Pulling the Plug: Exploring the Reasons to Drain a Pool
A swimming pool may require occasional draining due to issues with the water quality or repair needs.
A backyard swimming pool quickly becomes the center of fun, relaxation, parties, and casual gatherings. A professionally installed swimming pool adds to the property’s aesthetics and increases its value. However, a swimming pool owner should perform various maintenance tasks regularly to keep the pool safe and in the best shape. Although not required very often, some instances may necessitate draining the swimming pool partially or entirely.
A swimming pool may require occasional draining due to issues with the water quality or repair needs. Unfortunately, some people may ignore pool maintenance or find draining a pool an unnecessary, costly, and time-consuming job. In contrast, others are unaware of when and how to drain a pool.
Here are a few reasons that make complete or partial pool draining unavoidable:
Overabundance of TDS
The presence of excess Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the pool water is the most common reason for pool draining. TDS is all the soluble substances dissolved in the pool water. The TDS levels in pool water rise over time due to the chemicals routinely added to the pool water, dirt, body lotion, sweat, and hair care products. TDS levels recommended for freshwater swimming pools are between 1,500 to 2,000 ppm. Higher TDS levels cause unstable water chemistry, leading to stains and scales on the pool surfaces and turning the water cloudy, which can cause various health issues while swimming. Pool experts recommend draining and refilling the pool with fresh water to manage high TDS levels.
High cyanuric acid (CYA)
High CYA or calcium hardness levels also require draining the pool partially. The excess calcium build-up is hard to remove by adding more chemicals to the water. The most effective way to reduce CYA is to drain the pool partially. Refilling it with fresh water brings the CYA again to an acceptable level.
Certain types of repairs
While most repairs are possible with a full swimming pool, some may require draining all the water. Depending on the pool type, wear and tear can cause the pool surface to crack, tear, break down, or develop unidentified leaks. Draining the pool makes it easier for pool repair professionals to access the components and interior pool surfaces, identify leaks or other issues, and perform the required repairs.
Resurfacing or repainting
After some time, the pool surface can fade, peel, crack, develop rust stains, become rough, or wear down. Resurfacing or repainting the surface ensures smooth pool functioning and restores its beauty. After draining the pool and inspecting the surface, a pool professional can suggest the resurfacing option that will work best.
Remove stubborn stains and algae
Algae and stains negatively impact the pool’s appearance and performance. Therefore, it is better to drain the pool and treat and remove all the stains, scales, and algae build-up if using all other methods fails to give positive results.
Routine cleaning
Experts recommend draining the pool every 3 to 5 years and cleaning it thoroughly. Years of usage and treatments can make it tough to maintain a clean pool using chemicals. Clean and refill the swimming pool to ensure it is safe and hygienic.
Consult the professionals
DIY pool draining may seem challenging. Instead, contact a local pool cleaning service to drain and refill the swimming pool safely and efficiently.
Pool Tile Cleaning Vegas offers pool tile cleaning, calcium removal, acid washing, pool draining, and media blasting services, in Las Vegas and Henderson. Call us at (702)605-6936.
