How Much Water is Drained When Closing a Pool?
One of the great things about Florida is that swimming pools can be used year-round, but there are still times when it’s recommended that you close your pool. Are you wondering how much water is drained when closing your pool and other details of the process? If so, the following information can help. The Polk County FL experts at Pool Works Pools can help with these and any other questions you may have.
In-Ground Pools
The type of pool and winter cover you own are factors that primarily determine how much of the water should be drained when you are closing your pool. If freezing temperatures are expected, you want to protect plumbing lines. Partially drain your pool to the point where water won’t spill into filter connections or skimmers. You also want to protect return jets from the way water expands and contracts during freezing and thawing cycles. Put an airtight rubber plug in the return jet. If you’re wondering why you shouldn’t go ahead and drain your pool entirely, it’s because the liner of the pool is more vulnerable to damage with no water. The liner will shrink and crack as a result of drying out.
Other potential damage includes tears and rips caused by debris during harsh weather in winter. If you are using a standard floating winter cover in your in-ground pool, drain the water so that it is no further than 6 inches below the bottom of the skimmer. The way to empty pool water is to switch to the “drain” setting on the pool filter. To avoid a flooding effect, attach a pool hose to the end of the filter opening that leads to your yard. The pool will drain slowly through the filter if you turn the filter off.
Above-Ground Pools
It’s important to become familiar with the specific variables that apply to your above-ground pool when draining it, according to the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals. The pool should be drained to about an inch below the bottom of the skimmer mouth, for instance, if you have a vinyl pool liner. If heavy precipitation is expected, you could drain the pool a few extra inches.
Mesh Pool Covers
Whether you have an in-ground or an above-ground pool, if you are going to use a mesh pool cover, the pool should be drained to the point that there are only about 12 to 18 inches of water left in the pool. The porous cover will allow your pool to fill up with precipitation while keeping debris and dirt out.
The mesh also helps to prevent evaporation in winter. Still, you need to drain more water because of the precipitation that will slowly be added during winter months.
Expert Pool Services
The experts at Pool Works serve Lakeland FL and the surrounding area, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have about winterizing your pool. Weekly pool maintenance is our specialty, and it allows our customers to get the most enjoyment out of their swimming pool. Contact us at Pool Works by calling (863) 967-2863 today.
