Negative Effects of Draining a Pool

Reasons to Drain

• Avoid draining a swimming pool at all costs, especially an above-ground pool. Some of the more common reasons for draining a pool outside of taking it down permanently are due to a rip in the pool liner or crack in the concrete pool structure. Vinyl liners are used on all above-ground pools and select in-ground pools as well. These are known to occasionally tear, rip or puncture and require replacement. In order to replace a liner you must empty the pool.

Liner Shrinkage

• One of the negative effects on a pool with vinyl liners is shrinkage. The vinyl liner can be difficult to stretch back out once the water is removed. The weight of the water keeps the liner tightly stretched against the pool walls and floor. Once the water is removed, much like a rubber band, the liner shrinks back to its original state. Filling the pool back up with a shrunken liner can cause permanent damage to the pool walls. It causes increased pressure and can lead to a collapsed pool.

Instability

• Leaving a pool empty and exposed to the harsh elements of the sun and cold winter weather can have a negative impact on your pool structure. Concrete pools can become too dry and crack, leading to expensive repairs. Pool walls on above-ground pools, when left exposed without water, are extremely weak structures that can easily become dented, corroded or rusted. Pools are designed to have water inside them. The water actually adds to the strength and stability of the pool.

Cost

• The most negative effect of draining a swimming pool may just be on your wallet. In many municipalities where residents pay for water and sewage expenses, draining and refilling a pool can be quite costly, depending on size. Residents pay more to drain it than to actually fill it, as in most jurisdictions the sewage costs are higher than actual water usage. Without the right drainage system, flooding in your yard becomes a concern as well.