During the winter months, most pools are abandoned and often look neglected. Extended durations of heavy rain in some states turn the pool water to grey from blue, while mildew and mold start to invade the facility which hasn’t been vacuumed for long.
While the notion of emptying your pool and starting a fresh might seem like a great idea, the outcome might mean more than skyrocketing water bill. And this should let you know that you shouldn’t ask how long can you leave a pool empty, but is it even right to empty the pool?
Why You Shouldn’t Empty Your Pool
Pools were made to hold water. They usually get used to the pressure and the weight of water, so if that is taken away (for just a few hours), it can lead to serious damage to your pool floors, liners, and walls.
Moreover, some facilities can “pop” out of the surface, while others can cave in. There might even be damage to paving or decks surrounding your pool and electric systems installed in your pool such as in-floor cleaning systems and lights.
The specific issues you could encounter will depend on the kind of pool you own.
Leaving Your In-Ground Swimming Pool Empty
If you own an older in-ground swimming pool, it probably wasn’t designed to withstand the pressure and weight of the surrounding surface when it is empty. Modern concrete swimming pools might withstand being drained for a while (as long as needed); however, there is still a big risk of popping out of the surface if the surface water is high.
Fiberglass pools are even worse. Their floor might become loose and begin to float to the top when you refill them, even after a few hours. Therefore, you should appropriately brace these pools before you begin to drain them.
Leaving An Above Ground Swimming Pool Empty
Some people think that it’s only an in-ground pool that can be destroyed by draining. Above ground facilities are also quite sensitive to abrupt change in weight and pressure that arises when you empty them.
For instance, the liner can begin to shrink when you expose your pool to air for a long time, which can lead to tearing when you refill your pool. This is particularly true with older liners. Due to this doesn’t drain your above ground pool or if you do, refill it as quickly as you can.
Draining Your Pool the Right Way
If you want to clean your swimming pool, simply add chemicals to your facility. However, there are times that you must drain your pool and start all-over again.
For an in-ground facility, inserting a pump to suck the water out is the best way to drain the water. Vinyl-lined and fiberglass pools require a more careful process; so, consider hiring a professional to do it for you.
Conclusion
If you must empty your swimming pool, simply don’t leave it long without water. We hope you can easily know the answer of how long can you leave a pool empty: simply not for long.
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