Many pool owners eventually face the same question: how do you empty a swimming pool without causing damage? While draining a pool may appear simple, it is one of the most misunderstood and risky tasks in pool maintenance. When done incorrectly, it can lead to cracked structures, damaged equipment, or serious safety hazards.
This guide is written for informational intent. It explains when a pool should be emptied, how it’s done safely, and what problems to avoid, whether you’re dealing with an indoor swimming pool, an inground pool swimming structure, or even public swimming pools.
When Is It Actually Necessary to Empty a Swimming Pool?
A swimming pool does not need to be drained for regular cleaning or water balance issues. Many problems can be solved through filtration, chemical treatment, or partial water replacement.
Draining becomes necessary only in specific situations. These include severe water contamination, structural repairs, resurfacing work, plumbing replacement, or major upgrades to the pump and filter for swimming pool systems. In commercial settings, such as public swimming pools, draining may also be required for regulatory inspections or renovations.
Understanding whether draining is truly needed is the first step in preventing unnecessary risk.
Why Emptying an Inground Pool Is Risky
An inground pool swimming system is designed to hold water at all times. The weight of the water counteracts pressure from the surrounding soil. When the pool is emptied, that balance disappears.
If groundwater pressure is high, the pool shell can shift, crack, or even rise out of the ground. This is one of the most serious structural failures a pool can experience. Weather conditions, soil type, and drainage systems all affect this risk, which is why draining should never be rushed or done without planning.
Safe Methods Used to Empty a Swimming Pool
The method used to drain a pool matters just as much as the reason for draining it.
Using the swimming pool filtration pump is not recommended for full drainage. Filtration systems are designed to circulate and clean water, not remove large volumes continuously. Doing so can overheat motors, clog filters, and permanently damage the pump and filter for swimming pool components.
The safest approach is typically a submersible pump. This allows controlled water removal at a steady pace while minimizing stress on the pool structure. Water is discharged carefully to approved drainage areas to avoid erosion or flooding.
For indoor swimming pools, drainage must be even more controlled due to limited runoff options and the risk of water damage inside the building.
Step-by-Step Overview of the Pool Draining Process
Professionals follow a structured approach to reduce risk.
First, all electrical systems connected to the pool are shut down. This protects the swimming pool filtration pump and prevents electrical hazards. Next, water is removed gradually rather than all at once. This staged approach helps maintain structural balance.
Throughout the process, groundwater conditions are monitored. If pressure builds beneath the pool, draining is paused. Once empty, the pool should never be left dry longer than necessary, especially in areas with high water tables.
Draining Indoor Swimming Pools: What Makes Them Different
An indoor swimming pool presents unique challenges. Unlike outdoor pools, indoor pools often lack natural drainage paths. Excess water can damage floors, walls, and insulation if not managed correctly.
Humidity control is also critical. When a pool is drained indoors, moisture trapped in the air can lead to condensation, mold growth, and structural damage. These risks make indoor pool draining a task that requires careful planning and proper equipment.
Public Swimming Pools and Drainage Regulations
Draining public swimming pools involves additional layers of responsibility. Municipal regulations often dictate how and where water can be discharged. Environmental rules may restrict draining into storm systems or natural waterways.
Improper drainage in public facilities can lead to fines, failed inspections, or temporary closures. For this reason, draining in commercial settings must follow documented procedures and safety guidelines.
Common Pool Draining Methods Compared
| Draining Method | Suitable for Full Drain | Risk Level | Key Concerns |
| Filtration system | No | High | Equipment damage |
| Submersible pump | Yes | Low | Requires monitoring |
| Gravity draining | Rarely | Very High | Structural instability |
| Staged controlled draining | Yes | Very Low | Time-sensitive |
This comparison highlights why technique matters more than speed.
Problems Caused by Improper Pool Draining
Incorrect draining can lead to long-term problems. Structural cracking, collapsed walls, damaged plumbing, and ruined swimming pool filtration pump systems are common outcomes. In severe cases, the entire pool shell can lift or shift.
These issues are often irreversible and significantly more expensive than proper planning from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a swimming pool be emptied completely?
Yes, but only when necessary and under controlled conditions. Complete drainage always carries risk, especially for inground pools.
2. Is it safe to drain a pool during rainy seasons?
No. High groundwater levels increase the risk of pool lifting or cracking during drainage.
3. How long can a pool stay empty?
Most pools should not remain empty for extended periods. Exposure can damage surfaces and increase structural stress.
4. Can the swimming pool filtration pump be used for draining?
It should only be used for minor water level adjustments, not full drainage.
5. Do indoor swimming pools require special draining precautions?
Yes. Indoor environments require careful moisture control and water management to prevent building damage.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how do you empty a swimming pool is less about removing water and more about preventing structural failure, equipment damage, and safety hazards. Whether dealing with a residential pool, public swimming pools, or an indoor swimming pool, draining should always be approached as a technical process not a quick task.
