How To Drain a Swimming Pool with a Sand Filter

Draining your pool is one of several important steps involved in the cleanliness, maintenance, and general longevity of your pool. Whether you’re preparing your pool for winter, performing major pool maintenance, or simply want to lower your pool’s water level, there’s a safe and effective way to do so. The most common way to drain a pool is by using a sand filter, a system with multiple valves that bypass the filter and drain the water.

In this article, you can check out the following step-by-step tutorial on how to drain a swimming pool with a sand filter when you are planning to manage your swimming pool maintenance.

Preparing for swimming pool drainage

Before you drain your pool, prepare your pool and equipment for the process. First, here’s a quick list of things to consider before you begin draining:

Turn off the pool pump : Turn off the pool pump. This is the first precautionary measure to prevent unwanted debris or particles from being sucked into the filter during the process, which will help avoid clogging and possible damage to the system.

Materials Needed : A backwash hose, which typically comes with a sand filter system , and an approved water disposal area. If you have a water disposal area, it must be located away from objects that could be damaged by significant water, such as trees and structures.

Check the water level : Measure the water level in your pool at this time and note the desired water level when you begin draining. If you are preparing for winter, drain about 1 inch of water from the backsplash or wall sprinklers.

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Drain a Swimming Pool Using a Sand Filter

Step 1: Turn off the pump

First, it’s important to turn off the pump. This prevents damage to the pump or filtration system while draining, preventing additional water from entering the pool. It’s also important not to leave the pump running, as this can cause unnecessary wear and tear and can lead to air entering the system, potentially causing other problems.

Step 2: Install the backwash pipe

Once the pump is turned off, it’s time to install the backwash pipe. This pipe will divert water from the pool to a suitable area for drainage. Unscrew the pipe and place it in a safe location where it can drain without causing any damage. Be sure to check your local regulations for drainage regulations, as some cities have specific requirements for draining pool water into storm sewers or other public systems.

Step 3: Turn the multiport valve to the waste position

You now need to set the multiport valve to the “Trash” position. The multiport valve is part of the filter system that you can use to control the water flow to the filter, backwash, rinse, and trash functions. Turning it to the “Trash” setting will divert water around the sand filter and straight out of the pool.

To achieve this, carefully turn the multiport valve back to the “waste” position in a clockwise direction. This step is important as it allows water to flow through the filter system and prevents debris or particles from becoming trapped in the filter during draining.

Step 4: Turn the pump back on

Once the multi-port valve is set to dead, it’s time to turn the pump back on. At this point, water will begin to flow out of the pool. Observe the pool level as the pump begins to pump out water. You want to make sure the water is flowing out of the pool evenly, with no obstructions in the drain pipe.

Next, carefully monitor the water level in the plant to check for any potential leaks or blockages in the drainpipe. If any abnormalities are found, shut down the system and inspect the situation before proceeding.

Step 5: Measuring the water level

This should be done while closely monitoring the water level. You’ll want to make sure the pool water is drained to the required level, which is typically about an inch below the water level in the walls of the winterizing pipes. This will ensure your plumbing is protected from freezing temperatures, and the water level should be low enough to properly winterize, but not so low that it will damage the pool equipment.

Step 6: Stop the pump when the desired level is reached

Once the pool water level has reached the desired level, it is time to turn the pump off again. This will prevent excess water from entering the filter system and damaging the pump, or air from entering the system. If the pump is turned off for the specified time, the pool will be safely drained to the correct level.

Step 7: Return the multiport valve to the filter position

Once the water has drained, rotate the multiport valve back from waste to the “filter” position. This step is necessary because it will return the filter to its original operating mode. By rotating the valve back to this position, you are essentially setting your pool filtration system for the next step, whether it’s starting to fill the pool again or continuing with maintenance. This will ensure that the valve is set correctly to avoid future water circulation problems.

Step 8: Clean and rewind the drain pipe

When you’re done, clean up the steps. Start by picking up the backwash hose and draining it completely. Then, roll up the hose and store it in a dry, out of reach area until the next time you need to. Clean the pool area to ensure no debris or water has fallen to the floor from backwashing, and dispose of any excess water responsibly.

Additional advice and considerations

Leaks and Damage : While draining, be sure to check for any leaks or additional damage to the pool or plumbing system. Sometimes, draining your pool can reveal cracks or weaknesses in the structure, so take the opportunity to fix these areas before refilling.

• Winterizing: If you’re draining your pool during the winter, set the water level low enough to prevent freezing over the winter, but high enough to protect the pool’s fixtures and plumbing.
• Avoid over-draining: Do not over-drain the pool. Over-draining can damage the pool structure or equipment, especially in cold weather.

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Summarize

Draining a pool with a sand filter can seem complicated, but knowing the right steps can make the process easier to manage. This helps you maintain the health of your pool and keep it in good working condition. Using the step-by-step instructions above will help you drain your pool safely and efficiently, whether for routine maintenance or to prepare the water for winter.

Remember, if you’re uncomfortable with any part of this process, you can always contact a swimming pool tech for assistance. Taking good care of your pool will ensure that it remains a safe, clean, and relaxing place for years to come.