How to Drain an Above Ground Pool Without an Insert

Locate a curb or sewer drain that is below the level of your pool. Your goal is to set up your drainage hose so that gravity will maintain the water flow. Ensure that you have a hose, or two or more hoses connected together, that can reach from your pool to the drain while resting on the ground.

Put one end of your hose in the pool -- use the end that does not attach to your tap. Weigh it down so that it stays at the pool bottom. Take care that you don't use anything that can damage the pool; for example, if you are using a large rock as your weight, place it inside a pail or container with a smooth bottom, and allow it to fill with water around the rock. Place your weight on the hose to ensure that the end stays as low as possible.

Attach the other end of the hose to your outside faucet. Your objective is to create suction in the hose, so first you must fill the hose with water. Turn on the tap and let it run until the incoming water reaches the pool. Turn off the tap and quickly detach it from the faucet and cover it with your hand to prevent air from entering, as this will keep the water in the hose.

While keeping your hand firmly over the open end of the hose carry it to the drain. Lower the end as low as you can get it and remove your hand so that the water can come out. Because your drain end of the hose is lower than your pool end, gravity will direct the water to the drain rather than back to the pool. If the drain end is kept lower and the flow is not interrupted, the rest of the pool water will follow. Anchor your drain hose end with an object heavy enough to keep it still without pinching it closed.

Monitor the drainage progress to ensure that the hose maintains its position. Check the pool for leaves or debris being drawn to the hose, which can stop flow. Also, check the drain for flow, verify that nothing blocks it and it can handle the water volume exiting the hose.