How to Safely Drain a Fiberglass Pool if Necessary

Key Takeaways: Draining a Fiberglass Pool

Draining is a last resort – only do it for major repairs, deep cleaning, or unrecoverable water quality issues.
High risk of structural damage – draining improperly can cause the pool to shift or pop out of the ground.
Consult a professional first – especially for custom or luxury fiberglass pools, as professional services reduce risk.
Check local regulations – many municipalities have strict rules on where and how pool water can be drained.
Evaluate groundwater levels – a high water table can cause the pool shell to float when empty.

Safe Draining Steps

Turn off and protect all pool equipment before starting.
Use a submersible pump and direct water to a legal, safe drainage area.
Monitor the process—never leave the pool unattended while draining.
Open the hydrostatic relief valve (if present) to relieve groundwater pressure.
Clean and inspect the pool immediately after draining to handle repairs before refilling.

Refilling Safely

Close the hydrostatic valve before adding water.
Refill slowly and evenly to prevent structural stress.
Test and balance water chemistry after refill (pH, alkalinity, chlorine).

Preventative Practices

Maintain regular cleaning, chemical balance, and equipment checks to avoid unnecessary draining.
Use high-quality chemicals to preserve water quality.
Monitor water levels and ground conditions—especially after heavy rains—for inground fiberglass pools.

Draining a fiberglass pool is not a routine maintenance task and should only be done when absolutely necessary, such as for major repairs or deep cleaning. Improperly draining a fiberglass pool can lead to structural damage. This guide will walk you through the steps to safely drain your fiberglass pool, ensuring you protect your investment whether you have an affordable fiberglass pool.

Reasons to Drain a Fiberglass Pool

Major Repairs: If your pool requires significant repairs that cannot be done underwater.
Deep Cleaning: To remove severe algae infestations or stains that cannot be treated with chemicals alone.
Water Quality Issues: When water quality is beyond recovery through normal chemical treatments.

Precautions Before Draining

1. Consult a Professional: Draining a fiberglass pool can be risky. It’s best to consult a professional before proceeding, especially if you have custom fiberglass pools.

Tip: Many companies that sell fiberglass pool kits also offer professional services for safe pool drainage, including options like Full-Service Pool Installation if you prefer to leave everything to the experts.

2. Check Local Regulations: Ensure you comply with local regulations regarding pool drainage. Some areas have strict guidelines on where and how you can drain pool water.

Tip: Contact your local municipality to understand the regulations.

3. Assess the Water Table: High groundwater levels can cause a fiberglass pool to float out of the ground when drained. Ensure the water table is low enough before draining.

Tip: This is particularly important for inground fiberglass pools.

Steps to Safely Drain a Fiberglass Pool

1. Turn Off the Pool Equipment: Before draining, turn off all pool equipment, including the pump, filter, heater, and chlorinator.

Tip: Ensure all electrical connections are safely covered and protected.

2. Use a Submersible Pump: A submersible pump is the best tool for draining your pool. Place the pump at the deepest part of the pool and direct the hose to an appropriate drainage area.

Tip: For the best results, rent or purchase a high-quality submersible pump.

3. Monitor the Drainage Process: Keep an eye on the drainage process to ensure everything is proceeding smoothly. Do not leave the pool unattended while it is draining.

Tip: Draining a pool can take several hours, so plan accordingly.

4. Relieve Hydrostatic Pressure: If your pool has a hydrostatic relief valve, ensure it is open to prevent the pool from popping out of the ground due to groundwater pressure.

Tip: This is crucial for luxury fiberglass pools where hydrostatic pressure can be significant.

5. Clean and Inspect the Pool: Once the pool is drained, quickly clean and inspect it for any damage. Perform necessary repairs and maintenance before refilling.

Tip: For custom pool shells, hire a professional to conduct thorough inspections and repairs.

Refilling the Pool

1. Close the Hydrostatic Valve: Before refilling, ensure the hydrostatic relief valve is closed.

Tip: Double-check that all pool equipment is in good working order before starting the refill process.

2. Refill Slowly: Refill the pool slowly to avoid stressing the structure. Use a garden hose or consult with a professional service.

Tip: Monitor the water level to ensure even filling.

3. Balance the Water Chemistry: Once the pool is refilled, test and balance the water chemistry. Adjust pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels to ensure the water is safe for swimming.

Tips for Maintaining Pool Health

1. Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance can often prevent the need for draining your pool. Keep up with cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment checks.

2. Use Quality Chemicals: Using high-quality pool chemicals can help maintain water quality and reduce the need for drastic measures like draining.

- - - Tip: Check with local suppliers on where to buy fiberglass pools or review our guide on DIY Fiberglass Pool Shells to get the best chemical products and setup advice.

3. Monitor Water Levels: Always keep an eye on the water levels and the surrounding ground conditions, especially after heavy rains.

- - - Tip: This is particularly important for inground fiberglass pools to avoid floating.

Conclusion

Draining a fiberglass pool should be a last resort and handled with utmost care. By following these steps and taking necessary precautions, you can safely drain your pool if needed. Whether you own an affordable fiberglass pool or a luxury fiberglass pool, proper handling ensures the longevity of your pool, even when using Inground Pool Winter Safety Covers. For more information on maintaining your pool and finding the best options, visit our Fiberglass Pool Shells For Sale page. You can also explore our detailed guide on How to Install a Fiberglass Pool Shell and learn about DIY Fiberglass Pool Shells, or choose our Full-Service Pool Installation for a turnkey experience tailored to your needs.