Thanks for the pro tip! I was headed down this road and my 3rd eye told me to check out your video first! Thanks for the save and for taking the time to create this content!
You stated not to use the pump to drain the pool because you overwork the pump. If there's a main drain, using the pump will not cause it to be overworked. A smaller size pool pump can push 35 gallons a minute. At 1 hour the pump has pushed 2,100 gallons (35gals x60 minutes=2,100gallons) At 10 hours of run time the pump has pushed 21,000gals, which would have drained the pool in the video, minus the residual which is maybe 50gals. A lot of people run their pumps 24/7 which equates to 50,400gals pumped. The pump does not have a mind of its own to know where the water is going. The water is either being returned to the pool or its being dumped, makes no difference to the pump.
WHEW! Glad I watched this, saved my bacon! I was draining the pool rite now, using the pump & it started sucking air. Glad I caught it before I burned it up!. Anyway, I'm only draining 1/2. Switched to using the sweep, off and running again. I'm keeping an eye on it. The pool is like 20 yrs old, they added a hose bib, so if you want to drain it using the pump, you hook up a garden hose, run it down the sewer drain and turn on the pump.
This is how I do it. I use a manual pool vacuum head so that it doesn't move around the pool like an automatic vacuum. Then I attach one end of the suction hose to it and the other end to the suction outlet on the side of the pool. I also attach a piece or rope to the vacuum head in case I need to retrieve it before the pool empties out. Then I connect my 2 inch drain hose to the drain of the pool filter housing and run it out to the driveway. To make this work better, I take out the filter element and plug the outlet port that leads back to the pool so that 100 percent of the water is directed to the drain. Note: The first time I did this, I used an automatic pool vac with the pods removed so that it wouldn't walk around the pool. However, the rotating action of the throat of the vacuum where the suction hose connects, caused the flange on the side of the pool to unscrew which started letting in so much air that the pump stopped pumping. Once I realized this, I screwed the flange back in and made sure it was very tight, after which the pump started pumping reliably again. This in why I now use a manual vacuum head which works perfectly every time.
Just checked bc were about to get 16 inches of snow & I never checked the pool level, the former residents had a pool cover pump in there when we moved in 3 years ago, pool store said it’s not necessary so I left it out. I figured I best check before the snow. I know 16” of snow isn’t 16” of rain but better safe than sorry. Sure enough the water Level we drained to below the skimmer when we closed it is now 2 in from the top so I used the pool cover bar to break the ice & I put the pool cover pump in & it seems to be draining just fine, thankfully there’s a sewer drain in front of the house so the sidewalk & street doesn’t become a sheet of ice. I looked it up bc I think the pool cover pump is for pool covers that get water on them not to be put in the pool like the former residents did. It’s working so I’ll run it for an hour or so even if I get another inch or two out it’s better than it overflowing into the neighbors back yard.
I in joy your channel and thank you for all your help. There is rain here in Florida actually a hurricane turning into a tropical storm and my pool will be overflowing how do I use my pent air pull pump to drain it out. It has a spicket above the strainer bucket for hose ,do I turn it to main drain or do I turn it to skimmer. I know if I turned to skimmer in a good blows a skip the line I could hurt the pool. What should I do to run off some of the water
All you have to do is attach a hose to the spigot you described, open it and turn on your pool pump (make sure the hose is in an area that can drain to well). KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR WATER LEVEL and once it gets back to where it needs to be turn off your pool pump, shut the spigot off and disconnect the hose. Done. 👍
I have used the filter pump in back wash mode to drain my pool on multiple occasions, it works great and never had a problem. Of course the main drain has a separate and I can configure the valves to only pull from the main drain. If you pool is very clean just flip the valves and go, if it is dirty I would remove the filter grids first otherwise you can get debris trapped in them that will never come out shortening the life of the grids, but that is only around $100 so... As for his comment about strain on the pump motor, what? The pump recirculates the pool water all day, why would it care if the water is going back in the pool or down the drain? If you can direct the suction to the main drain, is perfectly fine to do. The only issue might be concern for the filter grids, and you can always take those out if you want. I have drained my pool on multiple occasions (twice fully and three times half) with the same grids installed and they are still working perfectly, but again my pool water is very clean so...
Do not drain your pool in backwash mode.it will take all of your d.e (diametric earth) out of your filter and will cause the debris to tear wholes in your filter if you do not put more de in after.put it in waste mode and it will drain your pool while bi-passing the filter.
I don't. I've had two clients do that and it lasted about a year and a half. I'd suggest resurfacing the pool. Costs more but is worth it. The pool looks terrible when the paint starts to deteriorate and you see the real pool again.
Hello sir. How about if you vaccuum your pool. Is it possible that while using the vaccuum you can directly drain the water using the drain lever from the machine. Thank you
They used to sell a brand specific vacuum to backwash adapter that you replaced the current backwash piston with while doing this, but they stopped selling them in AZ because of some issues. I'd suggest getting a HD submersible pump.
I installed a jandy valve before the filter coming out of the pump to drain the water, attached a backwash hose to it into a sewer cleanout, Set the suction to main drain only, drained the pool bone dry, and refilled it. water went from green to blue. Do not leave that pool empty for more than an hour or so. Do what you gotta do and refill it. Don't do it after a bunch of rainstorms because then you will have a pool that pops out of the ground. I have a concrete pool
Hi Kenny I just have a question I am about to drain the pool it’s been over 15 years since we changed the water in the pool the question is do we need to change the pool and how often should we do drain the pool thank you and hope to hear from you have a blessed day
Typically the number one way to know whether or not you need to change your water is the cyanuric acid levels. If they get 300 ppm or over it’s the best indicator that it’s time to change your water. If you’re cyanuric acid levels are stable at between 30 and 50 ppm then it’s very rare that you ever really need to change your water out.
Great info-I have a older inground pool. When I drain water because of overflow risk from rain I drop a pump in and drain out needed amount to regular levels. My question is can I drop the level below the skimmer intake when I am gone for a couple of weeks or would that damage the equipment as you talked about in the video. Thank you.
You don’t want to ever lower the water level below the skimmer opening because it will cause the pump to suck air, unless you have a valve at the suction side of your pool were you can shut off the suction to that scammer and even then you’ll have so much section to the vacuum line. It might collapse the line so the general answer is no. You should never let the water level fall below the opening of your skimmer are you risk of severe damage to your pool equipment especially the pump and motor.
Serious question -- why isn't the filter pump designed to drain a pool? Maybe I am wrong, but the pump is designed to run continuously, or at least ~8 hours per day. I would think the pump sees a negligible pressure difference between recirculating water through the filter and back through the return ports, vs draining through the backwash or even the waste port, bypassing the filter and just dumping the water somewhere else. Through the waste port, the pump may have less back pressure than going through the filter, which in theory could overload the motor, but I don't understand why the pump cares if it's recirculating water for 8 hours into the pool, vs dumping that water somewhere else. Also, can't you drain from the floor drains if you shut off the skimmer and vacuum ports? Or are these valves known to partially leak, causing a potential dry running scenario? Although I do agree, using a submersible pump is probably a smarter option, since they are cheap compared to a pool pump, and you can get one with a float switch to automatically shut off when the water gets too low, to prevent damaging the unit. And even if using the pool pump to drain is technically okay, I agree it's best to avoid the possibility of damage all together and just use a submersible pump designed for that application. I do not have a large pool but do have a small submersible pump I have used to drain small above ground pools as well as other containers + pool covers. So I am more just curious if there is a technical reason a pool pump can't be used. I'd think that for draining such a large pool like in your video, it would be faster to use a gas powered trash pump or something like that, if you have access to it, unless that will overwhelm wherever the water is going.
This is an answer from Lesliespool.com blog: Never to try to . Inevitably, will pull air into suction line, the will lose prime, and will damage or burn up . Always rent or purchase submersible . ... After the old water, refill the with garden hose.
@@PoolSchooler thank you for the reply. That makes sense. Should work in theory, but why risk burning up your expensive pool pump when you can get a submersible pump or trash pump designed for the job.
I have drained 75% of my pool on two occasions using the backwash method you describe as the valve at my Hayward DE filter does not have a waste option, only backwash. I have older style plumbing where when the water level drops below the skimmer a plastic disc drops to block the skimmer intake under the basket and the main drain is activated; water flows from main drain through pump and filter in about 5 seconds. I have also drained smaller amounts, 20 percent or so to add new water and lower CYA, phosphates, TDS and such.
Depends on the time of year, outside air temp and type of surface (plaster, pebble tech etc). You NEVER want to drain a plaster pool when the outside air temp reaches 86°f or you risk damaging the plaster. That said, if the max outside air temp is below that then you should be okay for a day. BUT if you go longer than that, no matter what the surface I'd suggest wetting it down a few times during the day to keep the surface at least a bit damp. Until you refill it.
@PoolSchooler I appreciate you getting back to me. One more question if you don't mind. After refilling, how long can I wait before adding startup chems? It's a saltwater pool.
Going to waste is probably easier on the equipment. Also when you backwash you may lose some filter media (DE or sand) in the process so back washing for an extended period isn't a good idea.
Is it ok to do half of the draining one day, and then drain the rest the next day (rather than leaving the pump running overnight)? I am reluctant to let it drain overnight because I'm draining into the sewer system (with a permit), and I would worry about a potential backup in the sewer line if something goes wrong, which I wouldn't want to happen overnight while I'm sleeping. So can I divide the draining project up between two consecutive days? And thanks for the great video.
I don't think that'd be a problem. However, as I said in the video) wait til your outside high temperature drops below 86° f. So you don't risk cracking your plaster or pebble tech.
OK, so just for clarification you mean the salinity is still very high correct? If so before you do a full drain and refill, check your source water. Sometimes if people have a water softener and for some reason, they are water softener loop is tied into their pool water auto fill valve that’s going to consistently add salt water to your pool and it might be overdoing it. So that’s just a thought.
And if the plaster is left dry too long, it can get major cracks. I've always drained/re-filled myself without issue, it's very easy, you just have to approach it correctly.
Good info, Our new pool was a couple of inches from overflowing following rain storms over the last 2 days. I had begun to consider lowering the water level using the hose bib on the pool equipment if the rain hadn’t ended.
If your pool is set up that way then you can absolutely shut your suction to the skimmer off so that it draws only from the floor drain and you could drain your pool that way if you have a way two backwash the water out or drain it from the pump side.
I'm in the East Valley. I know it can seem daunting and intimidating but you can do it. Start with the basics. The only one draw back is that you're leaning right at the start of swim season which is not as forgiving as the off season.
I would suggest going through some of my videos from the earliest one from there. If you need any direction to specific topics email me and I can send you links so you don't have to spend a ton fo time searching. kennypoolschool@gmail.com
We just bought our house and the pool is a swamp (previous owners didnt open it for 5 years). I know we need the liner replaced but we arent able to get anyone until fall. Is it alright for it to be empty for 3-4 months so it isnt attracting mosquitoes and other bugs?
It might not be a good idea to leave it empty for three or four months especially during the summer because your liner may dry out. Sounds like you might have a bit of work to do on the pool system to get it cleaned out. Based on what you said it could be numerous things including the filter maybe it needs to be clean maybe the medium needs to be replaced maybe the filter needs to be replaced i’m not sure what to tell you.
Of course. Often people opt to do a half drain/refill to dilute the CYA with fresh water especially if they're in a place where water is costly or not as abundant. BUT it won't lower the CYA as much as a full drain/refill
WITH AN ABOVE GROUND POOL, TO USE THE POOL FILTER PUMP, DETACH THE INTAKE HOSE AND ADD AN EXTENSION TO IT AND TIE A BRICK TO THE END OF IT, THEN SET THE PUMP VALVE TO RINSE AND ATTACH YOUR VACUUM HOSE TO THE PUMP OUTLET AND TURN ON PUMP.
My pool has algae it’s a pentagram 4000 De filter. Do I clean the filter & add DE back in then vacuum or let it filter thru the DE filter. The chlorine is low, should I put liquid chlorine in the pool cuZ the tablets aren’t working. The PH is low too. Should I recirculate the water. I need to get it clean in like 24 hrs
No, please watch my video on backwashing and recharging a DE filter (DON"T do it the way you just described!!!). Here's a link to that video: ruclips.net/video/2lQX2xtG7FE/видео.html ALSO, I think you mean a Pentair 4000 DE filter. please watch that video. 👍😉
So to be clear two or three dollars in fittings to make a watertight seal in the skimmer basket and weighting the other end of my vacuum hose wouldn’t work? The pump that’s designed to circulate all the water in my pool can’t handle the load of draining it?
You make a good point Larry. Honestly everyone I've worked for and in my own experience I/they have never used the pool's pump to drain the pool, they/I've always used a heavy duty submersible pump. I guess with a sand or DE filter it would be possible to use the pool pump as long as your backwash outlet was going to an area that wouldn't cause flooding. But with a cartridge filter typically they don't have a way to really release water rapidly. Again when we drain a pool we usually drop the pump in the pool at night and then we go back early the next morning and it's almost drained.
What would be wrong with using a direct line from the floor drain of the pool to the pump to drain the water to waste? I realize many drain lines likely go to the skimmer, or to some sort of a suction line that is around that height, but if the pool had a dedicated drain line installed when erected, can that be used to pull the water out safely using the main pool pump, provided I have the pump monitored (or better yet, I am present during the process?)
Not a problem, but you have to make sure your diverter (in the skimmer) seals so you don't suck air once the level drops below the skimmer opening. I just prefer a submersible pump to be safe. I've seen pumps and motors ruined the other way.
@@PoolSchooler Even with the drain line going nowhere near the skimmer? ...though, yes, I totally get not going below the skimmer if it's my suction source as well. I've seen that as well. I'm referring to the suction line goes directly from the drain to the pump, with the skimmers valved off.
@@chubbyadler3276 If you have a direct line from your floor drain to the filter pump then you should be fine. Just make sure you can direct ALL the suction to that main drain and nothing else (like the skimmer). 😉👍
Absolutely nothing wrong with using the floor drain as long as it has a dedicated line going to the pump. Some floor drains go up to the skimmer first which would be bad. I have two seperate lines (skimmer and drain) running to a 3 way valve that can stop flow to the pump, go 100% main drain or roughly 80% skimmer with main drain still active. The main drain can never be fully turned off. I have a 26000 gal in ground. I use the waste position on the filter to drain down. I just dont walk away until the process is done. As you've stated
You have to drain your pool down below the skimmer to winterize and close your pool. On most multi ports isn't there a waste feature to drain the pool below the skimmer? I wish you had spoken of that so that people would understand the process as it relates to the pool draining. Obviously if you are completely draining the pool this too would not work.
I appreciate your comment I think I have mentioned it before in other videos maybe I didn’t do it in this one but out where I live in Arizona people do not winterize or shut down their pools they stay for and functioning year-round so because I have no experience winterizing or shutting down a pool I have purposely chosen not to do any videos on that. So I appreciate your comment.
Depending on how much excess water you got, You can use the waste mode but might as well clean the sand while you're doing it so I typically use the backwash mode. But I also live in Arizona where we don't get much rain.
@@PoolSchooler thanks. I didn’t know I could leave backwash on for that long. I used waste mode today to reduce the pool water level about 5 inches. I’m in a humid place (Montreal) newbie pool owner so I appreciate your videos. You’re the man
Do they have to waste the water when they drain it? Can they drain it to a truck water storage and then reuse that water? Like to restore the pool lining or repaint the pool? Thanks
I'd suggest against that, since some plants and shrubs can be damaged by the pool chemicals. BUT I think it wouldn't be too hard on grass if it's a heartier type. We backwash sand filters into grass all the time in AZ.
This video will explain: Skip forward to 3:35 in the video ruclips.net/video/_z55SBsjadw/видео.html High CYA levels are the best indicator for when to change your pool water.
The main drains absolutely can be used to drain a pool, and it's really simple to do : A skimmer float valve easily solves this because it connects the suction from the skimmer to the main drain/main drains, and then you can drain a pool on backwash easily You absolutely don't need a professional if you have a skimmer float valve. I have drained pools in the houses I have lived in for 40 years this way.... the only thing you have to be careful is that you don't pop your pool
Would it also be wise to add, don't drain it without running your underground sump to pull out all the water in the ground underneath and around your pool? I have heard that your pool can become a boat and try to float up out of the ground causing a lot of damage also.
In some places that is probably a good idea. In Arizona and some of the hotter climates even places like California it’s really not necessary to do that. Typically when you drain a pool need to drain the water somewhere away from the pool. Most of the pools in Arizona, Las Vegas, Nevada, etc., don’t have that groundwater issue. But in the case of areas like yours that you’re talking about that’s probably a good idea. Thanks for commenting.
JacksBlack I didn’t agree with him on that either. Inground pool pumps are designed to run pretty much 24 hours a day. They are designed to turn over pool water in about eight hours depending on the RPMs on the pump motor. But I do agree with him that you shouldn’t use the pool pump to drain the pool. Because it’s not exactly plumbed for it. If the pump burns out because no one was keeping an eye on it well now you gotta get a new motor or a new pump. It’s better to just rent a gas powered water pump at your local hardware store. They can drain the pool 3 to 4 times faster than a pool pump and they cost about $35 to rent them for 4 hours. And it will not take four hours to drain the pool with a gas pump.
@@FitsuTight Just curious. Where do you pump all that water to? Into the sewerage somehow using a public drain? I imagine it's a lot of water for the amount of time.
How long to run your pump varies substantially, there isn't a one size fits all number. It depends on 1) the "load" on the pool - this includes things like how much debris falls into and many swimmers are using it and for how long, are they using a lot of sun screen or tanning oil etc, 2) how often the pump turns over the water (the size of the pump relative to the pool size), 3) the size and type of filter, 4) the season of the year and temperature. Some pools can be run for as little as 3 hours a day in cold months outside of swimming season, while others need to have the pump running nearly continuously.
My pump has been running 17 years power bill high like 5000$ but my pump stopped working after 16 years so we replaced it with a much more powerful one
I'd contact your local pool supply store and ask for a licensed, and insured person to do it. You can also check out "Next Door" if you have that in your area. Referrals are always a plus.
You could do either. BUT I prefer to use a heavy duty submersible pump it moves more water quicker so you can drain your pool quicker and begin refilling it sooner. That's my experience.
I really need to get stabilizer lol thats the only other thing we need literally. And maybe ph down I'm gonna add chemicals VERY slowly to my pool..right now ph and alkalinity need to go up:) and my sodium bicarbonate will be here sunday i also have sodium carbonate.. Probably closer to 1400 bc it is a half inch not level
The hose would have to fit tightly enough to not allow any air into the system once the water level dropped below the skimmer opening. I wouldn't recommend it.
No, cleaning is the pool vac (I assume you have a pool vacuum attached to a port in the side of the pool wall) I did a video on how to drain and refill your pool. Here's. link. It should help: ruclips.net/video/2D_kk4ZLl00/видео.html
I wish watched this before start the drain!!! i am in suction problem, how to solve it. Pentair Variable pump with Starite filter and have a dedicated drain outlet where i can connect 2" hose
I would have to see what your pump and plumbing set up looks like. Hard for me to comment without seeing it. If you want you can email me pictures of your set up and perhaps I can help you further from there.
Thanks for the pro tip! I was headed down this road and my 3rd eye told me to check out your video first! Thanks for the save and for taking the time to create this content!
You stated not to use the pump to drain the pool because you overwork the pump. If there's a main drain, using the pump will not cause it to be overworked. A smaller size pool pump can push 35 gallons a minute. At 1 hour the pump has pushed 2,100 gallons (35gals x60 minutes=2,100gallons) At 10 hours of run time the pump has pushed 21,000gals, which would have drained the pool in the video, minus the residual which is maybe 50gals. A lot of people run their pumps 24/7 which equates to 50,400gals pumped. The pump does not have a mind of its own to know where the water is going. The water is either being returned to the pool or its being dumped, makes no difference to the pump.
WHEW! Glad I watched this, saved my bacon! I was draining the pool rite now, using the pump & it started sucking air. Glad I caught it before I burned it up!. Anyway, I'm only draining 1/2. Switched to using the sweep, off and running again. I'm keeping an eye on it. The pool is like 20 yrs old, they added a hose bib, so if you want to drain it using the pump, you hook up a garden hose, run it down the sewer drain and turn on the pump.
Very informative Kenny I will email you with my issues. I see you as a pool school guru no doubt.
Thank you Kenny for the feed back. I don’t think I am going to paint the have a great day
This is how I do it. I use a manual pool vacuum head so that it doesn't move around the pool like an automatic vacuum. Then I attach one end of the suction hose to it and the other end to the suction outlet on the side of the pool. I also attach a piece or rope to the vacuum head in case I need to retrieve it before the pool empties out.
Then I connect my 2 inch drain hose to the drain of the pool filter housing and run it out to the driveway. To make this work better, I take out the filter element and plug the outlet port that leads back to the pool so that 100 percent of the water is directed to the drain.
Note: The first time I did this, I used an automatic pool vac with the pods removed so that it wouldn't walk around the pool. However, the rotating action of the throat of the vacuum where the suction hose connects, caused the flange on the side of the pool to unscrew which started letting in so much air that the pump stopped pumping. Once I realized this, I screwed the flange back in and made sure it was very tight, after which the pump started pumping reliably again. This in why I now use a manual vacuum head which works perfectly every time.
I just drained my pool using using the pump. Of course the skimmer and vacuum lines where closed.
Yeah who would have thought that they sell caps for that. Lol and i bet your pump didn't catch on fire.
I drained one the other day...est. 20-25,000 gallons...used a gas powered trash pump...drained in 4 hours
Just checked bc were about to get 16 inches of snow & I never checked the pool level, the former residents had a pool cover pump in there when we moved in 3 years ago, pool store said it’s not necessary so I left it out. I figured I best check before the snow. I know 16” of snow isn’t 16” of rain but better safe than sorry. Sure enough the water
Level we drained to below the skimmer when we closed it is now 2 in from the top so I used the pool cover bar to break the ice & I put the pool cover pump in & it seems to be draining just fine, thankfully there’s a sewer drain in front of the house so the sidewalk & street doesn’t become a sheet of ice. I looked it up bc I think the pool cover pump is for pool covers that get water on them not to be put in the pool like the former residents did. It’s working so I’ll run it for an hour or so even if I get another inch or two out it’s better than it overflowing into the neighbors back yard.
Nice video, watching from Dallas. Also working with pool here in Dallas. Pool looks good !
Mister Rodrigues thank you.
I in joy your channel and thank you for all your help. There is rain here in Florida actually a hurricane turning into a tropical storm and my pool will be overflowing how do I use my pent air pull pump to drain it out. It has a spicket above the strainer bucket for hose ,do I turn it to main drain or do I turn it to skimmer. I know if I turned to skimmer in a good blows a skip the line I could hurt the pool. What should I do to run off some of the water
All you have to do is attach a hose to the spigot you described, open it and turn on your pool pump (make sure the hose is in an area that can drain to well). KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR WATER LEVEL and once it gets back to where it needs to be turn off your pool pump, shut the spigot off and disconnect the hose. Done. 👍
Thanks for this video Sir!
You are welcome thanks for watching and commenting
I have used the filter pump in back wash mode to drain my pool on multiple occasions, it works great and never had a problem. Of course the main drain has a separate and I can configure the valves to only pull from the main drain. If you pool is very clean just flip the valves and go, if it is dirty I would remove the filter grids first otherwise you can get debris trapped in them that will never come out shortening the life of the grids, but that is only around $100 so...
As for his comment about strain on the pump motor, what? The pump recirculates the pool water all day, why would it care if the water is going back in the pool or down the drain?
If you can direct the suction to the main drain, is perfectly fine to do. The only issue might be concern for the filter grids, and you can always take those out if you want. I have drained my pool on multiple occasions (twice fully and three times half) with the same grids installed and they are still working perfectly, but again my pool water is very clean so...
Do not drain your pool in backwash mode.it will take all of your d.e (diametric earth) out of your filter and will cause the debris to tear wholes in your filter if you do not put more de in after.put it in waste mode and it will drain your pool while bi-passing the filter.
Does it hurt to put the overflow chlorine water on the grass?
Not typically unless you have a very sensitive type of grass.
Hi kenn do recommend painting a pool hope to hear from you thank you
I don't. I've had two clients do that and it lasted about a year and a half. I'd suggest resurfacing the pool. Costs more but is worth it. The pool looks terrible when the paint starts to deteriorate and you see the real pool again.
Great video very helpful thank you kenny
Glad it was helpful. Hope you’ll subscribe to and share my channel. And for more great diy pool stuff check out poolschooler.com
Hello sir. How about if you vaccuum your pool. Is it possible that while using the vaccuum you can directly drain the water using the drain lever from the machine. Thank you
They used to sell a brand specific vacuum to backwash adapter that you replaced the current backwash piston with while doing this, but they stopped selling them in AZ because of some issues. I'd suggest getting a HD submersible pump.
I installed a jandy valve before the filter coming out of the pump to drain the water, attached a backwash hose to it into a sewer cleanout, Set the suction to main drain only, drained the pool bone dry, and refilled it. water went from green to blue. Do not leave that pool empty for more than an hour or so. Do what you gotta do and refill it. Don't do it after a bunch of rainstorms because then you will have a pool that pops out of the ground. I have a concrete pool
We use a sumergable pump, love your videos
Hi Kenny I just have a question I am about to drain the pool it’s been over 15 years since we changed the water in the pool the question is do we need to change the pool and how often should we do drain the pool thank you and hope to hear from you have a blessed day
Typically the number one way to know whether or not you need to change your water is the cyanuric acid levels. If they get 300 ppm or over it’s the best indicator that it’s time to change your water. If you’re cyanuric acid levels are stable at between 30 and 50 ppm then it’s very rare that you ever really need to change your water out.
@@PoolSchooler thank you for reply your video is very helpful thank you
You look just like Paula Shore when you have your sun glasses on.
Thank you for the info.
You mean Pauly Shore?
@@PoolSchooler Lol, sorry. Yes that is what I meant, except you’re more handsome.
@@Joy-ne8sj Aw thanks.
Great info-I have a older inground pool. When I drain water because of overflow risk from rain I drop a pump in and drain out needed amount to regular levels. My question is can I drop the level below the skimmer intake when I am gone for a couple of weeks or would that damage the equipment as you talked about in the video. Thank you.
You don’t want to ever lower the water level below the skimmer opening because it will cause the pump to suck air, unless you have a valve at the suction side of your pool were you can shut off the suction to that scammer and even then you’ll have so much section to the vacuum line. It might collapse the line so the general answer is no. You should never let the water level fall below the opening of your skimmer are you risk of severe damage to your pool equipment especially the pump and motor.
@@PoolSchooler thank you for
The valuable information and quick response!
@@cherylDouglas-Boldt you’re welcome and happy holidays to you.
Great Video. Regarding inground pools, what do you think of a secondary Main Drain that is gravity fed and daylights, down hill?
I’m not sure, could you send me a video of what you’re talking about? Send it to Kennypoolschool@gmail.com
Thanks for saving my ass from basement flooding during Hurricane Sally!!!
Most pool stores love to test and sell products .
Sadly that’s been the experience of many.
Serious question -- why isn't the filter pump designed to drain a pool? Maybe I am wrong, but the pump is designed to run continuously, or at least ~8 hours per day. I would think the pump sees a negligible pressure difference between recirculating water through the filter and back through the return ports, vs draining through the backwash or even the waste port, bypassing the filter and just dumping the water somewhere else. Through the waste port, the pump may have less back pressure than going through the filter, which in theory could overload the motor, but I don't understand why the pump cares if it's recirculating water for 8 hours into the pool, vs dumping that water somewhere else.
Also, can't you drain from the floor drains if you shut off the skimmer and vacuum ports? Or are these valves known to partially leak, causing a potential dry running scenario?
Although I do agree, using a submersible pump is probably a smarter option, since they are cheap compared to a pool pump, and you can get one with a float switch to automatically shut off when the water gets too low, to prevent damaging the unit. And even if using the pool pump to drain is technically okay, I agree it's best to avoid the possibility of damage all together and just use a submersible pump designed for that application. I do not have a large pool but do have a small submersible pump I have used to drain small above ground pools as well as other containers + pool covers. So I am more just curious if there is a technical reason a pool pump can't be used.
I'd think that for draining such a large pool like in your video, it would be faster to use a gas powered trash pump or something like that, if you have access to it, unless that will overwhelm wherever the water is going.
This is an answer from Lesliespool.com blog:
Never to try to . Inevitably, will pull air into suction line, the will lose prime, and will damage or burn up . Always rent or purchase submersible . ... After the old water, refill the with garden hose.
@@PoolSchooler thank you for the reply. That makes sense. Should work in theory, but why risk burning up your expensive pool pump when you can get a submersible pump or trash pump designed for the job.
@@MittyNuke1 true.
I have drained 75% of my pool on two occasions using the backwash method you describe as the valve at my Hayward DE filter does not have a waste option, only backwash. I have older style plumbing where when the water level drops below the skimmer a plastic disc drops to block the skimmer intake under the basket and the main drain is activated; water flows from main drain through pump and filter in about 5 seconds. I have also drained smaller amounts, 20 percent or so to add new water and lower CYA, phosphates, TDS and such.
your so good
Thank you
How long can you leave your pool empty for in Arizona?
Depends on the time of year, outside air temp and type of surface (plaster, pebble tech etc). You NEVER want to drain a plaster pool when the outside air temp reaches 86°f or you risk damaging the plaster. That said, if the max outside air temp is below that then you should be okay for a day. BUT if you go longer than that, no matter what the surface I'd suggest wetting it down a few times during the day to keep the surface at least a bit damp. Until you refill it.
@PoolSchooler I appreciate you getting back to me. One more question if you don't mind. After refilling, how long can I wait before adding startup chems? It's a saltwater pool.
3:21 begins what not to do
Hi Kenny, We have a Pentair system
Pentair is a good product.
If it rains a lot and I need to drain some water would using the waste setting be better than backwash?
Going to waste is probably easier on the equipment. Also when you backwash you may lose some filter media (DE or sand) in the process so back washing for an extended period isn't a good idea.
Is it ok to do half of the draining one day, and then drain the rest the next day (rather than leaving the pump running overnight)? I am reluctant to let it drain overnight because I'm draining into the sewer system (with a permit), and I would worry about a potential backup in the sewer line if something goes wrong, which I wouldn't want to happen overnight while I'm sleeping. So can I divide the draining project up between two consecutive days? And thanks for the great video.
I don't think that'd be a problem. However, as I said in the video) wait til your outside high temperature drops below 86° f. So you don't risk cracking your plaster or pebble tech.
@@PoolSchooler Thanks for the prompt reply!
I have saltwater pool. I have drained some. Filled it. Multiple times. Still very high. Any suggestions
OK, so just for clarification you mean the salinity is still very high correct? If so before you do a full drain and refill, check your source water. Sometimes if people have a water softener and for some reason, they are water softener loop is tied into their pool water auto fill valve that’s going to consistently add salt water to your pool and it might be overdoing it. So that’s just a thought.
Also, empty pools can float out of the ground if the ground around the pool is saturated with water. I've never seen this but it can happen lol
And if the plaster is left dry too long, it can get major cracks. I've always drained/re-filled myself without issue, it's very easy, you just have to approach it correctly.
I never knew that!
I just saw that! Guy was a "professional" The folks pool came rite up out of the ground!! The water table pushed it up.
Good info, Our new pool was a couple of inches from overflowing following rain storms over the last 2 days. I had begun to consider lowering the water level using the hose bib on the pool equipment if the rain hadn’t ended.
Glad it was helpful. Hope you'll subscribe to my channel and share it with others.
But the valve has 2 opening: Skimmer and bottom drain, you can close close the valve for the skimmer and drain from bottom drain
If your pool is set up that way then you can absolutely shut your suction to the skimmer off so that it draws only from the floor drain and you could drain your pool that way if you have a way two backwash the water out or drain it from the pump side.
Kenny: what part of az do you service ? I’m debating if I should do it myself or hire someone to do it. My first time I am a bit hesitating .
I'm in the East Valley. I know it can seem daunting and intimidating but you can do it. Start with the basics. The only one draw back is that you're leaning right at the start of swim season which is not as forgiving as the off season.
I would suggest going through some of my videos from the earliest one from there. If you need any direction to specific topics email me and I can send you links so you don't have to spend a ton fo time searching. kennypoolschool@gmail.com
@@PoolSchooler hi Kenny thank you so much for the replies . I appreciate it very much. I just sent you an email . Thanks ! 🙏
@@ql9366 I responded, check your emails.
keep up the good work, your videos are the best
Thanks so much for the kind comment. I hope you've subscribed and will spread the word about my channel.
We just bought our house and the pool is a swamp (previous owners didnt open it for 5 years). I know we need the liner replaced but we arent able to get anyone until fall. Is it alright for it to be empty for 3-4 months so it isnt attracting mosquitoes and other bugs?
It might not be a good idea to leave it empty for three or four months especially during the summer because your liner may dry out. Sounds like you might have a bit of work to do on the pool system to get it cleaned out. Based on what you said it could be numerous things including the filter maybe it needs to be clean maybe the medium needs to be replaced maybe the filter needs to be replaced i’m not sure what to tell you.
would draining your pool halfway then refilling it with fresh water be okay and safe to stop the pool from popping (got high cya level)
Of course. Often people opt to do a half drain/refill to dilute the CYA with fresh water especially if they're in a place where water is costly or not as abundant. BUT it won't lower the CYA as much as a full drain/refill
What type of pool cover pump do you recommend?
I've never had to drain a pool cover so I'd be hard pressed to try to recommend one. Sorry.
WITH AN ABOVE GROUND POOL, TO USE THE POOL FILTER PUMP, DETACH THE INTAKE HOSE AND ADD AN EXTENSION TO IT AND TIE A BRICK TO THE END OF IT, THEN SET THE PUMP VALVE TO RINSE AND ATTACH YOUR VACUUM HOSE TO THE PUMP OUTLET AND TURN ON PUMP.
I like how the pool filter is stainless steel
My pool has algae it’s a pentagram 4000 De filter. Do I clean the filter & add DE back in then vacuum or let it filter thru the DE filter. The chlorine is low, should I put liquid chlorine in the pool cuZ the tablets aren’t working. The PH is low too. Should I recirculate the water. I need to get it clean in like 24 hrs
No, please watch my video on backwashing and recharging a DE filter (DON"T do it the way you just described!!!). Here's a link to that video: ruclips.net/video/2lQX2xtG7FE/видео.html
ALSO, I think you mean a Pentair 4000 DE filter. please watch that video. 👍😉
So to be clear two or three dollars in fittings to make a watertight seal in the skimmer basket and weighting the other end of my vacuum hose wouldn’t work? The pump that’s designed to circulate all the water in my pool can’t handle the load of draining it?
You make a good point Larry. Honestly everyone I've worked for and in my own experience I/they have never used the pool's pump to drain the pool, they/I've always used a heavy duty submersible pump. I guess with a sand or DE filter it would be possible to use the pool pump as long as your backwash outlet was going to an area that wouldn't cause flooding. But with a cartridge filter typically they don't have a way to really release water rapidly.
Again when we drain a pool we usually drop the pump in the pool at night and then we go back early the next morning and it's almost drained.
OBVIOUSLY WE ARE HERE BECAUSE WE WANT TOMDO IT OURSELVES
I just did it. No problem
What would be wrong with using a direct line from the floor drain of the pool to the pump to drain the water to waste? I realize many drain lines likely go to the skimmer, or to some sort of a suction line that is around that height, but if the pool had a dedicated drain line installed when erected, can that be used to pull the water out safely using the main pool pump, provided I have the pump monitored (or better yet, I am present during the process?)
Not a problem, but you have to make sure your diverter (in the skimmer) seals so you don't suck air once the level drops below the skimmer opening. I just prefer a submersible pump to be safe. I've seen pumps and motors ruined the other way.
@@PoolSchooler Even with the drain line going nowhere near the skimmer? ...though, yes, I totally get not going below the skimmer if it's my suction source as well. I've seen that as well. I'm referring to the suction line goes directly from the drain to the pump, with the skimmers valved off.
@@chubbyadler3276 If you have a direct line from your floor drain to the filter pump then you should be fine. Just make sure you can direct ALL the suction to that main drain and nothing else (like the skimmer). 😉👍
Absolutely nothing wrong with using the floor drain as long as it has a dedicated line going to the pump. Some floor drains go up to the skimmer first which would be bad. I have two seperate lines (skimmer and drain) running to a 3 way valve that can stop flow to the pump, go 100% main drain or roughly 80% skimmer with main drain still active. The main drain can never be fully turned off. I have a 26000 gal in ground. I use the waste position on the filter to drain down. I just dont walk away until the process is done. As you've stated
I just started doing this and immediately stopped. I will buy a sump pump
👍👍
Ok it’s been two years and Kenny you still haven’t post a do it your self video … I’m still waiting!!!
I'm sorry what topic were you wanting? On draining a pool?
Draining pool, but i have 2 cleanouts that are "side by side" to the house, any idea which one to use Kenny?
I couldn't suggest without seeing it in person. Sorry.
@@PoolSchooler No problem, was told by plumber's, either side, appreciate the response, Thank you💯
Love your vids. Teaches me so much
You have to drain your pool down below the skimmer to winterize and close your pool. On most multi ports isn't there a waste feature to drain the pool below the skimmer? I wish you had spoken of that so that people would understand the process as it relates to the pool draining. Obviously if you are completely draining the pool this too would not work.
I appreciate your comment I think I have mentioned it before in other videos maybe I didn’t do it in this one but out where I live in Arizona people do not winterize or shut down their pools they stay for and functioning year-round so because I have no experience winterizing or shutting down a pool I have purposely chosen not to do any videos on that. So I appreciate your comment.
No mention of waste mode? If I just want to lower the level after rain, what do I do? Use backwash, waste mode, sump pump?
Depending on how much excess water you got, You can use the waste mode but might as well clean the sand while you're doing it so I typically use the backwash mode. But I also live in Arizona where we don't get much rain.
@@PoolSchooler thanks. I didn’t know I could leave backwash on for that long. I used waste mode today to reduce the pool water level about 5 inches. I’m in a humid place (Montreal) newbie pool owner so I appreciate your videos. You’re the man
Um I just block the skimmer port then pump from the floor drain. Works fine to DRAIN with backwash feature after plugging the skimmer
Do they have to waste the water when they drain it? Can they drain it to a truck water storage and then reuse that water? Like to restore the pool lining or repaint the pool? Thanks
It really depends on the city, state, and county you live in. But there are companies that do what you’re describing.
What about a little 10x6 foot inflatable pool? Can you use it to water plants or trees?
I'd suggest against that, since some plants and shrubs can be damaged by the pool chemicals. BUT I think it wouldn't be too hard on grass if it's a heartier type. We backwash sand filters into grass all the time in AZ.
How long can a cement in ground pool be left empty in Florida?
It really depends on the outside temperature and humidity. Typically once the outside air temp reaches 86 degrees Fahrenheit it’s too hot to do.
@@PoolSchooler how does the heat effect the project?
@@jek539 It dries the cement to too quickly and could cause cracking.
How do you know when it's time to drain your pool?
This video will explain: Skip forward to 3:35 in the video ruclips.net/video/_z55SBsjadw/видео.html
High CYA levels are the best indicator for when to change your pool water.
The main drains absolutely can be used to drain a pool, and it's really simple to do : A skimmer float valve easily solves this because it connects the suction from the skimmer to the main drain/main drains, and then you can drain a pool on backwash easily
You absolutely don't need a professional if you have a skimmer float valve. I have drained pools in the houses I have lived in for 40 years this way.... the only thing you have to be careful is that you don't pop your pool
Would it also be wise to add, don't drain it without running your underground sump to pull out all the water in the ground underneath and around your pool? I have heard that your pool can become a boat and try to float up out of the ground causing a lot of damage also.
In some places that is probably a good idea. In Arizona and some of the hotter climates even places like California it’s really not necessary to do that. Typically when you drain a pool need to drain the water somewhere away from the pool. Most of the pools in Arizona, Las Vegas, Nevada, etc., don’t have that groundwater issue. But in the case of areas like yours that you’re talking about that’s probably a good idea. Thanks for commenting.
So no big deal to use pump if i can switch to main drain only and just lowering for winter.
That’s true. Just don’t run it dry are you run the risk of burning out your motor.
You will burn up the mechanical seal in your pump causing a leak on your pump too.
So where is the video that shows how to properly drain the pool with the submersible pump I tried looking for it on your channel.
Here ya go: ruclips.net/video/2D_kk4ZLl00/видео.html
For more DIY pool maintenance tools check out my website poolschooler.com
You said running pump way too much. Is my pump running 12 hours a everyday too much?
JacksBlack I didn’t agree with him on that either. Inground pool pumps are designed to run pretty much 24 hours a day. They are designed to turn over pool water in about eight hours depending on the RPMs on the pump motor.
But I do agree with him that you shouldn’t use the pool pump to drain the pool. Because it’s not exactly plumbed for it. If the pump burns out because no one was keeping an eye on it well now you gotta get a new motor or a new pump. It’s better to just rent a gas powered water pump at your local hardware store. They can drain the pool 3 to 4 times faster than a pool pump and they cost about $35 to rent them for 4 hours. And it will not take four hours to drain the pool with a gas pump.
@@FitsuTight Just curious. Where do you pump all that water to? Into the sewerage somehow using a public drain? I imagine it's a lot of water for the amount of time.
How long to run your pump varies substantially, there isn't a one size fits all number. It depends on 1) the "load" on the pool - this includes things like how much debris falls into and many swimmers are using it and for how long, are they using a lot of sun screen or tanning oil etc, 2) how often the pump turns over the water (the size of the pump relative to the pool size), 3) the size and type of filter, 4) the season of the year and temperature. Some pools can be run for as little as 3 hours a day in cold months outside of swimming season, while others need to have the pump running nearly continuously.
My pump has been running 17 years power bill high like 5000$ but my pump stopped working after 16 years so we replaced it with a much more powerful one
@@lystic9392 no you put it on filter it puts it back into the pool that’s what he means
How do you find people to professionally drain my pool
I'd contact your local pool supply store and ask for a licensed, and insured person to do it. You can also check out "Next Door" if you have that in your area. Referrals are always a plus.
Instead of using backwash why not either put it to waste mode if you have that function
You could do either. BUT I prefer to use a heavy duty submersible pump it moves more water quicker so you can drain your pool quicker and begin refilling it sooner. That's my experience.
Ive added chlorine,chlorine and still no free chlorine,do i drain?
Try liquid chlorine 2-3 gallons. Also check your CYA. Make sure it's correct.
I really need to get stabilizer lol thats the only other thing we need literally. And maybe ph down I'm gonna add chemicals VERY slowly to my pool..right now ph and alkalinity need to go up:) and my sodium bicarbonate will be here sunday i also have sodium carbonate.. Probably closer to 1400 bc it is a half inch not level
Couldn’t I just insert a long pool hose into the skimmer and pump to waste?
The hose would have to fit tightly enough to not allow any air into the system once the water level dropped below the skimmer opening. I wouldn't recommend it.
Thank You for replying.
I’m gonna hire submersible pump.
Hi - we have a Pentair system about 15gal pool, knobs only marked "cleaning" and "suction" should i turn it to "cleaning" for draining?
No, cleaning is the pool vac (I assume you have a pool vacuum attached to a port in the side of the pool wall)
I did a video on how to drain and refill your pool. Here's. link. It should help: ruclips.net/video/2D_kk4ZLl00/видео.html
The pig definitely said hi
Lol that filter tho😂 maybe they spent all their money on pig vet bills
I wish watched this before start the drain!!! i am in suction problem, how to solve it. Pentair Variable pump with Starite filter and have a dedicated drain outlet where i can connect 2" hose
I would have to see what your pump and plumbing set up looks like. Hard for me to comment without seeing it. If you want you can email me pictures of your set up and perhaps I can help you further from there.
Way to make a short explanation long.
Sorry, I try to cover questions that may arise and be thorough. Not always easy to do.