Comments for New Home With Inground Pool - Chemicals Out Of Whack! Help Please!

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Aug 15, 2011
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Pool Chemicals All Messed Up
by: Jennifer

Thanks, Robert for your help! For the drain, we have been told it will take about 12 hours by one person, and a day and a half from another---- do you have any idea how long it takes to drain that much water?

We are trying to figure out when to begin the drain to ensure we will be home/awake to watch it.

The first pool store said that I can't start the drain and then stop it and re-start it... she said the pool won't drain when we try after we have drained it some... is this true?

Thank you so much for your help!! I will get the testing numbers back to you once it's complete.

In the meantime, is it safe for our kids to swim in the water with the levels the way they are?

Thank you!!!

Comment By Robert

Thanks for the reply Jennifer

It all depends on the rate of flow from the pump motor. This is called Gallons Per Minute (GPM), but this is normally calculated during filtration. A normal pool's GPM is between 20 - 40. Draining through WASTE, the GPM is a bit higher because you're bypassing the filter. The water has a straight shot out of the pool.

This would be my guess as to the time frame.

You're pool is 17,300 gallons and you need to drain 3/4 of that. 4 X 4325 = 17,300. Each quarter is 4325. You need to drain 12975 gallons. That's 3/4 of 17,300.

Let's say your pool pump's GPM is right in the middle at 30. Your pushing 30 GPM.

30 GPM X 60 minutes per hour = 1800 gallons per hour.

1800 X 7 hours = 12600.

The Y drains the 1000 gallon hot tub 3 times per week. It takes about 25 minutes, so it's right in there.

So I would say it would take anywhere between 7 - 9 hours to drain 3/4 of your pool water. You can also get a submersible pump to speed things up a bit. It may cut off about 2 - 3 hours. Ask your pool store if they have one or maybe you have a rental business close by.

Be sure to close off the skimmer(s) valve. If they're not closed when the water gets below them your system will draw in air and that will be a problem.

I'm not aware of any adverse affect if you drain, then stop, then start the system up again. As long as there's water in the lines and the pump pot there shouldn't be a problem. I've started the YMCA sand filters in back wash right after degreasing them. This was after I had the tops open.

As for your children swimming, I'd advise against it. The chlorine level is very low. Pretty much nothing. While the chances of catching a waterborne illness in a home pool is much less than a public pool, you never want to take that risk. The pH is very low as well and you'd run the risk of skin and eye irritation.

Hope this helps and let me know how it turns out for you.

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