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If ground water is not a problem a pool can be left empty for weeks or even months as long the hydrostatic relief in the bottom of the pool is open and functioning. If the time frame of the pool being empty gets into freezing weather there is real risk of freeze-thaw damage to surface of the pool.
Does leaving a pool empty damage it?
The Problem With An Empty Pool Pools are designed to hold water. When there’s no water in them, they’re at risk of damage as there’s nothing keeping them weighed down. If left exposed to long periods under the hot sun, pool finishes will dry out, creating cracks and flaking.
Can you drain a pool and leave it empty?
An empty swimming pool can pop, or float out of the ground. This is due to possible hydrostatic pressure from unknown underground water. Do not drain your pool and leave empty without taking measures to prevent such popping.
Can you leave a pool empty overnight?
The answer is always NO. Above ground pools need the weight of the water in them to provide an optimal level of stability. Without water supporting the wall you run the risk of the pool wall coming out of the track. The bottom line is never leave your above ground pool sitting empty for any extended period of time.
Can I leave my inground pool empty over winter?
It’s not good to leave your pool empty when the weather gets cold. Leaving your pool filled with water can help prevent your vinyl or concrete foundation from being damaged. Actually, it’s not good to leave your pool empty when the weather gets cold.
What do you do with an unused pool?
50 Alternative Uses for Your Empty Pool Skate park. Bulldog skate park. Roller rink. Racquetball court. Handball court. Volleyball “equalizer” court (tall folk in the deep end, short folk in the shallow end) Dog park. Cat corral.
Can you close a dirty pool?
Closing a pool that is green with algae, or dirty with debris or with water that is unbalanced, leads to heavy staining and saturation of the water with dead algae cells, which makes it easier for subsequent generations to grow.
Can an empty inground pool pop out of ground?
Homeowners or contractors empty a pool to re-plaster it or do certain repairs. Much of this rain water penetrates into the ground, raising the inground water table, which creates a lot of hydrostatic pressure pushing up on the pool. After the water table raises enough, the pool may float or pop up out of the ground.
How do you protect an empty pool?
Keeping the Pool in the Ground Don’t drain the pool during extended periods of heavy rain. Pump the discharge to a storm drain, or to a point far away from the pool. Pump downhill from the pool. Open the hydrostatic pressure relief plugs on the pool floor. Work Fast.
What can you do with an inground pool you don’t want?
If you don’t go the Deckover route, following are a few other options during the time when your swimming pool is empty and/or you no longer want to use your pool for swimming: Turn your pool into a skateboard park. Watch kids play games inside an empty swimming pool. Host a party inside your empty pool.
Can you just fill in a pool with dirt?
Backfilling a pool is the process of filling the empty space left by the inground pool with gravel, sand, or dirt. Backfilling is just one part of the pool removal process. The concrete floor and walls of the pool must be broken up and/or removed prior to backfilling.
When should you close your pool?
It is best to close your pool when the temperature of the water is consistently below 60 degrees. Once the water temperature drops below 60 degrees, microorganisms and algae cannot grow and become dormant for the winter season.
Can algae grow in cold pool water?
Much like the veggies in your garden, when the water is cold algae won’t grow. Algae is not happy if the water is below 50 degrees. The winter kit chemicals dissipate after a few weeks, but they help keep your chemicals balanced and the pool clear until your water turns into a popsicle.
Should I shock pool before closing?
Shocking kills any bacteria that might linger in your pool during the winter. We recommend shocking a few days before you close the pool. If that is not possible, make sure to shock the pool the night before you close it for winter.
What happens if I drain my inground pool?
First, if the draining is done at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions, you can actually risk damaging your pool structure and liner. All the water from your pool needs to go somewhere when it’s drained, and that usually means the ground. For fiberglass pools, the risks of damage are even greater.
Can I empty my concrete pool?
Modern concrete pools can usually stand being drained for as long as needed, but there’ll still be a risk of popping if the ground water level is high. Fibreglass pools are less resilient. The floor may come loose and float to the top when refilled, even after a short period.
