Owning a pool brings the excitement of your first refreshing swim each season, but it also means preparing for the bittersweet moment when summer comes to a close. As you cover your pool and bottle up summer’s fun to save for next year, proper winterization guarantees a smooth and hassle-free reopening. The ideal times to drain and refill your pool are generally at the beginning and end of each swimming season. Consulting with a pool professional can keep your pool in optimal condition, ensuring the draining and refilling process is done properly.
How Often Should You Drain and Refill Your Pool?
While your pool may be covered and not in use, your pool pump remains active and requires sufficient water levels to operate efficiently. When draining your pool before covering lower the water only to the skimmer line. Draining your pool too much can cause your pump to run dry, leading to overheating and potential damage. Leave too much water, and the skimmer will not be able to properly collect dirt and debris, resulting in increased maintenance and higher chemical expenses when reopening your pool in the spring.
Pools should never be completely drained from season to season, as this can put unnecessary stress on the pool structure and lead to excessive water waste. However, every 3-5 years, fully draining and refilling your pool may be necessary to maintain proper water chemistry and manage the build-up of dissolved materials. Primarily, full drains and refills are vital when the water quality deteriorates or when your pool exhibits high TDS levels. High total dissolved solids (TDS) can cause cloudy water, staining, and scaling on the pool’s surface. Even with regular maintenance, excessive TDS levels can only be corrected by a complete water replacement to restore a squeaky-clean summer-ready pool.
Potential Risks of Draining & Refilling Your Pool at the Wrong Time
Opening and closing your pool during mild temperatures helps minimize the risk of damage caused by extreme or unpredictable weather conditions. This also ensures you have plenty of time to refill your pool before summer arrives, giving you enough time to address any unexpected issues that may arise.
When winterizing your pool, it’s safer to keep water in during the colder months rather than draining entirely. Draining your pool too much at the wrong time or doing so improperly can cause structural damage, potentially leading to extensive maintenance or reconstruction. Water helps stabilize the pool structure, preventing external pressures that could cause the pool walls to cave or the pool to shift out of place. To avoid costly repairs, the water should be lowered only to the skimmer line to prevent cracks and leaks from frozen lines. To minimize risks associated with draining and refilling your pool, it’s best to consult with a pool professional to ensure your pool receives proper care year-round.
How Weather Affects Pool Draining and Refilling
Weather patterns and temperature significantly impact water levels due to environmental factors like rainfall and evaporation. Heavy rain can cause several problems from high water levels to frequent water fillings. If unmonitored water levels rise too quickly, you could end up with an overflowing pool filled with dirt, leaves, and other unwanted debris.
On the flip side, hot, dry heat can make your pool water evaporate, resulting in a malfunctioning filtration system. Filtration system pumps rely on water to effectively skim the pool walls and main drains. Draining and refilling your pool during dry periods can help you steer clear of surprise rainstorms and scorching heatwaves. Be sure to keep an eye on your pool’s water levels to determine the best weather for draining and refilling.
Let Shoreline Pools Drain and Refill Your Pool
Draining and refilling your pool does not have to come with added stressors, Shoreline Pools can assist you with any of your pool-related needs from construction and design to draining and refilling. Spend less time dealing with pool maintenance and more time making a splash when swim season rolls around! Dial (203) 357-1544 to reach our 24/7 dedicated maintenance team that can transform your pool into a serene escape!
