Draining your Intex pool is a crucial maintenance task that ensures the longevity and cleanliness of your pool. Whether it’s for the end of the season, a thorough cleaning, or relocation, improper draining can lead to damage and hassles. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the step-by-step process of draining an Intex pool efficiently and effectively. By following these detailed instructions, you can ensure a smooth and trouble-free pool draining experience.
Before embarking on the draining process, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a submersible pump, a garden hose, a bucket, and a chlorine neutralizer. The submersible pump is the heart of the operation, responsible for efficiently pumping out the water from your pool. Choose a pump with sufficient power to handle the volume of water in your pool and ensure it has a long enough cord to reach the nearest power outlet. The garden hose will be used to direct the water away from your pool and into a drain or designated area. The bucket is handy for collecting any excess water or spills, while the chlorine neutralizer helps neutralize the chlorine in the pool water before it’s released into the environment.
With the necessary tools in hand, you can proceed with the draining process. Begin by connecting the submersible pump to the garden hose and placing the pump in the deepest part of the pool. Ensure the hose is securely attached to both the pump and the drain or discharge point. Next, add the appropriate amount of chlorine neutralizer to the pool water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step is crucial to prevent the release of harmful chlorine into the environment. Once the chlorine neutralizer is added, turn on the pump and let it run until the water level drops below the skimmer opening. At this point, you can disconnect the hose from the pump and manually remove any remaining water using the bucket. Finally, thoroughly clean and store the pump and other equipment for future use.
Gather Necessary Tools and Materials
Draining an Intex pool is a relatively simple process, but it does require some preparation. Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
Garden hose: A standard garden hose is the most convenient way to drain an Intex pool. Make sure it’s long enough to reach from the pool to a nearby drain or sewer. Do not connect directly to a storm drain.
Pump: A submersible pump can speed up the draining process, especially if you have a large pool. Look for a pump that’s designed for use with pools and has a flow rate of at least 1,500 gallons per hour.
Bucket: You’ll need a bucket to collect water as it drains from the pool. Choose a bucket that’s large enough to hold several gallons of water.
Siphon: While not necessary, a siphon can help you remove water from the pool if you don’t have a hose or pump. A siphon can be made using a length of clear tubing. Use a length of twine or string to hold the siphon in place.
Pool cover: If you plan to store your pool for the winter, you’ll need to cover it to keep it clean and prevent damage. Choose a pool cover that’s the right size for your pool and is made from a durable material.
| Tool/Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Garden hose | To drain water from the pool |
| Pump | To speed up the draining process |
| Bucket | To collect water as it drains from the pool |
| Siphon | To remove water from the pool without a hose or pump |
| Pool cover | To keep the pool clean and prevent damage during storage |
Choose a Drain Site
Selecting an appropriate drain site is crucial for the efficient drainage of your Intex pool. Consider the following factors when making your choice:
Gravity: Choose a location where water will naturally flow away from the pool and into a suitable drainage system or ground area. Avoid draining into low-lying areas or near property lines to prevent flooding or damage to neighboring structures.
Slope: A gentle slope is ideal for draining your pool as it allows water to flow smoothly without resistance. If the drain site is relatively flat, consider creating a temporary incline using ramps or planks to facilitate drainage.
Distance from the pool: Select a drain site that is reasonably close to the pool to minimize the length of the drainage hose you will need. Longer hoses increase friction and impede the flow of water.
Drainage capacity: Ensure that the drain site can handle the volume of water discharged from the pool. If the drainage system is inadequate, water may accumulate and cause flooding or drainage issues.
Table: Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drain Site
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Gravity | Water should flow naturally away from the pool. |
| Slope | A gentle slope aids in smooth water flow. |
| Distance from the pool | Minimize the length of the drainage hose. |
| Drainage capacity | Ensure the drainage system can handle the pool’s volume of water. |
Connect the Drain Hose
1. Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the pool liner. It is usually a black or white plastic cap with a small hole in the center.
2. Attach the end of the drain hose to the drain plug. The hose should fit snugly over the plug.
3. Extend the hose away from the pool and lead it to a drain or other suitable location where the water can be discharged. Make sure the hose is long enough to reach the desired location without kinking or bending.
a. If the hose is too short, you can purchase an extension hose from a pool supply store.
b. If the hose is too long, you can coil the excess hose up and secure it with bungee cords or zip ties.
4. Ensure that the hose is securely attached to both the drain plug and the drain or discharge location.
Position the Drain Hose Valve
The drain hose valve is a key component in draining your Intex pool. It controls the flow of water from the pool to the drain hose. To properly position the drain hose valve, follow these steps:
- Locate the drain plug: The drain plug is typically located on the bottom or side of the pool, near the bottom rail.
- Remove the drain plug: Use a Phillips screwdriver or a coin to loosen the drain plug and remove it from the pool.
- Attach the drain hose: Connect one end of the drain hose to the drain plug. Secure the connection by tightening the hose clamp.
- Position the drain hose valve: The drain hose valve should be positioned so that the end of the hose is below the level of the water in the pool. This will allow the water to flow out of the pool through the hose and into the desired drain location.
4. Position the drain hose valve (detailed guide):
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Determine the desired drain location. This could be a storm drain, a sewer system, or a garden area. |
| 2 | Measure the distance from the pool to the drain location. This will determine the length of drain hose you need. |
| 3 | Position the drain hose so that it slopes downwards from the pool to the drain location. This ensures that the water will flow out of the pool and into the drain by gravity. |
| 4 | Secure the drain hose in place using hose clamps or other suitable methods to prevent it from coming loose during draining. |
Once the drain hose valve is properly positioned, you can begin draining your Intex pool by opening the valve and allowing the water to flow out.
Draining an Intex Pool
Open the Valve and Drain the Pool
Once you have gathered your tools and prepared the area, it’s time to open the valve and drain the pool. Locate the drain valve on the side of the pool, usually near the bottom. It will have a small cap or plug that you need to remove. Once the cap is off, attach the drain hose to the valve and secure it tightly.
Open the valve by turning it counterclockwise. The water will start to flow out of the pool and into the hose. If the water is not draining fast enough, you can use a submersible pump to speed up the process.
Monitor the water level as it drains. Once the water level is below the skimmer, you can turn off the pump and disconnect the hose.
Clean the Drain Valve
After the pool is drained, it’s a good idea to clean the drain valve to prevent clogs. Remove the cap and hose, and use a brush to clean any debris from the valve. You can also use a hose to flush out the valve.
Store the Pool and Accessories
Once the pool is drained, it’s time to store it and the accessories for the winter. Clean all of the pool components, including the liner, filter, and pump. Dry everything thoroughly before storing it in a cool, dry place.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Drain hose | Connects the drain valve to the discharge point |
| Submersible pump | Accelerates the draining process |
| Brush | Cleans the drain valve |
Monitor the Draining Process
After you have connected the pump to the pool and turned it on, it is important to monitor the draining process to ensure that it is working properly. Here are some tips for monitoring the draining process:
1. Check the water level regularly. As the pool drains, the water level will gradually decrease. You can check the water level by looking at the waterline on the side of the pool.
2. Listen for any unusual noises. If you hear any unusual noises, such as a loud humming or rattling, it may be a sign that the pump is not working properly.
3. Check the pump for leaks. If you see any leaks, turn off the pump and tighten the connections.
4. Check the filter basket. The filter basket will collect dirt and debris as the pool drains. If the filter basket becomes full, it will restrict the flow of water and slow down the draining process.
5. Clean the filter basket regularly. To clean the filter basket, simply remove it from the pump and rinse it with water.
6. Once the pool is completely drained, turn off the pump and disconnect it from the pool. You can then disassemble the pump and store it in a dry place for later use.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having trouble draining your Intex pool, here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The pump is not working. | Check the power cord to make sure that it is plugged in and that the power switch is turned on. Check the fuse or circuit breaker to make sure that it has not blown. |
| The pump is making a loud noise. | The pump may be clogged with dirt or debris. Clean the filter basket and check the impeller for any obstructions. |
| The pool is not draining fast enough. | The filter basket may be full. Clean the filter basket. The pump may be too small for the size of the pool. Get a larger pump. |
Adjust Hose Position as Needed
Once the hose is connected, ensure it’s properly positioned to facilitate efficient drainage. Follow these guidelines:
- Slope the hose: Keep the hose slightly sloping downwards from the pool to the drain location. This prevents water from pooling in the hose and enables better flow.
- Avoid kinks and bends: Ensure that the hose doesn’t have any sharp bends or kinks, as these can obstruct water flow. Keep it relatively straight for optimal drainage.
- Loop the hose over the side: To create a more effective suction, loop the end of the hose over the side of the pool (above the water level) before connecting it to the drain. This allows air to enter the hose, preventing siphoning and ensuring continuous drainage.
- Use a hose weight (optional): If the hose tends to float or move around, consider using a hose weight to keep it submerged and in place.
Troubleshooting Hose Position
If you encounter difficulties during draining, check the hose position and adjust as follows:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Water not draining or slow drainage | Ensure the hose is properly sloped, free of kinks, and has a loop over the side of the pool. |
| Hose floating or moving around | Use a hose weight to keep it submerged and stable. |
| Air bubbles in the hose | Disconnect the hose from the pool and fill it with water to eliminate trapped air. |
Disconnect the Drain Hose
To disconnect the drain hose from the pool, follow these steps:
- Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the pool.
- Unscrew the drain plug counterclockwise by hand or using a wrench.
- Once the plug is loose, remove it and discard it.
- Connect the end of the drain hose to the drain plug.
Note: Make sure the hose is long enough to reach a drain or other desired location for the water to drain into. - Secure the drain hose by tightening the hose clamp around the connection using a screwdriver or wrench.
- Pull out the excess slack from the drain hose and arrange it so that it doesn’t kink or get in the way.
- Position the end of the drain hose over or into the desired location for the water to drain into, such as a drain, bucket, or low-lying area.
- Open the drain valve on the pool by turning it counterclockwise.
Note: The water will start draining from the pool.
| Safety Tips: |
|---|
| – Ensure the drain hose is securely connected to the pool and the desired drainage location. |
| – Be careful not to trip over the drain hose while it is draining. |
| – Do not leave the pool unattended while it is draining. |
Clean and Store the Drain Equipment
Once you’ve drained your Intex pool, it’s important to clean and store the drain equipment properly to ensure its longevity. Here’s how:
Disconnect the Drain Valve
Turn off the water supply to the pool and disconnect the hose from the drain valve.
Clean the Drain Valve
Inspect the drain valve for any debris or algae. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean it thoroughly.
Clean the Drain Hose
Uncoil the drain hose and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Shake it vigorously to remove any remaining water.
Clean the Pump (if used)
If you used a pump to drain the pool, make sure to clean it thoroughly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Dry the Equipment
Allow all of the drain equipment, including the valve, hose, and pump (if used), to dry completely before storing it.
Store the Equipment
Store the clean and dry drain equipment in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
| Component | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Drain Valve | Store in a clean, dry location |
| Drain Hose | Coil tightly and store in a bag or container |
| Pump (if used) | Store in a protected location, following manufacturer’s instructions |
Materials Needed
Before you begin draining your Intex pool, make sure you have the following materials on hand:
- Submersible pump (optional)
- Garden hose
- Bucket or other container to collect water
- Pool chemicals (optional)
Fill the Pool and Test
Before draining your pool, it’s important to fill it with fresh water and test the pH and chlorine levels. This will help to ensure that the water is safe for swimming and that the pool equipment is functioning properly.
10. Drain the Pool
Once you have filled and tested the pool, you can begin draining it. There are two ways to do this: using a submersible pump or using a garden hose.
Using a Submersible Pump:
- Place the pump in the deepest part of the pool.
- Attach the garden hose to the pump’s discharge port.
- Run the hose to a nearby drain or other disposal area.
- Turn on the pump and allow it to run until the pool is empty.
Using a Garden Hose:
- Attach the garden hose to the pool’s drain valve.
- Open the drain valve and allow the water to drain out.
- If the pool is large, you may need to use a bucket or other container to collect the water.
- Once the pool is empty, close the drain valve.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Submersible pump | Faster Easier More efficient |
Requires electricity Can be expensive |
| Garden hose | Cheaper Easier to set up |
Slower Less efficient Can be more labor-intensive |
How to Drain an Intex Pool
It is important to drain your Intex pool properly to prevent damage to the pool and surrounding area. Follow these steps to successfully drain your pool:
1. Gather the necessary materials: a garden hose, a pool pump, a bucket, and a chlorine tablet.
2. Connect the garden hose to the pool pump and place the pump in the pool.
3. Add a chlorine tablet to the pool water to kill any bacteria.
4. Turn on the pool pump and let it run for several hours, or until the pool is empty.
5. Once the pool is empty, disconnect the garden hose from the pool pump and remove the pump from the pool.
6. Use a bucket to scoop up any remaining water from the pool.
People Also Ask
How often should I drain my Intex pool?
You should drain your Intex pool every 2-3 months, or more often if the pool is heavily used.
What is the best way to drain an Intex pool?
The best way to drain an Intex pool is to use a pool pump. This will make the draining process faster and easier.
Can I drain my Intex pool without a pump?
Yes, you can drain your Intex pool without a pump, but it will take longer and be more difficult. You can use a bucket to scoop up the water, or you can use a siphon to drain the water.
