Getting started: Draining your pool is something you need to do when your water level is too high (over the skimmer mouth) or when you are preparing for winterizing. To drain your pool you will need a 1.5″ discharge/backwash hose as well as a C-clamp. If do not already have these items, they can be purchased at your local pool retail store. If you are draining for winter, assure your chemical levels are balanced and the pool is vacuumed before you commence draining. When setting up the discharge hose, make sure it is well attached to the plumbing exit port with the C-clamp and that the hose is free of kinks. When draining your pool, please be mindful of your neighbour’s property. To protect our local aquatic water life,  it is illegal to drain a salt water pool into the municipal storm sewer.

For cartridge filters: With the pump on, using the black three-way valve in front of your pump,  close the skimmer so that you are only drawing water from the main drains. Turn your blue or red ball valve to the open position so that water bypasses the filter. Afterward, keep an eye on the lowering water level. Once the water level is at the desired spot, turn the ball valve back to the closed position. When draining for winter, the requires water level is one inch below the returns (wall jets).

For sand filters: With the pump off, using the black three-way valve in front of your pump,  close the skimmer so that you are only drawing water from the main drains. Turn your filter dial to the waste position so that water bypasses the filter. Afterward, turn the pump on and keep an eye on the lowering water level. Once the water level is at the desired spot, turn the ball valve back to the closed position. When draining for winter, the requires water level is one inch below the returns (wall jets).