How to Drain a Pool with a Garden Hose: A Comprehensive Guide
Planning the Hose Route
Before you start draining your pool, it’s essential to plan the route for your garden hose. Inspect the area for any hills or valleys that could impede the water flow. Gravity is your ally in this process, so the hose should be as level or sloped down as possible. Choose the straightest path available and, if possible, end the hose at a drain.
Priming the Hose
Once you’ve determined the hose route, it’s time to prime the hose. Stretch the hose out along the proposed path with one end submerged in the pool. Slowly submerge the entire hose underwater, ensuring that no air is trapped in the line. When you reach the end of the hose where you want the water to exit, keep that end submerged and cover it with your hand to create a watertight seal.
Running Out the Hose
With your hand still covering the submerged end of the hose, quickly remove it and walk the path you determined in Step 1. Keep the hose as low as possible to maintain the pressure created by your watertight seal. Once you reach the endpoint of your planned route, place the hose on the ground and remove your hand. Water should start flowing freely.
Adjusting the Hose
To control the water level in the pool, adjust the part of the hose that is submerged. If you only want to drain a small amount of water, raise the submerged end higher to your desired level. Conversely, if you want to drain most of the water, keep the hose at the bottom of the pool.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The hose is not priming:
- Ensure that the hose is completely submerged and that no air is trapped in the line.
- Check if the end of the hose is properly sealed with your hand.
- If the hose still won’t prime, try slightly raising the submerged end.
Water flow is slow:
- Make sure the hose is not kinked or obstructed in any way.
- Adjust the hose to ensure it is as level or sloped down as possible.
- Clean the filter in the hose nozzle if it becomes clogged.
Safety Precautions
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear when draining the pool.
- Check the area where the hose will drain to avoid flooding.
- Be cautious of slippery surfaces around the pool.
- Never leave the hose unattended while draining the pool.
Alternative Methods for Draining a Pool
If you don’t have a garden hose or prefer a different method, consider the following alternatives:
- Submersible pump: A submersible pump can be placed directly in the pool water and pumps it out through a discharge hose.
- Pool cover pump: A pool cover pump is designed to remove water that accumulates on top of a pool cover.
- Siphon: A siphon can be used to drain a pool by creating a vacuum that draws water out through a hose.
Tips for Draining a Pool Quickly and Efficiently
- Use the largest diameter hose available to maximize water flow.
- Place the hose as close to the bottom of the pool as possible to drain more water.
- Avoid kinking or obstructing the hose to ensure smooth water flow.
- If possible, drain the pool when it is warmest to increase water flow.
- Monitor the water level regularly and adjust the hose as needed.
FAQs
How long will it take to drain a pool with a garden hose?
The time it takes to drain a pool with a garden hose depends on the size of the pool, the length and diameter of the hose, and the slope of the drainage path. As a general estimate, draining a 20,000-gallon pool with a garden hose at an average flow rate of 13 gallons per minute (GPM) would take approximately 25.5 hours.
Is it okay to drain pool water onto my lawn?
In most cases, it is acceptable to drain pool water onto your lawn. However, excessive or frequent drainage can damage the grass.
