How To Drain and Clean A Swimming Pool

Pool Filter Cartridges - bit.ly/36lvMxF
Acid Magic 1 Gallon - USA1281 - bit.ly/36ntRIV
Leaf Skimmers & Rakes - bit.ly/2uqD4D6
Pool Brushes - bit.ly/30NyfzL
Pool Water Test Kits - bit.ly/2RmcmV6
Main Drain Parts (rain Covers, Screws, Plugs) - bit.ly/30OZrOA
Pool Shock - bit.ly/2RHtAv6
In this video, we drain and clean a green swimming pool.
For those who looking for another option to draining the pool, check out our video titled "How to Clean a Green Pool". • How To: Clean A Green ...
SUBSCRIBE for FREE swimming pool care and maintenance videos
every week: bit.ly/SubscribeINYO ****
VISIT our blog for weekly swimming pool tips, tricks, and more! bit.ly/InyoBlog
SHOP at our online store! bit.ly/InyoPools
LIKE us on FACEBOOK! / inyopools
FOLLOW us on TWITTER! / inyopools
FOLLOW us on INSTAGRAM! / inyopools

[@chazmiller1444]

Quite informative and simplified, unlike the previous 10 videos I have watched regarding this subject.. easily deserving of a subscription.. thanks

[@Inyopools]

Thank you for the feedback. We're glad it helped.

[@Cuenster73]

Great video! Thank you!

[@sophiabakerfootballdancemo5863]

OMG BEST VIDEO EVER, I FOLLOWED ALL THE DIRECTIONS, IT TOOK ME MAYBE LIKE A LITTLE UNDER A WEEK BUT MY POOL HAVEN'T LOOKED THIS CLEAN IN A FEW YEARS GOD BLESS YOU THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEO AKA THE ONLY VIDEO ON KZbin THAT MAKES SENSE WHEN CLEANING AND DRAINING YOUR POOL ❤️💯🔥🙏🏾

[@Inyopools]

Glad it helped!

[@hidden4valle]

Thank u so much 10000 blessings I pray for u

[@jacksonmunro9501]

Great video! Look up a pressure washer attachment called an xjet. Will do that whole chlorine wash in about 2 mins

[@seven73ify]

Awesome work!

[@wendyspurling494]

I have a 30X44 foot pool. It’s drained we are getting ready to repaint it but first have a crack repair to contend with. I’m not sure when to remove the plugs in my two main drains and after removing them, do I buy new plugs to replace them? I’m concerned about taking those apart. I have ground water currently coming up-maybe an inch or so every week. I live in Maine.

[@martingilly]

thank you

[@BOLDswimmingpool8464]

Hi my name is chuksy from Nigeria exactly this day and time I am very impressed with your video, I am learning this pool construction but now my main challenge is that pumping water back to the pool after draining is it from the bore hole and how is it connected to the pumping machine that's all. I will be very grateful if you attend to my request

[@throwerr]

Hey I have a big pool like that. I believe it’s a 16x32 and filled with algae. I have a liner that slipped off the track. Should I drain it in order to fix the liner? And if so what can I clean the liner with without tearing it?

[@UGotHookah]

So I have one of those cheap Summer Waves 15ft pool have it all the way down till quarter inch left how do I get rid of the rest of the water I don't want to use a Shop-Vac that would take too long

[@rachelh6826]

How long should you wait until after heavy rains before draining the pool? We live in California and are getting a ton of rain, but need to drain and clean our pool before summer. Thanks!

[@severianobautista2251]

Great job thanks for sharing.

[@Inyopools]

Thanks for watching!

[@45gallo]

First great video How long can you leave the pool empty for repairs thanks

[@fadiaboukhatro]

Are you having pool service in Kissimmee or recommend someone . Need someone to do this job tried to contact your office and they said they Dont have pool service

[@Dnyce07]

I have 2 clean out holes in front of the house, but they are side by side, any idea which one I should use? one has a yellow dot on the cap

[@jamesjambeterlll8361]

Is it ok to paint a pebble tech pool due? Pool is 4 years old and still rough on feet in some areas.

[@JoshMG]

I have a cement/plaster pool…Can I drain it and repaint it following the same process? The old paint is chipping off. Is there a special kind of paint I should use? How long should I let dry before refilling? Thanks for guidance there!!

[@sajidrafique375]

How long can a pool remain empty ? I have heard that if left empty, it develops cracks

[@garyfritter9150]

Excellent video. It was the only one I could find to address how to properly drain the pool. Was wondering how you would address yellow algae vice green algae during the process?

[@Inyopools]

Hi Gary, check out our article on fighting pool algae: www.inyopools.com/blog/fighting-pool-algae/

[@fivebuglesinstitute640]

I have a DE filter system in my pool and you made mention of that. In each phase where you had to reset the sump pump, can I just pump out through the main drain and pump?

[@Inyopools]

Yes, you can set the filter valve to waste and use the main drain and pump. Make sure you close the skimmer line so the pump doesn't draw in air.

[@treal9988]

I have my first replaster and I’m glade I watched this first bc it just started raining and I don’t want to do it and have the pool jump out the ground

[@danielmauldin6504]

That was excellent most people think if just keep put chlorine in that would make it clean you drained the pool scrubbed it clean then put what was needed back in awesome 👍👍👍👍

[@Inyopools]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@electricalsmokealarmsandmo1564]

You should install a hydrostatic relief valve in the main drain ( the hole you pulled the plug out). If there was ground water then that valve will open. If you did not have that then the shell of the pool will pop out.

[@Vicarious55]

Great video. I'm just curious about the concentration % of the Chlorine. Is it diluted, or just straight 10% Sodium Hypchlorite? Thanks in advance!

[@henribrunot4096]

good job !

[@Inyopools]

Thanks!

[@user-oy8vm3us4h]

my pool is in good shape 35 yrs ols no cracks or rebair but very gridy like 80 proof can i sand before clhlorine its a old asbestos base

[@jayvila1337]

Thank you guys. Did you use any liquids for the pressure washer?? Or just pressure water?

[@Inyopools]

We only used water through the pressure washer.

[@meridith13]

Where do you get the drain plug wrench? I've looked online and called a pool supply.

[@Inyopools]

Here is a link to the plug removal tool. www.inyopools.com/Products/00101352056377.htm

[@JeanieRasmussen]

How much does it cost to get this job done?

[@robertlopez9912]

How do I drain my pool. Backwash not sure setting for draining on pump. Only thought cleaner but could be sucking air from skimmer. Please help.

[@sergioogg213]

Once all water is drain , after i power wash and chlorine wash do I need to drain with the pump or can I drained ? Thank u

[@tinaborek7254]

Also cover your hose with a white sock and eubber band to keep it from scratching or staining, great video

[@Inyopools]

Great tip!

[@darrinsiberia]

In my city we drained into the main outlet pipe from the house to the sewer. There's an access portal by the sidewalk in the front yard. Only issue w that is not drain it too quick or you can back up into the house plumbing. Way to do that is feather out the hose have it go uphill before going down into the outlet pipe. I used a big pot.

[@Inyopools]

Interesting solution! Thanks for sharing.

[@raymondcastillo64]

great information ! where can i get that wrench ?

[@Inyopools]

Most local hardware stores that carry PVC plumbing and related equipment should carry cleanout plug wrench.

[@ericgivens4122]

Thanks for the video and information! I have a pool that hasn't been used in several years that I know will need the water drained, and I wanted to know the amount of time it would take to clean it to bring it back into use. Thanks again!

[@Esther-ps3vx]

I would suggest you talk to your local pool store if you need to drain the pool after they test the water. I drain my pool myself and it is an inground pool and the process for me takes about 2 days as my pool is not that big. This video is quite helpful, the best I have seen.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

Cleaning time is going to depend upon how badly the algae has etched itself into the plaster/gunite surface. If you have a vinyl liner, it will go a lot quicker. As for the fill time, that's gonna depend on your local water pressure. Where I live, it takes two days to fill my 15,000 gallon pool using two garden hoses. Yeah, that's painfully slow.

[@deedee6696]

Where does the water get drained to? The hose just takes the water onto the street drains? How much does it cost to fill up a pool of water that size? Thanks!

[@Kickin_it_608]

How many gallons was the pool? What size, how many, and what type of sump pump (sewage pump or utility et...), and how long did it take?

[@savagewarriorzz2199]

How much was job all together? Materials plus labor?

[@humbertogallegos5259]

Thank you!!

[@pattyf5664]

I have a 12x24 lima bean shaped inground pool. What would the cost be to drain, clean, and refill it by a professional? thanx

[@TRUSTME183]

After pressure washing how was your elbow afterwards? 🤔

[@uplandpoolcompany8566]

How much did you charge for this job? Thank you

[@thembelihlengwenya9842]

Hi pls i want to know how to drain with garden pipe

[@Inyopools]

You can drain an above ground pool by using a garden hose as a siphon or if the inground pool is on a hill. Water would have to be sucked into the hose and once that happens, the water will continue to drain through the hose by itself. A pump will be required if the pool water is below the level of where you are draining.

[@alexginzo1246]

Where do you get that plug wrench? You didn't include it in the links.

[@Inyopools]

Here is a link to the plug removal tool. www.inyopools.com/Products/00101352056377.htm

[@alexginzo1246]

@@Inyopools How do you know which plug wrench you need for your pool? The reason I ask is that there is the cylindrical plug (circular) and the plug like the one you show that's a square. I don't want to go draining the pool, get to opening the filter at the bottom and find out I have the wrong tool. Then I have to wait several days to order that tool. I do have a Hayward Control valve much like the Hayward SP0715XR50 Pro Series Vari-Flo Control Valve. I have to be careful as I am in Orlando and the water tale can affect it and push the pool out of the ground if I don't do this right.

[@christabellesharma6557]

Great and informative video. Thanks! May I ask how much would that cost me.

[@Inyopools]

This would mainly be determined by their location and, of course, the size of the pool. Use Google or Yelp to find highly rated pool contractors to get an accurate quote.

[@edgrossman9060]

My pool has relief valves to protect it from popping if there is a build up under the shell. Rather have dirty water to clean up rather than a ruined pool

[@josephmonts757]

How any gallons of chlorine would you use for that size pool?

[@ademozer8151]

hi we will construct a pool with overflow drain system. how can discharge all of the water in the pool when we have to do it. shoul we add any pipe system for this? or is closed system with the balance tank enough?

[@SuperFriday]

How much did this cost?

[@franklobo2579]

Could you poke like 3 or 4 small holes in the cap of the chlorine bottle to create a spray?

[@Inyopools]

I'd recommend a chemical sprayer so that you get an even spray. Poking holes in the top might not provide even distribution.

[@greez847]

Very informative! I am a beginner pool owner. I have a question, what is the size pump which was used to drain the pool? What was the HP? Or could you provide information for it? Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@Inyopools]

A 1/2HP submersible sump pump was used to drain this pool.

[@rolandastewart2343]

1

[@franklobo2579]

I rented a 1/2 hp from Home Depot for 4 hours for $47 and it kicked butt.

[@sheilamaile3652]

​@@rolandastewart2343😮

[@tonyadams7444]

I plan on doing this due to high CYA and now yellow and green algae. I will use a pump sprayer. Should I use straight chlorine or dilute it to some ratio? Thanks

[@mbyrd6635]

What did you end up doing with the chlorine? sprayer, diluted? I too have to drain for CYA but I have a little green on some walls that keeps coming back.

[@Tony-ck1ds]

I didn’t dilute the chlorine. As the video shows, this guy just pours it from the edge. I used the pump sprayer to get even coverage as I overlapped each spray as well as to get into, and under, the 4 ladder footsteps. Let it all sit and soak-in for 30mins, then lightly power washed.

[@JHONBGAMING]

Isn’t that filter a bit to small for that size pool

[@sandracraddock7458]

How do I avoid gross water coming from the filter when I turn the pool back on after cleaning it

[@oliverbradbrook]

Sandra Craddock backwash

[@timothydbaker9950]

Clean your filter as the pool is filling back up before.you start your equipment back up

[@ahstoddard4]

After doing chlorine wash and rinse w fresh water does remaining water get pumped out?

[@Inyopools]

No, we did not pump out the chlorine and rinse water.

[@ronnierodriguez5011]

How did you take that hydro cap off without a hydrostatic tool?

[@Inyopools]

This pool didn't have a hydrostatic relief valve. Around the 3:50 mark you can see the plug and tool.

[@ronnierodriguez5011]

What is that valve y’all took off called and how many different valves for drains are there?

[@chuckschillingvideos]

@@ronnierodriguez5011 There wasn't one. He just removed the cleanout plug. The main drain was vented to the subsurface (likely a gravel bed) with a threaded cleanout.

[@jek539]

How long can an inground cement pool stay empty in florida?

[@tinaborek7254]

I was told under 8 days is best

[@suby_jdm_turbo4607]

Can I use any kind of chlorine? Or is their a special kind for the pool walls?

[@Inyopools]

We used sodium hypochlorite, which is the standard "liquid chlorine".

[@mattski1979]

After the 30 minutes of wall chlorine and the pool surfaces with fresh water do you pump that stuff out with the sump or leave it for some reason?

[@JoshMG]

Sump can only drain so much… filling the pool will dilute what little is left in there- much below the amount that will be needed to balance water after filling.

[@user-jt7wz2io6z]

were can i get a clean out plug wrench

[@Inyopools]

They can be found at a local hardware store, usually.

[@TLHP]

So after chlorine washing do i just leave the water with the chlorine in the pool or do i vaccum it out?

[@chuckschillingvideos]

I personally would pump it out.

[@colleb95]

This pool isn't that filthy to have to drain to clean. Just needed a good cleaning and a shock or 2 or 3.

[@andytwentyman9573]

Depends on the CYA and TDS levels. If they're high, drain it

[@pamstephens7106]

I just subpumped my pool, used 30 second cleaner to very easily clean the walls and bottom then used my shop vac from that last bit of yucky water that pump wouldn’t remove. Took less than 2days

[@NatekCGSN]

How do I know of my pool has a drain plug?

[@rose92982]

Where is the video you mentioned in the beginning of this video because i can't find it on your page?

[@Inyopools]

Here is a link to the video where we clean the pool without draining it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqKxapSXpMR4iZo

[@Headovermeals_angie]

Hello! Do you have to remove the plug from the bottom or is it okay to shovel everything out and not touch the plug at all

[@JoshMG]

It’s good to open it in the event the water tables are up, it’s a release valve so instead of the pressure pushing your pool shell up- the pressure will escape through the release valve

[@gloriahernandez7107]

Can you please share if You used any regular chlorine ( laundry bleach) or pool chlorine?... thank you

[@Inyopools]

Hi Gloria, any regular chlorine / non-scented bleach can be used, however, for this particular application we would recommend using pool chlorine as it has a higher concentration percentage and is more effective.

[@bruceamini8442]

@@Inyopools are you using 10% chlorine without diluting?

[@zombieepx1933]

@@bruceamini8442 use the same chlorine a pool store would give you in the 2.5 gallon jugs, not diluted at all pure. Except after wetting the walls with water I would use a pump up sprayer with the chlorine to coat the walls rather than poor it hanging over the side like he did. Get a lot more coverage with what you got that way more efficiently.

[@frogleg752]

What kind of sump pump do you use? I keep buying pumps, but they either don't drain enough of the water out, or the water won't drain out of the deepest part of the pool because the pump isn't strong enough to get the water past the steps. What to do?

[@Inyopools]

We used a 1/2HP Everbilt cast iron sump pump.

[@kelleymg3]

Would I follow these steps if I have a liner instead of concrete?

[@Mrkillascorpio2002]

That's what I wanna know

[@movementbasedtherapy]

Song from 7:28-8:38 is a low key sleeper. Who’s it from?!

[@alexmoreno5894]

What tool is used to take that Plug out

[@Inyopools]

It's called a "clean out plug wrench."

[@mgb2531]

Why am I even watching this? I don’t have a pool. Hahaha

[@Giul_i0]

Was the drained water chlorinated? If so, where do you dispose of it? It can't be done on the lawn or grass. Can only be done down the drain that goes to the treatment plant, correct?

[@LearningWithMatthew]

Are you able to complete this job in 1day? If you drain the day before?

[@timothydbaker9950]

Yes it can be done in 2 days drain the first day second. Day Pull.your.plug, acid or.chlorine wash,put your plug back in and you can start fillinh

[@harrisonh949]

0

[@ritalin4277]

If the water has high cyanuric acid should I drain the pool water on the DEEP or SHALLOW part of the pool? (@2:30.) I suppose that most chemicals, including cyanuric acid, would accumulate & gather on the deep end of the pool.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

No, these chemicals are dissolved and/or suspended in the pool water and do not deposit on the pool bottom.You may see calcium scale on high flow plastic or metal surfaces such as inside pump housings but you will never see them as loose deposits on the pool bottom.

[@jrlee957]

Do I have to remove the plug at the bottom? I'm in central California where it's 100° the whole summer, hardly ever rains and now in winter months it rarely gets below 40°. Super dry here, just don't want to buy/rent a tool for a one time use

[@dawn5315]

I'd love to hear his answer to your question. I used a wet/dry vacuum to get the last of the water & muck out because I did not want to pull my plug either. Best wishes : )

[@jrlee957]

@@dawn5315 I drained my pool 6 months ago and I did not remove plug. I consulted a pool company beforehand. He actually told me he never even heard of doing that. I'm assuming bc of being in California. Other states where it rains a lot, I'm sure you'd have to

[@morenonavarro6796]

How it comes color sky blue the water of the swimming pool sir?

[@Inyopools]

We used city water to fill it up and shocked it once the pool was full.

[@ernesthofmeister3054]

Question:. Best way to get rid of copper and iron stains in a drained pool?

[@Purpz710]

Acid bath and use a coppercide

[@thabobanda1741]

when cleaning the pool? how do you know the stage of dirt that's there is due for draining?

[@Inyopools]

I'm sorry I don't understand the question, can you restate it for me?

[@captainfig6253]

When do you put the plug back in?

[@Inyopools]

You may re-install the clean-out plug when re-assembling the main drain before adding fresh water.

[@crismaldonado9709]

So my question when do we put the plug back??? Lol jk great video

[@Inyopools]

You put the plug back in when you are ready to fill the pool.

[@Jerry-br4bm]

Was wondering the same thing as I never saw him replace it.

[@scshufran251]

Why didn't you follow-up the chlorine wash with an acid wash? There appeared to be a lot of stains in the pool.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

It looks like this pool has an unplastered concrete/gunnite surface. An acid wash might etch it too much, is why I'm guessing he or the pool owner decided not to do the acid wash. In my opinion it is in dire need of a plaster job.

[@williamm4334]

after you drain the pool do you really need to take out the plug?? if you don't pull the plug will the pool lift?

[@Inyopools]

Yes, there is a possibility that the pool could rise.

[@iliganoasmith5879]

What’s the cost for this job???

[@jmatthews7228]

I charge 450 for drain and clean in san antonio, tx. A green to clean chemical treatment can range anywhere from 350 to 750 depending on how big the pool is and the sort of filter the customer has.

[@mohammadshaqib9457]

Helo sir I'm also swimming pool technician Im asking ph correct 7.2& 7.6 after 7.8samthing 8.5 soo what it tha using emergency to corect level? Pls answer

[@Inyopools]

I'm sorry, but can you restate the question? I'm not sure what you are asking.

[@mohammadshaqib9457]

@@Inyopools I asking Ph level it's good 7.6 ok but now increases 8.5 ph level soo what tha using after ph level corect 7.6

[@salu190]

How much did u charge the homeowners for this task?, I live in SoCal, I am a new pool owner and last time they charged me 200 to clean the filter

[@Inyopools]

We did this cleaning free of charge. We found this pool in significant need of a recovery cycle, so we could do a how-to on cleaning a green pool. We're not a service company, so we can't quote you a price; the cost of services depends on your area. But if someone charged me $200 for cleaning my filter, they better be trimming my hedges and edging my driveway too. lol

[@susannefields7130]

what is the difference between acid wash and chlorine wash? Which is more damaging for plaster pools?

[@Inyopools]

A chlorine wash is best used for algae infestations. If there are stains that won't shift the usual way, a chlorine wash should do the trick. Muriatic acid is a harsher chemical for deep cleaning mineral and organic stains. When used on plaster pools, Muriatic acid removes a plaster layer, revealing a fresh layer of plaster underneath.

[@susannefields7130]

@@Inyopools...thanks, pool has no algae, but mineral stains.

[@christiancortes2275]

What do to if water keeps coming out?

[@Inyopools]

Where is the water coming out of?

[@mikhailcamero6201]

Any kind of chlorine?

[@gloriahernandez7107]

I would like to know also?

[@Inyopools]

You would want to use sodium hypochlorite. This is the chlorine sold at pool stores or most big box stores.

[@alexginzo1246]

How long did it take to drain the pool enough to get to the drain? Days or less?

[@dmtycn]

You can calculate the time by which pump you use. I rent a 60 gal/min from Homedepot, that's 3600 Gal/Hour, divide your pool size then the time came out. I'm draining my pool for recoat, do not open the main drain, will do that later.

[@Inyopools]

It only took a couple of hours using a sump pump. Like George said, you can calculate the time based on the output of the pump and the gallons of the pool.

[@Hajjat]

Once emptied, how long can I keep the pool empty before plaster starts chipping off?

[@franklobo2579]

I live in a extremely dry area and pretty warm so I imagine that my water table isn't very high. Do I need to remove the plug still?

[@Inyopools]

You may be ok in a really dry area, but we like to err on the side of caution and remove the plug.

[@josejusino6171]

why not use a pump sprayer to apply the chlorine to the walls ?

[@Inyopools]

Hello Jose - We'd recommend using a pump sprayer if you have one. That way the chlorine is spread out evenly.

[@kristencartwright4379]

How long does the pool take to drain with this method?

[@Inyopools]

We were using a sump pump. It took a couple of hours.

[@kristencartwright4379]

@@Inyopools thanks

[@user-lh4ww5xs3x]

ya'll in Orlando area?

[@Inyopools]

Yes, we are.

[@user-lh4ww5xs3x]

What if the bottom of a kidney concrete pool doesn't have a clean out? Kind of risky to empty huh, in FL? lol

[@RandyTillman20]

My pool has a liner… is it okay to drain?

[@Inyopools]

Not unless you plan on replacing the liner also.

[@techomega9971]

Why did you use a sump pump and not the main drain to drain the pool?

[@Inyopools]

We used a sump pump because the pool owner had a small cartridge filter. It would have taken forever to drain it using a hose bib on the cartridge drain. If it had been a sand or de filter, we could have just used the main drain.

[@user-bq2wo1so3t]

How much does this job cost?

[@Inyopools]

The cost would vary widely according to pool size, the condition of the pool, and where you're located. The cost of an acid wash in Florida is likely cheaper than one in Minnesota due to more pool service companies/greater competition for jobs.

[@Gliw0306]

me and my grandpa did this with the pressure washer

[@SmittyFan]

Shouldn’t you have opened pressure plug before draining?

[@Inyopools]

No, the plug can be removed once the pool is drained.