Draining and refilling your fiberglass pool is not a frequent task but an essential one when required. Whether you’re addressing a water quality issue, performing maintenance, or preparing your pool for renovations, it’s critical to follow the correct process to protect your pool and make sure it lasts.. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you drain and refill your fiberglass pool safely and efficiently.
Table of Contents
1. Understand When and Why to Drain Your Pool
Draining your pool is not something you should do regularly. Fiberglass pools, in particular, can be sensitive to ground pressure, and unnecessary draining can cause damage.
- Common reasons for draining:
- Extreme water quality issues, like excessive calcium hardness or TDS (Total Dissolved Solids).
- Significant repairs or resurfacing.
- Cleaning stubborn stains or debris buildup.
- Avoid draining your pool unless absolutely necessary, as the water provides stability to the pool’s structure.
2. Prepare Your Pool for Draining
Before starting the draining process, ensure that your pool is ready and that you’ve taken safety precautions.
- Check local regulations: Some areas have rules about where and how to discharge pool water.
- Inspect the groundwater level: High water tables can create hydrostatic pressure, potentially causing your pool shell to lift or crack if it’s empty.
- Turn off pool equipment: Shut down your pump and heater to avoid damage during the process.
- Have the right tools: Use a submersible pump and hoses designed for pool draining.
3. Safely Drain Your Fiberglass Pool
Draining a fiberglass pool requires a slow, controlled process to avoid structural damage.
- Step-by-step guide:
- Attach the submersible pump to the drain hose and place it at the deepest part of your pool.
- Begin pumping water out gradually to avoid sudden changes in pressure.
- Direct the water to an approved drainage area or into your sewer cleanout line as per local regulations.
- Monitor the process closely to ensure the water table doesn’t rise and compromise your pool shell.
4. Refill Your Fiberglass Pool Carefully
Once the necessary maintenance or cleaning is complete, refilling your pool must be done with care to prevent imbalances or damage.
- Steps for refilling:
- Use a garden hose or connect to a water delivery service for faster filling.
- Add water evenly to maintain balanced pressure between the inside and outside of the pool shell.
- Keep an eye on the pool as it fills to ensure even distribution and to prevent damage.
- Once the water reaches the midpoint of the skimmer, stop filling.
5. Balance Your Pool Water Chemistry
After refilling, it’s crucial to restore proper water chemistry to protect your fiberglass pool and ensure a safe swimming environment.
- Key parameters to check:
- pH: Maintain between 7.2 and 7.4.
- Chlorine: Keep levels between 1 and 3 ppm.
- Calcium hardness: Should be 150-200 ppm to avoid scaling or damage to the gel coat.
- Total alkalinity: Aim for 80-120 ppm.
- Cyanuric acid: Keep levels between 20-50 ppm to stabilize chlorine levels.
Regularly test your water with a high-quality pool test kit or consult a pool maintenance professional.
6. Prevent Damage During Draining and Refilling
To safeguard your fiberglass pool during this process, follow these tips:
- Avoid draining during periods of heavy rain or when groundwater levels are high.
- Never leave your pool empty for extended periods; an empty fiberglass pool is more susceptible to structural stress.
- Consult a professional if you’re unsure about any part of the process.
Protect Your Investment with Expert Care
Draining and refilling your fiberglass pool is a complex process that, when done correctly, can help maintain its beauty and functionality for years. If you need assistance or expert guidance, trust the professionals at Swimming Pool Innovations LLC. Call us at 859-486-0327, visit our website, or check out our Google Maps listing. Let’s make sure your fiberglass pool stays in great shape so you can enjoy it for years to come!
