If your property isn't occupied very often, you might be tempted to drain your swimming pool until you're ready to use it again.
It seems like a simple way to save money. No pool water means less cleaning, fewer chemicals, and lower pool maintenance costs.
Unfortunately, it's not always the best decision.
Leaving an empty swimming pool for too long can lead to structural damage, worn-out pool equipment, and expensive pool repairs that cost far more than regular maintenance. Before you decide to drain your pool, it's worth understanding the risks and knowing when it's actually safe to leave a swimming pool empty.
Risks of Leaving a Swimming Pool Empty
Draining your swimming pool may seem like the easiest option, but an empty pool can create problems that are often overlooked.
Here are some of the biggest risks you should know about.
- Hydrostatic Pressure Can Damage Your Swimming Pool
One of the biggest threats comes from beneath the ground. The soil underneath your swimming pool naturally contains groundwater. This creates hydrostatic pressure, which constantly pushes against the pool structure from below. When the swimming pool is full, the weight of the water keeps that pressure balanced. Once the pool is empty, the pressure underneath has nothing to hold it back. In some cases, it can crack the swimming pool, cause the structure to shift, or even lift part of the pool out of the ground. While it's not something that happens every day, the repair costs can be significant. - Pool Finishes and Equipment Can Be Damaged
Leaving a swimming pool empty for too long can also damage its finishes and equipment. Without pool water, tiles, mosaics, and natural stone are exposed to direct sunlight and heat. Over time, they may crack, loosen, or become damaged. Your pool equipment can also be affected. Rubber seals, O-rings, and other components inside the pump and lighting system can dry out, shrink, and become brittle. When you refill the swimming pool, those damaged parts can easily turn into leaks. - Health and Safety Risks
An empty swimming pool isn't completely risk-free. Rainwater can collect at the bottom of the pool, creating stagnant water that's ideal for mosquitoes to breed. There's also the risk of accidents. Without water to cushion a fall, an empty swimming pool can be dangerous for children and pets, increasing the chance of serious injuries.
When Should You Drain a Swimming Pool?
Draining a swimming pool isn't always a bad idea. In fact, there are times when it's necessary. The key is knowing when and why.
Most routine pool maintenance doesn't require you to empty the pool. In many cases, keeping the pool water clean and balanced is all it takes to keep your swimming pool in good condition.
A full drain is usually recommended only for specific jobs, such as repairing structural cracks, acid washing, or replacing tiles and other pool finishes.
Before you drain a swimming pool, make sure the hydrostatic relief valve is working properly. This valve helps release groundwater pressure beneath the pool and reduces the risk of structural damage.
It's also best to avoid draining your swimming pool during the rainy season, as groundwater levels are usually at their highest, increasing hydrostatic pressure beneath the pool.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Leaving a swimming pool empty may seem like an easy way to save on pool maintenance, but it can end up costing much more in the long run.
Structural damage, cracked finishes, and worn-out pool equipment are just a few of the problems that can happen when a swimming pool is left empty for too long. In many cases, the cost of repairing these issues is far higher than the cost of regular maintenance.
A better approach is to keep your pool filled and properly maintained, even if the property isn't occupied. Using a pool cover can help reduce water evaporation, keep debris out, and lower ongoing pool maintenance costs.
If you're unable to look after your swimming pool yourself, working with a professional swimming pool contractor like Bali Arsitek is a practical solution. Our team can help keep your pool clean, safe, and ready to use whenever you need it.
