How to empty your shell pool?

If the annual renewal of ¼ of your pool water is generally sufficient to keep it healthy and clean all year round, there are certain special cases for which you will need todrain your poolentirely.

For example, if the pool water remains green despite using a suitable treatment, we recommend that you empty your shell pool. The same applies if the shell of your pool is scaled (greyish walls and bottom) or damaged.

However,drainingis not without risk for your pool. Indeed, if done incorrectly, it can irreversibly damage the structure of your polyester shell pool.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, discover in the following lines our advice foremptying your poolsafely.

Legislation: can you empty a shell pool?

Before you start building your pool, it is important to know that the evacuation of water from a private pool is subject to regulations. Indeed, article R1331-2 of the Public Health Code prohibits the introduction of pool drain water into collective sanitation networks (i.e. the sewer system).

Is your basin connected to the collective rainwater network? In this case, you are authorized to discharge your pool water provided that you have stopped thewater treatment(chlorine, bromine, etc.) at least 15 days beforehand. Indeed, as rainwater is discharged into nature, it is essential to empty the basin without polluting the environment.

In any case, do not empty the tank without first requesting permission from your local authority. Also remember to find out about the conditions to be respected when emptying (maximum authorized flow rate, etc.) and to warn your neighbors.

Why empty your swimming pool?

When pool maintenanceis carried out correctly, it is not necessary to completely change your pool water every year. Indeed, the use of a vacuum cleaner, a pool robot, and an efficient filtration system often makes it possible to keep the water clean and healthy.

Emptying your shell pool tochange its watershould only be done every 4 or 5 years, regardless of the type of pool (concrete pool, tubular pool, above-ground pool, or in-ground pool).

There are also other reasons why you may need to empty the water from your pool:

• Pool water that remains green due to the development of algae inside the pool. This phenomenon appears particularly during water temperature variations or at the time ofpool winterization, when a step has been poorly executed;
• Ascaled pool shell. To get rid of this grayish film that covers the walls and bottom of the pool, you will have to drain and clean it.
• An improperwater balance, caused by a stabilizer level that is too high.
• Wear of the lining or cracks on the hull also requirean empty poolto carry out renovation or repair work.

How to empty your shell pool?

Is your pool green, scaled or damaged? You must therefore empty it. To ensure that this is done without a hitch, it is important not to rush things…

1. Don't drain your pool water in winter

To the question, “should you empty your swimming pool in winter?”, the answer is no!

And the reason for this is simple: in winter, there is a good chance that the ground surrounding your pool will be waterlogged, putting pressure on the shell of your pool. The risk is therefore that the structure will come off its foundation.

In addition, with temperatures dropping, the risk of frost is greater in winter. This can cause deterioration of the walls, structure or even pipes. It is therefore essential to avoid frost.

To avoid damaging the polyester shell of your pool, we recommend performing thedrainingas soon as the good weather arrives, in the spring. At this time, the ground will have already started to dry; it will then exert less pressure on your pool shell.

To enjoy swimming during the summer season, remember to check the weather forecast regularly to find the right time to drain the oil!

2. Stop treating your pool

Spring has arrived and you've decided toempty your pondin the coming days? Also remember to observe the 15-day period without addingchemicalsto avoid polluting the soil.

In the meantime, contact your local authority to find out what additional precautions to take and warn your neighbours of any potential ground infiltration.

3. Empty the water from your pool in several batches

To empty your pool, the simplest technique is to drain it using agarden hose. Pumps are also effective for draining with ease. However, to avoid any risk of flooding and to allow time for the water to drain, be sure to empty your pool in several stages.

Once your pool is emptied, make sure to leave at least 20 cm of water inside your pool to prevent the structure from coming out of its foundation. In addition to the water level, installing beams across the width can also be useful to keep thepool floorin place for the entire duration of the draining. However, be careful to protect the liner at the contact points, using rags or cardboard sheets.

Finally, don't delay in refilling your pond: the less time it spends without water, the better it will be!