear. The most common cause of surface damage is calcium hardness, a key factor in maintaining overall pool health. When your water has high mineral content, or “hard” water, calcium levels can creep up over time. A calcium hardness of 800 ppm or higher can leave stubborn stains on your pool surface and degrade the efficiency of critical components like your pump, filter, heater, salt cell, and more.

Repairing Your Pool

Sometimes, even the best-made pools need a little extra attention. If your pool develops a crack, starts leaking from freeze damage, or simply needs a fresh coat of paint or resurfacing, draining the pool may be the only way to get the job done properly. Repairing or refinishing these kinds of issues often requires direct access to the surface, which means saying goodbye to the water—at least temporarily.

What to Know about Draining Your Pool (Before You Get Started)

Draining even a modest-sized swimming pool can be an undertaking. Before you gather any tools or roll out the hose, it’s crucial to check with your local water authority. Many municipalities have specific regulations about where and how to discharge pool water, what chemical levels are allowed in that water, and even which times of year draining is permitted. Skipping this step could lead to fines or other penalties, so it’s always best to stay informed and play by the rules.

Beyond regulations, timing matters. Pool interiors and equipment aren’t built to bake under direct sun for extended periods without water, which can lead to costly damage. On the other hand, draining during wet weather can create problems with hydrostatic pressure, which might cause your pool shell to shift or crack.

To avoid these issues, aim to drain your pool during the mild months of spring or fall. We recommend starting the job when conditions are dry and temperatures are expected to stay below 85°F. With the right timing and a little prep, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free drain.

How to Avoid Pool Pop

Finally, there’s the phenomenon known as “pool pop,” which every pool owner should take seriously. This occurs when underground pressure—especially in areas with a high water table or during winter when the ground freezes—pushes an empty pool upward. The result can be severe structural damage that’s incredibly costly to repair. To avoid pool pop, keep a few key precautions in mind:

• Only drain your swimming pool when the water table is low during dry weather.
• Always remove any hydrostatic plugs before draining your pool.
• Never leave your pool empty for extended periods of time.
• Avoid delays—refill the pool as soon as possible after any maintenance or repairs are finished.

By steering clear of these common missteps, you’ll dramatically lower the risk of pool pop and protect your investment for the long haul.

How To Empty a Swimming Pool: Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve checked in with your local water authority and weather conditions are favorable, it’s time to get started. No matter what kind of pool or equipment you have, you should begin by turning off the power supply to all electrical components, including pumps, lights, and any automated systems connected to your pool.

From there, the process will depend on what equipment you’re using. Whether you’re working with a submersible pump or a standard garden hose, the steps will vary slightly—but the goal is the same: drain your pool safely and efficiently.

Let’s walk through what to do based on the tools you have on hand.

How To Drain a Pool With a Pump

Draining your pool with a manual or submersible pump is one of the fastest and most effective methods—but it still requires a little know-how to do it right. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you drain your pool like a pro:

Step 1: Set up the pump

Place a manual or submersible pump at the deepest part of your pool. This will give you the most efficient start to the draining process.

Step 2: Start draining

Turn on the pump and begin draining. Keep a close eye on it as the water level drops—adjust the pump’s position as needed to maintain a steady flow.

Step 3: Monitor the water level

As the water gets too low for the pump to operate effectively, it’s time to prepare for the next step: removing the hydrostatic plugs.

Step 4: Locate the hydrostatic plugs

Hydrostatic plugs—usually found in the deep end—are built into the pool floor to relieve pressure from groundwater and prevent pool pop. They’re typically sealed with plaster.

Step 5: Break the plaster seal

Use a hammer and a chisel or screwdriver to gently break the plaster holding the plug(s) in place. Work carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding surface.

Step 6: Remove the plugs

Once the plaster is cleared, use a pair of pliers to remove the hydrostatic plugs. This will allow any trapped groundwater to be released safely into the pool.

Step 7: Continue draining

Let the pump run until all standing water is removed and any groundwater stops flowing in. A little bit of groundwater seepage is normal—just keep the pump going until it stops.

How To Drain a Pool With a Hose

Don’t have a pump? No problem—you can still drain your pool using the siphon method and a simple garden hose. While this approach takes a bit more effort and requires a slight downward slope in your yard, it does the job without any special equipment. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Submerge the hose

Start by placing both ends of your garden hose fully under the surface of the pool. Make sure the hose fills completely with water.

Step 2: Eliminate air bubbles

Hold both ends underwater until you no longer see any air bubbles rising. This means the hose is filled entirely with water and ready to siphon.

Step 3: Seal one end

While both ends are still submerged, place your hand firmly over one end of the hose to create a seal.

Step 4: Remove and reposition

With that end sealed, carefully pull it out of the water and place it on the ground at a lower elevation than the pool’s waterline—this elevation difference is what creates the siphon effect.

Step 5: Start the flow

Remove your hand from the end of the hose, and water should begin flowing out on its own. Once the siphon is going, it will continue until the water level drops too low or the hose intake is exposed to air.

How to Drain an Above Ground Pool

Draining an above-ground swimming pool follows much the same process as draining an inground one, with one key difference: Since the pool sits entirely above the ground, there’s no risk of pool pop.

That said, it’s still important to take all the usual precautions, like observing local water regulations, powering down any equipment, and choosing a stretch of favorable weather before you begin.

Taking these steps can help ensure the process goes smoothly from start to finish.

Can a Swimming Pool Be Left Empty?

No matter the type—inground or above ground—leaving a pool empty for an extended period is never a good idea. Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage the pool’s surface, and in colder climates, there’s the added risk of pool pop due to shifting ground or rising groundwater. To avoid costly issues, refilling your pool as soon as any repairs or maintenance are finished and bringing the water level back to normal is best.

Trust Lonestar Pool & Spa for Expert Pool Design and Maintenance

Draining a swimming pool involves more than just pulling the plug. From proper water disposal to protecting your pool’s structure, there are essential steps to take—and getting them right from the start makes all the difference.

If you’re in North Texas and need a hand with draining your pool or planning ongoing maintenance, Lonestar Pool & Spa is here to help. We offer free consultations and personalized solutions tailored to your pool’s specific needs.

We proudly serve Frisco, Prosper, Celina, Little Elm, McKinney, The Colony, Aubrey, and everywhere in between. If you have questions about maintaining your inground pool—or just need expert advice—don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always ready to help you keep your pool in perfect shape.