How To Drain A Pool Using The Pool Pump

So, you’re staring at your pool, and for once, you don’t want to jump in. Maybe it’s that weird green color that’s a little too Jackson Pollock for your taste, or maybe you just need to fix a crack that’s looking real suspicious. Whatever the reason, you’ve decided: that water has got to go.

But hold up—don’t even think about cracking open that manual or, worse, using a bucket. You’ve got a pool pump, and believe it or not, it’s your new best friend for this job. Think of this as a lazy person’s guide to draining, but with a few sparkles of wisdom. Let’s dive in (pun absolutely intended).

First Things First: The “No Dumb Moves” Checklist

Before you flip any switches, you need to check your local rules. I know, I know—rules are about as fun as a flat pool float, but draining pool water into the street can earn you a fine faster than you can say “chlorine headache.”

Many places want that water going into a sewer cleanout or a dry well. So, do a quick Google search, or just give your neighbor who loves to complain about everything a call. You’ll thank me later when you’re not holding a ticket from the city.

Also, if you have a vinyl liner pool, pump the brakes! Draining more than half the water can cause the liner to wrinkle like a prune. Check your manufacturer’s advice, or just promise me you’ll only drain a few feet. Your liner’s wrinkles are nobody’s idea of a good time.

Let’s Get That Pump to Work (While You Kick Back)

Alright, you’ve got the green light from the universe (and your homeowner’s association). Now, walk over to your pool pump and give it a little pat. It’s about to become a hero.

First, you need to turn the pump OFF at the breaker. I’m not kidding. Don’t just hit the switch on the wall—go to the electrical panel and flip that breaker. Safety first, or as I like to say, “No zaps, only laps.”

Now, you’ll notice a big hose (or pipe) attached to the pump. That’s your discharge line. On most pumps, there’s a plug or a valve near the top of the pump housing. Unscrew that plug. Water will start trickling out—that’s fine. It’s just the pump’s way of saying “hello.”

Next, find your filter valve (usually a multi-port valve on top of the filter tank). Turn it to the “Waste” or “Drain” setting. This is the magic button. It tells the pump, “Hey, forget filtering. Just blast that water out of here.”

Now, attach a backwash hose to the waste port. Stretch that hose to where you want the water to go—away from your foundation, far from your garden, and definitely not into your neighbor’s prized petunias. Petunias hate pool water. Fact.

The Moment of Truth: Flipping the Switch

Go back to the breaker and turn the pump back ON. Stand back and listen for that beautiful hum. Within seconds, you should see water rushing out of your hose like it’s fleeing a party it never wanted to attend.

Here’s the kicker: Never, ever run the pump dry. That’s like trying to run a marathon without drinking water. The pump will overheat, squeal like a frightened cat, and probably die. Keep an eye on the water level. As it gets low, you’ll need to shut it off.

How low is low? Once the water level gets to about the bottom of the skimmer (that rectangular hole in the side of your pool), turn the pump OFF. The pump can’t suck air. It’s not a vacuum cleaner, even if it tries really hard.

Pro Tip: The “Sump Pump” Shortcut

If your pool is huge, or you’re draining more than a foot, the filter pump might take forever. You know what’s faster? A submersible sump pump. It’s basically a water-powered robot that sits on the pool floor and chugs water away.

You can rent one from a hardware store for like twenty bucks. It’s a splurge, but so is buying a new pump because you ran yours dry. Your call, but this writer votes for the robot helper.

Danger Zones: The “Whoops” Moments

Okay, soapbox time. Never drain a pool completely if you have a high water table. If the ground is soggy and you pull out all the water, the pool can actually pop out of the ground like a giant bathtub toy. Yes, it’s a thing. It’s called “floating.” Not fun.

Also, avoid draining during a torrential downpour. The sky isn’t trying to help you. It’s trying to refill your pool while you work. Rude.

And for the love of all that is chlorinated, do not let any small children or pets near the drain area. The suction is powerful enough to cause serious trouble. We want this to be a happy story, not a “how to refill your pool after a tragedy” story. Keep the little ones inside, maybe bribing them with popsicles.

You Did It! Now What?

Once the water is low enough, turn off the pump. Unscrew the hose. Put the plug back in the pump. And then, take a moment to stare at your empty pool. It looks weird, right? Like a giant ceramic cereal bowl.

Now is the perfect time to scrub the walls, fix any cracks, or do a happy dance on the pool floor. Just watch out for leaves—they’re slippery little traitors.

When you’re done, it’s refill time. Run the garden hose for what feels like forever. Or, if you’re smart, call a water delivery truck. They show up, dump a truckload of water in like a minute, and you’re back to swimming.

And remember: You just used your pool pump to do something it wasn’t originally designed for, and you nailed it. You’re basically a pool engineer now. You can add that to your resume under “Aquatic Fluid Dynamics.”

So go ahead, pat yourself on the back. You saved money, you avoided a disaster, and you learned that your pump is more than just a fancy water spinner. Now, go fill that pool up, grab a floatie, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. The water’s fine—once it’s actually there.

Smile. You earned it.