Will My Pool Pop Out Of The Ground If I Drain It?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Inground pools made of concrete or gunite

are susceptible to popping out of the ground if drainage is not done properly

. … Excessive ground water can cause this type of pool to “float” out of the ground when draining is occuring.

Can empty pools pop out of the ground?

Homeowners or contractors empty a pool to re-plaster it or do certain repairs. … Much of this rain water penetrates into the ground, raising the inground water table, which creates a lot of hydrostatic pressure pushing up on the pool.

After the water table raises enough, the pool may float or pop up out of the ground

.

What happens if I drain my inground pool?

When one drains the pool and there happens to be water under the shell (like in the rainy spring when people want to clean up the pool)

the entire pool shell can heave

. This is because the water under the pool creates an upward hydrostatic force (through buoyancy) and the pool is lifted out of the ground.

How do you drain a pool without it popping out?

  1. Don’t drain the pool during extended periods of heavy rain. …
  2. Pump the discharge to a storm drain, or to a point far away from the pool. …
  3. Pump downhill from the pool. …
  4. Open the hydrostatic pressure relief plugs on the pool floor. …
  5. Work Fast.

Will my pool collapse if I drain it?

An empty pool (or as little as 1/4 filled) and an exposed liner on a hot day can cause the liner to shrink from the heat and deem the liner useless.

An empty pool is also susceptible to collapse

. … Whenever replacing the water in your pool, both removal and refilling should be completed in the same day!

How long can I leave my concrete pool empty?

How long can you leave a pool empty? Well, the minimum amount of time possible in order to minimize the risk of serious damage. Most issues that require a pool drain will take

at least a day or two to resolve

, but it’s recommended to not let it sit empty for any extended period of time.

Can I empty my concrete pool?


Modern concrete pools can usually stand being drained for as long as needed

, but there’ll still be a risk of popping if the ground water level is high. Fibreglass pools are less resilient. The floor may come loose and float to the top when refilled, even after a short period.

Should I drain my pool to get rid of algae?

Should I drain my pool to get rid of algae? Yes, you can because it saves time and money, but only if you do it properly.

Use the main drain in your pool and drain water through

the filter pump.

What happens if you don’t drain a pool?

* Draining a

pool can make problems like cracks and popping plaster worse

. * Dumping pool water into the sewer is now illegal in most California counties. * You will be charged to refill your pool if you are on a water meter!

Can I leave my inground pool empty over winter?


It’s not good to leave your pool empty when

the weather gets cold. Leaving your pool filled with water can help prevent your vinyl or concrete foundation from being damaged. … Leaving your pool filled with water can help prevent your vinyl or concrete foundation from being damaged.

How do you fix a popped concrete pool?

Answer: You have several choices. The best solution is to

remove both the deck around the pool and the screen enclosure

(if the pool is screened). Then disconnect all electrical and plumbing attachments, drain and lift the existing pool, dig, re-level and reinstall the pool to the proper grade.

What is a popped pool?

A popped or floating pool is

a swimming pool that has risen out of the ground

. Popped pools are not an everyday happening, but when they take place, they may result in irreversible damage to your pool.

When should you not drain your pool?

Pools will need to be drained and refilled every 5-7 years on average, or if there is a major necessary repair. Otherwise, avoid draining your

pool if at all possible

.

How often should u drain your pool?

Even with proper and regular pool maintenance, it’s often necessary to drain your pool — completely or partially —

every 3-5 years

. Draining your pool often isn’t necessary, especially if you’re following a proper and regular maintenance program.

Why is draining a pool bad?

Draining your pool

can cause serious damage to it’s structure

. However, if the ground water is high enough, it can push the entire pool out of the ground. The pool shell acts like a ship and floats up in the ground water.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.