How to Clean Your Pool Without Draining It

During the summer, it’s common for pool water to take a turn for the worse – especially if you’ve been away on vacation or neglected to clean it in a timely fashion.

When this happens, many homeowners think the best solution is to drain the pool – but this isn’t the only way to fix a dirty pool!

Here are our best tips for cleaning your pool without draining it.

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When you SHOULD drain your pool

Although you can clean a pool without draining it, there are specific instances where draining your pool IS necessary.

If your pool needs a repair that can’t be done with water still in the pool, then you need to drain it only with the approval or supervision of a pool professional.

Otherwise, even if the pool water seems like it is beyond the point of being fixed, draining usually isn’t the answer.

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How you can damage your pool (and your wallet) by draining it

In most cases, you should never drain your pool without first consulting an expert because you can cause serious damage to the pool and your surroundings.

Thus, resulting in further damage, a bigger mess, and more costs!

If you are not a professional, you should not be draining your pool on your own – plain and simple. But if you do…

  • If the draining is done incorrectly, you can risk damaging your pool structure and liner
  • All the water drained could create water pressure below the ground and cause cracks and major damage to the bottom of your pool
  • For fibreglass pools, you run the risk of floating, the side walls can bulge, and the floors can split

All of these will lead to expensive repair bills, and in some cases it may void your warranty (be sure to check with your warranty company first prior to doing any sort of maintenance or draining on your pool).

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How you SHOULD clean your pool

Most homeowners think the only way to give a pool a serious cleaning is by draining the entire pool and starting over.

This couldn’t be further from the truth!

First thing is to ensure the water is balanced, then shocking, vacuuming, sweeping, and proper filtration can take care of most problems – without the risk of major damage to the pool, costly repair bills, and high water bills that stem from improper, unprofessional draining and re-filling.

Still not clean?

If you followed the tips above, but are still living with a dirty, stubborn pool, don’t try to handle it on your own.

A licensed pool professional will be able to handle the cleaning, maintenance or draining of your pool, and they’ll make sure you avoid costly repair bills.

If you’re dealing with a tricky pool situation and need it clean ASAP so you can enjoy the rest of the summer, give us a call and we’ll help!