How to Drain an Above-Ground Pool Safely and Efficiently

If you own an above-ground pool, there's a distinct possibility that you’ll need to drain it. Pools require draining for maintenance, cleaning, liner replacement, or winterization. If performed incorrectly, draining your pool can cause costly damage to your liner or frame. Fortunately, best practices exist that make draining your pool an easy process. We’ll discuss how to drain your above-ground pool, the safest way to do so, and what to do once the water has been removed. 

Why You Might Need to Drain Your Above-Ground Pool

Most of the time, you can resolve common issues without draining your pool. However, situations exist where draining is the best option:

• Liner replacement or repair: When your liner has a rip, wrinkle, or has aged beyond repair, draining is required for replacement.
  
  
• Heavy contamination: If your pool water becomes extremely cloudy, algae-filled, or contaminated with metals or debris, a full drain may be the only way to restore balance.
  
  
• Chemical buildup: Over time, stabilizer (cyanuric acid) or calcium can accumulate beyond recommended levels, making water chemistry difficult to manage.
  
  
• End-of-season storage: Some pool owners choose to drain their pool completely for winter storage or relocation.

When You Should “Not” Drain Your Pool

Draining at the wrong time or under poor conditions can damage your pool. Avoid draining if:

• Your liner is still new and tight: It can shrink or wrinkle if exposed to air for too long.
  
  
• It’s extremely hot or sunny: UV rays can dry and crack your liner.
  
  
• There’s no clear reason: If water chemistry can be corrected with treatments, keep the water inside.
  
  

How to Drain an Above-Ground Pool Safely

Before you begin, always check local regulations; some areas have rules about where you can discharge pool water.

Step 1: Gather Your Equipment

You’ll need:

• A submersible pump or garden hose siphon
  
  
• A discharge hose leading to a safe drainage area
  
  
• Basic tools if you’re removing fittings or hoses
  
  

Step 2: Choose a Drain Location

Make sure your drain area is:

• Away from your home, foundation, or neighbor’s property
  
  
• Sloped for proper runoff
  
  
• Not near storm drains (unless allowed by your city)
  
  

Step 3: Begin Draining

Place the pump in the deepest section of your pool and attach the discharge hose. Once connected, plug in the pump to start draining the water. If you’re using a hose siphon instead, fully submerge the hose, then lift one end out to initiate water flow.

Step 4: Monitor the Process

Remain attentive as the water level drops, and never leave a draining pool unattended! Stop draining when only a few inches of water remain. Completely drying out your liner can cause shrinkage, fading, or cracking.

Step 5: Clean and Inspect

Once drained, take the opportunity to:

• Scrub the pool walls and floor
  
  
• Inspect the liner for cracks, wrinkles, or fading
  
  
• Check fittings, skimmers, and hoses for wear
  
  

If you’re replacing the liner, now’s the time to make repairs or upgrades. At EZ Pool & Spa Supply, we recommend using Swimline as your “go-to” pool liner brand!

Refilling Your Above-Ground Pool

When it’s time to refill, use a garden hose and let the pool fill gradually. As the water level increases, smooth out any wrinkles in the liner and check for leaks. Once full, check your water chemistry with a Water Testing Kit and balance your water with Pool Opening Chemicals if need be.

Summary 

Draining an above-ground pool doesn’t have to be complicated; when done properly, it can help with maintenance, liner replacement, or correcting water chemistry. Always drain only when necessary and avoid doing so in extreme heat to protect your liner. Use a submersible pump, discharge hose, and a safe drainage area to remove water efficiently, monitoring the process closely to prevent damage. 

Once drained, inspect and clean your liner, checking for cracks or wear. After refilling, restore the water balance using Pool Start-Up Chemicals and check your water with a Water Testing Kit to maintain a clean and balanced pool. Ready to get started? Shop at EZ Pool & Spa Supply for all of your pool drainage needs!