How to Drain Above Ground Pool?
Draining an above ground container pool? Easy—grab a pump, hose, or built-in valve, and let gravity do the rest.
Stick around for pro tips, UK water rules, and ways to avoid turning your garden into a swamp.
It’s simpler (and drier) than you think!
When is It Necessary to Drain Your Pool?
Sometimes your pool needs more than a top-up and a quick skim.
Every couple of years, it’s worth giving it a proper empty and fresh start.
Here’s when it’s time to roll up your sleeves.
Reasons for a Full Drain
Performing major repairs or relocation
Think of draining your pool like moving the furniture before redecorating.
If the liner has a tear, the frame needs work, or you’re shifting it to a sunnier spot, a full drain is the only way to get the job done right.
You’ll have full access, nothing in the way, and you can work without fear of damaging the water.
High TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
Over time, all those chemicals, minerals, and bits of sunscreen build up in the water.
That’s your TDS level creeping higher.
When it gets too high, it’s like trying to bake a cake with salt instead of sugar—nothing balances properly.
If your water is cloudy or algae keeps coming back despite treatments, it’s a sign it’s time to start fresh.
The Dangers of an Improper Drain
How draining can damage the pool liner
Emptying your pool too fast is like whipping a tablecloth off while the plates are still on it.
The liner can shift, crease, or even tear.
And once it’s damaged, you could be looking at a costly replacement.
The risk of a "float out" during heavy rains
Here’s a quirky but real risk—if the ground around your pool is soaked after heavy rain, an empty pool can “float” out of place.
It’s rare, but it happens, and it’s as messy as it sounds.
Plan your drain for dry weather, and you’ll avoid this problem.
Step-by-Step Guide to Draining
The Tools You Will Need
Using a submersible pump or a siphon
The easiest way? A submersible pump.
Drop it in, connect a hose, and watch the water disappear—just make sure you follow the safety instructions.
If you’re more old-school (or working on a budget), you can siphon with a garden hose.
Fill it with water, pop one end in the pool and the other somewhere lower, and let gravity do the work.
It’s slower, but oddly satisfying to watch.
If you’ve got a built-in drain valve, you’re laughing.
Just hook up the right hose, aim it at your chosen drainage point, and twist it open.
How to safely dispose of the water
This part’s important—where the water goes matters.
In the UK, anything with pool chemicals should go into the foul sewer, not the storm drain.
Ask your local water authority first if you’re unsure.
If the water’s chemical-free, you can send it into a garden or drainage ditch—just make sure the area won’t turn into a bog.
Final Steps and Refilling
Cleaning the empty liner
Once the pool’s empty, don’t waste the opportunity.
Give the liner a good scrub to get rid of dirt, algae, or that stubborn ring around the edge.
It’s like cleaning the oven—you don’t enjoy it, but the results are worth it.
The importance of re-levelling if necessary
If the ground has shifted, now’s the moment to fix it.
An uneven base will put stress on the pool and shorten its life.
Check with a spirit level, and adjust before refilling.
Bottom line?
Draining an above ground or container pool isn’t scary.
With the right tools, a bit of planning, and an eye on UK water rules, you’ll have it done without drama.
And the next time you dip your toes in, you’ll know it’s in sparkling, fresh water.
Have you checked out our other posts?
How To Cool Above Ground Pools?
How to Winterize Above Ground Pool?
How To Level An Above Ground Pool?
Should I Cover Above Ground Pool?
When Closing Above Ground Pool?
How Many Hours A Day Should An Above Ground Pool Run?
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