How do you drain a swimming pool?

To drain a swimming pool, connect a pump and a hose to the pool and drain the water into a sanitary sewer system. Alternately, dechlorinate the water before draining it into a storm sewer.

Due to the chlorine content of pool water, it is important to drain swimming pools properly. Some cities, such as Washington, D.C., even have laws against draining pool water improperly. To safely drain a swimming pool, run through the following steps.

1. Source a pump

Some companies rent sump pumps out to homeowners who wish to do pool maintenance. It is important to choose a pump that can work underwater.

2. Attach a hose to the pump

Attach a hose to the pump.

3. Find a safe drainage source

Sanitary or combined sewer systems are appropriate places to drain pools as these systems are designed to treat wastewater. Private septic systems and storm drains are not appropriate places to drain pools. If there is no alternative to storm drains, dechlorinate the water before draining the pool.

4. Submerge the pump

Once the drainage system is connected, plug the pump into an electrical source, submerge it under the water in the deepest section of the pool, and turn it on.

5. Monitor the pump

Keep an eye on the pool to make sure that the pump is draining the water properly. It is also important to ensure that the drain does not become backed up. If any problems occur while draining the pool, call a professional immediately.