Let’s face it, pool maintenance can be daunting. But when it comes to draining your Intex pool, you don’t have to let the task overwhelm you. With the right tools and a few simple steps, you can effectively drain your pool without hassle. Whether you’re preparing for the winter months or simply need to refresh your pool water, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information to ensure a successful drainage process.
Before embarking on the drainage, it’s essential to determine the most suitable drainage method for your Intex pool. Depending on your pool size, location, and access to water disposal options, you can choose from two primary methods: using a submersible pump or connecting a garden hose to the drainage valve. This guide will cover both techniques in detail, providing clear instructions and helpful tips to make the process as smooth as possible.
As you proceed with the drainage, keep safety at the forefront. Ensure you have a clear and stable work area, wear appropriate clothing and gloves, and be wary of any potential electrical hazards. Additionally, consider the impact of draining your pool on the surrounding environment and dispose of the water responsibly. By following the steps outlined in this guide and adhering to safety precautions, you can confidently drain your Intex pool, leaving it ready for its next use or the dormant winter months.
Draining the Pool Water
Connect the Garden Hose
* Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the pool wall.
* Attach the garden hose to the drain plug tightly.
* Ensure the hose is long enough to reach a suitable drainage area.
Pump the Water Out
* Turn on the water supply to create a suction effect.
* The water will begin to drain out of the pool.
* If the water flow slows down, gently squeeze the hose to create a better seal.
Monitor the Draining Process
* Keep an eye on the water level as it drains.
* Stop the draining process when the water is about 2-3 inches above the bottom of the pool.
* Remove the drain plug and allow the remaining water to drain out naturally.
| Time | Amount of Water Drained |
|---|---|
| First 30 minutes | Approximately 300 gallons |
| Next 30 minutes | Approximately 200 gallons |
| Remaining time | Approximately 100 gallons |
Additional Tips for Draining Intex Pool:
* Use a submerged pump for faster drainage.
* If the drain plug is difficult to remove, use a pair of pliers to gently loosen it.
* Elevate the pool slightly by placing it on a platform to improve drainage.
* Avoid draining the pool on uneven surfaces, as this can cause pooling and damage to the pool liner.
Removing Water from the Filter System
1. Turn Off the Filter System and Water Supply
Unplug the filter system and close the water supply to the pool. This prevents any further water from entering the filter while you’re draining it.
2. Disconnect the Filter Hoses
Remove the inlet and outlet hoses from the filter system. If you have a sand filter, take out the multiport valve assembly as well. Place an empty bucket or container nearby to collect any remaining water.
3. Drain the Water from the Filter
To drain the water from the filter, you have several options:
Gravity Drain: Open the manual drain plug at the bottom of the filter. Allow the water to drain naturally into the container. This is the easiest and most common method.
Pump Drain: Connect a pump to the filter’s manual drain plug. This method allows you to pump out the water faster and more efficiently.
Siphon Drain: Create a siphon by submerging one end of a clear hose in the filter’s water and the other end in the container. The water will start flowing due to the vacuum created.
For sand filters, also follow these steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the drain plug from the sand filter’s bottom. |
| 2 | Place the filter’s drain plug in the container to collect the water. |
| 3 | Slowly turn on the filter. |
| 4 | The water will start draining out of the filter. |
Siphoning Water from the Pool
Step 1: Gather Materials
Before you start, gather the necessary materials: a siphon hose (available at most hardware stores), a bucket or larger container, and a pair of pliers or wrench.
Step 2: Connect the Siphon Hose
Attach one end of the siphon hose to the lowest drain valve on the pool. The other end should be submerged in the bucket or container.
Step 3: Prime the Siphon
To prime the siphon, fill the hose with water until it reaches the highest point. Then, quickly submerge the other end in the bucket. Gravity will start the water flowing, and the siphon will continue to run as long as the hose remains submerged.
Step 4: Monitor the Draining Process
As the water drains, monitor its level and adjust the siphon hose accordingly. Depending on the size of the pool and the flow rate, draining may take several hours. If the siphon stops working, check for clogs or air bubbles in the hose.
Step 5: Drain the Remaining Water
Once most of the water has been drained, there may be a small amount remaining in the bottom of the pool. This can be removed using a submersible pump or by manually bailing it out with a bucket.
Using a Pump to Drain
Using a pump to drain your Intex pool is a relatively easy and efficient method. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
Gathering Your Materials
Before you begin, you’ll need to gather the following materials:
- Submersible pump
- Garden hose
- Bucket or other container
Setting Up the Pump
Place the submersible pump inside the pool and connect it to the garden hose. The other end of the hose should be placed in the bucket or container where you want the water to drain.
Priming the Pump
Most submersible pumps need to be primed before they can start pumping water. To do this, fill the pump with water until it reaches the fill line. You may need to use a bucket to pour water into the pump.
Starting the Pump
Once the pump is primed, you can turn it on. It should start pumping water immediately. If it doesn’t, check to make sure that the pump is properly connected to the hose and that the hose is not kinked.
Monitoring the Water Level
As the pump drains the water, you’ll need to monitor the water level in the pool. Once the water level has dropped below the level of the pump, you’ll need to stop the pump and move it to a lower location in the pool.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips for draining your Intex pool using a pump:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a high-capacity pump. | This will help to drain the pool faster. |
| Place the pump in the deepest part of the pool. | This will help to ensure that the pump is able to drain the entire pool. |
| Keep the pump running continuously. | This will help to prevent the pump from overheating. |
Troubleshooting Common Drainage Issues
Problem: Water Flow is Slow
Inspect the drain plug and the end of the hose for any clogs. This could be caused by debris, leaves, or dirt. If so, remove the obstruction and water will begin to drain again.
Problem: Pool Cover is Obstructing the Drain
Remove the pool cover and continue draining. You can install the cover later once the pool is empty.
Problem: Drain Hose is Kinked
Ensure that the drain hose is positioned properly and not kinked or twisted. Straighten out the hose and remove any kinks to allow water to flow through.
Problem: Drain Plug is Not Securely Attached
Check if the drain plug is fully inserted and properly tightened. Tightening it will create a seal and prevent water from leaking.
Problem: Pool is Not Level
Place a level on the side of the pool to determine if it’s level. If it’s not, raise the lower end to tilt the water towards the drain.
Problem: Clogged Filter Cartridge
If you have a filter pump, clean the filter cartridge. A clogged cartridge can reduce water flow and hinder drainage.
Problem: Drain Plug Won’t Open
In rare cases, the drain plug may be stuck due to corrosion or debris. If you can’t open it manually, you may need to use pliers or a wrench. Avoid over-tightening.
Problem: Drain Cap is Loose
Inspect the drain cap on the pool wall. If it’s loose, tighten it using a screwdriver or wrench.
Problem: Hole in Drain Hose
Check for any holes or tears in the drain hose. If you find any damage, replace the hose with a new one.
Safety Precautions
- Disconnect all electrical cords from the pump and filter.
- Ensure that the pool is not plugged into an electrical outlet.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when handling chemicals.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for chemical usage and disposal.
- Supervise children at all times near the pool.
- Never drain the pool directly into a sewer or storm drain.
- Use a hose or bucket to drain the water into a designated area, such as a lawn or garden.
- Be aware of any underground pipes or cables that may be buried near the pool.
- If there is any doubt about the safety of draining the pool, contact a qualified professional.
- Additional Safety Precautions for Using a Sump Pump:
- Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electrical shock.
- Ensure that the sump pump is connected to a separate electrical circuit.
- Check the sump pump regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly.
- Keep the sump pump area clear of debris and obstructions.
- If the sump pump fails, unplug it and contact a qualified professional for repair.
How To Drain Intex Pool
Draining an Intex pool is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps. First, you will need to gather the necessary materials, which include a garden hose, a submersible pump, and a bucket. Once you have gathered your materials, you can begin the draining process.
To begin, attach the garden hose to the submersible pump. Then, place the submersible pump in the pool and turn it on. The pump will begin to pump water out of the pool and into the garden hose. Once the water level has dropped below the level of the pump, you can turn off the pump and remove it from the pool.
Next, you will need to use the bucket to bail out the remaining water from the pool. Once all of the water has been removed from the pool, you can fold it up and store it away for future use.
People Also Ask About How To Drain Intex Pool
What is the best way to drain an Intex pool?
The best way to drain an Intex pool is to use a submersible pump. Submersible pumps are designed to pump water out of flooded areas, and they are powerful enough to drain a pool quickly and efficiently.
Can I use a garden hose to drain an Intex pool?
Yes, you can use a garden hose to drain an Intex pool. However, it will take longer to drain the pool using a garden hose than it will using a submersible pump.
How do I dispose of the water from my Intex pool?
The best way to dispose of the water from your Intex pool is to drain it into a storm drain. If you do not have access to a storm drain, you can also drain the water into a ditch or other low-lying area.
