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Know when to drain your pool

	Video
	Watch this video before draining your pool to make sure you know the proper methods to drain your pool. (6:22)

As pool water evaporates, minerals and contaminants (such as dust, sunscreen, pool chemicals, etc.) become concentrated, eventually making it difficult to maintain the chemical balance in your pool.

Don’t drain the water without a chemical analysis from a pool professional or pool supply store. Although opinions vary, if your total dissolved solids (TDS) exceed 1,500 parts per million (ppm) or if your calcium hardness exceeds 350 ppm (or about 20 grains), it may be time to replace some of the pool water.

You may need to drain a fraction of your water to improve water quality or make repairs.

How to drain your swimming pool

Don't drain pool water into the street, gutters or storm drains: this is a violation of local codes and you could be cited for water waste. Draining your pool into the sewer system allows water to be treated and reused.

If you have a septic tank, do not drain your pool into the tank.

Some pools have their own sewer connection so you can drain your pool directly into the sewer system. If your's doesn't, use these tips to drain your pool:

1. Shut off the power to the pool's filtration system at the circuit breaker and turn off the automatic water fill valve.
    
2. Find the sewer clean-out port to access the sanitary sewer line. The port is usually located in the ground and close to the home, often near a water spigot. The port should have a rubber or threaded cap with a square wrench fitting and be about three to four inches in diameter.
    
3. Run a drainage hose from the sewer clean-out port to the pool, and connect it to a submersible pump. Lower the pump into the deepest area of the pool, near the drain. As you drain, monitor flow into the clean-out port to ensure water doesn't back up into your home's sink and shower drains. If back-up does occur, stop and contact a plumber.
   
   The maximum recommended discharge rate is 12 gallons per minute—a safe pumping rate may be less. (Note: any hoses or equipment inserted into the sewer line can become contaminated.)
    
4. After draining your pool, refill it as soon as possible. Direct sunlight can damage your pool's exposed plaster. It may take a few days for the fresh water to reach the proper chemical levels, so check the levels daily for a week and add chemicals as needed.
   
   
5. Check pool-chemical levels daily for a week. It may take several days for fresh water to reach the proper chemical levels.

If your pool has a dedicated sewer connection, also known as an integrated system, refer to your owner's manual or contact your pool contractor for draining instructions.

Contact a licensed pool service or plumber if you're unsure about draining your pool or need assistance.

Clean pool filters the water-smart way

When cleaning your pool filters, don't let water flow into the street—this is a water-waste violation. Rinse your pool filters over landscaped areas instead. The fresh water from your hose will dilute the chlorine so it won't harm plants or grass.

If you have a septic tank, call the Southern Nevada Health District at 759-0600 before draining your pool.

Call the appropriate municipality for other questions about draining your pool.