Obviously, a pool choking with algae, debris, dirt, or probably a rotting rat is every home owner’s nightmare. It may look hopeless more so if hiring a pool cleaning service may cost you more.
There comes a time when the best decision is to drain the pool.
It may be the last option on your mind, which is nevertheless necessary. Probably you could be apprehensive about how to go about it due to equipment and costs.
Worry less; you don’t need a pump for this exercise.
You can easily do it yourself with no extra help by the use of a garden hose. Here, we explain the simple steps of how to drain a pool using a garden hose. Keep reading.
Draining A Pool: A Step By Step Guide
- Decide on whether you want to drain partially or completely
Draining your pool with a garden hose is a simple process that can last one hour, depending on the pool’s size. It can also take many hours if you have to wait for the entire pool to drain.
Normally if you’d like to drain quickly, you may use a combination of a pump and a garden hose. It helps in removing all the water by siphoning.
Also, if you’d like to remove the pool’s liner and replace it with another one, then this method is appropriate. Partial drainage doesn’t need much pressure, and here you can use a garden hose.
Making this decision is also important because you can then decide whether you should get a pool automatic cleaner or not.
- Check on the water level
The pool water level remains consistent, depending on the weather and the number of people and times it’s in use.
The water levels may increase with rainwater, and this calls for the reduction of excess water to maintain the desired level.
With continuous rain, you need a home remedy to address the problem, and the hosepipe will come to your aid.
- Shop for the right pipe size
You’ll require a ¾ inch hose pipe long enough to connect from the pool to the drainage. The pipe should be open on the side.
It is immersed in the water and capped on the other end outside the pool before you begin the exercise. This helps prevent the water from flowing back and pouring out before you guide it into the drain.
A thin pipe will take a long time to siphon the water.
- Decide on the water disposal method
The excess or used water requires proper drainage to prevent flowing in your compound. Careless drainage may damage the neighborhood, storm drainages, and streets.
The water may be contaminated with dirt and which may pose a health hazard to the neighbors. You may arrange to drain it into the house drainage or the sewer system.
Dumping a huge amount of water may alter the landscape of your home. It’s this vital to consider where to channel the excess water.
Some states or regions have laws regarding the dumping of excess water due to chemicals. These are not only hazardous but also risk to the environment.
The chemicals may also harm your garden plants. It’s vital to check with the respective local authority so that you don’t find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
You may need some gutters to direct the water flow. Check if they’re sufficient to carry a lot of water. Also, check what the local authority regulations say about the use of gutters to drain pool water.
- Siphoning and drainage
After deciding where to dump the excess water, there are several methods of siphoning the water. You may opt to start by cutting off a section of the garden hose on each opening.
Alternatively, you can combine the use of the garden hose with the faucet.
When cutting the garden hose, an 8 feet section will be appropriate. With the cap still on the lift high the hose pipe and place top end close to the point of drainage while the other end is still in the water.
Directing the capped end into the drain, remove the cap, and the water will start siphoning out into the drainage.
Make sure there’s a space between the drainage walls and the pipe’s end or sewer to stop the water from the sewer flowing back into the pool. This will prevent contamination of your pool with filthy water.
If the process was to drain excess water, keep checking the level water to ensure you maintain the required level. When done, raise the end, which was inside the water to above the water level.
By doing this, no more water will be siphoned. The process is now complete, and you can pull the whole hose pipe out of the pool.
If you don’t want to cut off the garden hose, then you can fix it to the plug and fill it with water. It would help if you can seek an extra hand to cover the open side to prevent ensure the water doesn’t escape.
Also, you may need to clamp the garden hose to ensure the water stays in place. Watch the instructional video to clear all of your confusions:
- Removing the excess water
A garden hose may not remove all the water. In some circumstances, draining all the water may not be necessary.
However, to remove excess water, you may consider a pump, either electric or manual, depending on your budget.
Dry the pool
Drying the pool is the last step if you’d like to replace the liner or keep it dry. Drying prevents the build-up of algae.
Conclusion
A garden hose is by far the cheapest option. However, it’s a bit slow and doesn’t drain up to the last drop. However, if you want to fix the chemicals present in the pool, then it’s a worthy consideration.
Many a time you may require to siphon out excess water from your pool. When equipped with a hosepipe, it’s easy, convenient, and no extra cost is required.
You can repeat it as many times as possible when the situation demands. If situations demand complete drainage of the pool, then you may consider using a pump.
By following the steps, your pool will be ready for a refreshing summer swim.
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