Pool Draining Checklist

Before the Drain

Ensure We Have Drain Access

For the majority of the pools we drain, we drain the water to the home's sewer clean-out (see picture at left for an example). Most homes have a clean-out. These clean-outs provide access points to the sewer line, allowing us to safely and legally drain pool water without causing flooding or erosion. Clean-outs may be located in the backyard (common if you have an alley, where the municipal sewer system runs), or in the front yard (if the municipal sewer system runs under the street).

If a home does not have a visible clean-out, there are a few options:

• City Drainage Rules: Some cities, like Tempe, allow draining to the street if the water is clean and balanced
• Wash Drainage: If the home is near a wash and the owner is permitted to drain there, we may be able to use that option
• Plumbing Assistance: If you cannot locate a sewer clean-out, a plumber can locate it or install one if needed

We will reach out to you before your drain to confirm that we are able to drain your pool.

Complete the Drain Waiver

Before we drain your pool, you’ll need to complete and sign our drain waiver. This form acknowledges that you understand the process and potential risks of draining a pool. You can access our drain waiver here.

Day of Your Drain

Ensure the Pool is Accessible

Please ensure we have clear access to your backyard and pool equipment area. Gates should be unlocked, and any pets should be secured indoors.

Drain Set-Up

Our team will:

• Set up the drainage pump and run the hose to the appropriate drain location
• Turn off all pool equipment to prevent damage
• Turn off pool lights to avoid burnout from exposure to air
• Turn off the water auto-fill to prevent it from running during the drain

Drain Completion

Draining times vary based on pool size, typically taking 4-8 hours. The pump will automatically shut off when the water level is sufficiently drained.

Safety

An empty pool poses serious safety risks, especially for pets and children. Please take extra precautions while your pool is empty, such as keeping gates closed and monitoring the area.

Refilling Your Pool

Other Services Performed

If you’ve scheduled any additional services—such as acid washing, tile cleaning, or some equipment repairs—these will be completed while the pool is empty.

Water Refill

Refilling your pool depends on your preferred method:

• Standard Hose – We can start filling your pool using your garden hose. You will need to monitor the water levels and turn off when full.
• Auto-Leveler Attachment – We can connect an auto-leveler to your hose to help regulate filling.
• Pool Auto-Fill Only – If you choose to refill solely with your pool’s auto-fill, be aware this will take significantly longer.

The refill time depends on the number of hoses used, your home's water pressure, and pool size. It may take 1-7 days to fully refill. If using a garden hose, for a standard residential pool, it will generally take 1-3 days to refill.

Notify Us Once Refilled

Once your pool is full, please let us know so we can schedule the next steps.

Re-Balancing

Once refilled, we will rebalance the water, adding:

• Cyanuric acid (CYA) for chlorine stabilization.
• Liquid chlorine or chlorine tabs to establish sanitation.
• Muriatic acid to balance pH and alkalinity as needed.