Draining A Swimming Pool

by Michael Crum
(San Diego, CA)

The rains in San Diego have necessitated the need for me to take some water out of the pool. My filter does not have a "waste" position that I know of. The positions are off and backwash. At least that is what I believe they are.

There is a spigot near the pump with threads for a garden hose.

Can that spigot be used to drain the pool?

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Thanks for the question Michael

I'm not aware of anything that can allow you to drain the pool through the pool filter or pump. The easiest way is to use the hose as a siphon by placing it in the deep end of the pool and allow it to drain, but this would take a long time.

What I used to drain pools in Arizona is a submersible pump which is designed to drain pool water. You can get these from a local pool store or rental place. In San Diego there should be plenty of places for this.

A trash pump is a fast method to drain a swimming pool. You can rent one from a rental store for around $90 for the day.

You can also a pool cover pump. A draw back to using the winter cover pump rather then a larger pump like the trash pump is that emptying the pool will take longer.

Hope this answers your question and best of luck

Robert