Draining a swimming pool isn't that big a deal, if you follow the correct procedure. Read the following tips to make this job easy.
Maintaining a swimming pool involves a little bit of hard work and tactfulness, given the fact that a clean pool not only enhances the look of the house, but also caters to the hygiene quotient of the watered cavity. A dirty pool affects only the beauty of the surrounding area, but dirty water can give you numerous skin problems, which I am sure no one would like to derive. So, in order to clean your swimming pool and change the water regularly, here are some effective tips to help you out.
Good Pool Draining Tips
Now, to begin with, you must look for two things which are clear indicators that the water in your pool needs changing immediately. Firstly, check for the calcium hardness level. If the level is at or above 350 parts per million, then it is time to drain the pool water. Secondly, if the total dissolved solids (TDS) extent is beyond 4,000 ppm, that too points at the need for draining a swimming pool. Frankly, I feel that if the pool water requires changing, then it becomes quite visibly apparent as the water starts to look clouded and oily. In such cases, draining and refilling the pool is the best thing to opt for.
So, what are the things that you need to keep in mind during the procedure? Read the following tips to know more.
- Start by using leaf nets to scoop out any foliage or visible debris that can be manually removed.
- DO NOT allow water from your pool into the street or local drains or storm sewers. This might get you into a sticky situation, as certain cities have rules regarding water drainage and your pool draining might just fall within the purview of water wastage. Make it a rule therefore to always allow the pool water to run out into the sanitary sewage system, which enables water reprocessing and reuse.
- Begin by switching off the filtering system at the circuit breaker, to keep the automatic timer from switching it back on before you're done.
- Then, a proper submersible water pump, with a tiny bottom hole to keep recirculating the final inch of water, so that the seal doesn't get cauterized, has to be attached firmly with a hose pipe to the clean-out embrasure of the sewer and lowered into the deepest section of the pool. Now just check that there's no backing up of water taking place and the pool water is draining out into the sanitary sewage.
- See to it that not more than 15 gallons flows out in a minute, as that is the safest drainage speed. If that speed is superseded by any chance, than make sure a reliable pool expert is at hand to tackle any problem that may rear its head.
- Once the pool is empty, use a good brush and soap to quickly clean all the stains and possible algae growth on your pool tiles. A solution of liquid soap and muriatic acid in the ratio 5:1 can help you to get rid of ugly oil marks. Remember to not use a very hard bristled brush or not to rub too aggressively. Also, do not use a pumice stone, for the stone erodes while you scrub and leaves behind grainy particles. Use a hose to wash away all the dirty water.
- Make sure you know how to clean a pool filter, as next you need to clean the water filter by allowing some clean water to run through it. This will wash away all the dirt and grime from the circulatory system, and will prevent contamination of water once you refill the pool.
- Finally, refill your pool as soon as possible. I advise you to choose a day which is not extremely sunny to drain out your pool, as the sun can damage the plaster of your water feature, which should otherwise last you up to 12 to 15 years at the least. Otherwise, fill up the pool rather quickly to keep the sun's harsh rays at bay and wait till the natural chemical level of your pool is restored within a couple of days.
If you get stuck at any of these steps, especially if your pump starts to malfunction and water starts to back up instead of flow out, you must immediately call a plumber without trying any tricks yourself.
If you are still very unsure about the entire procedure, then it is better to get professional help immediately. Though professionals may charge a lot, it will save your pool from any damage, and leave you free to do other tasks.
