Deciding whether to drain pool water yourself or hire a professional is a big choice for any Gilbert homeowner. On the surface, it may seem like a simple task. However, draining a pool incorrectly can cause serious damage to your equipment, your shell, and even your yard.
Arizona pools face unique challenges. The extreme heat, hard water, and high mineral buildup common across the East Valley mean draining is sometimes necessary. Therefore, understanding your options before you act can save you time, money, and stress.
In this guide, we break down the key differences between DIY and professional pool draining. Additionally, we highlight the risks of each approach so you can make the best decision for your pool.
Why Would You Need to Drain a Pool in Gilbert, AZ?
Pool draining is not something most homeowners do on a whim. In fact, there are specific situations that make it necessary. Understanding those situations helps you plan ahead.
High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Over time, Arizona’s hard water causes minerals to build up in your pool. This buildup is called Total Dissolved Solids, or TDS. When TDS levels get too high, chemicals stop working effectively. As a result, your water may look cloudy or feel rough, even after treatment.
Draining and refilling is often the most practical solution. This is especially common in Gilbert, Chandler, and Mesa, where water hardness tends to be higher than in other parts of the country.
Stubborn Algae or Chemical Imbalance
Sometimes algae gets so bad that no amount of shocking brings the pool back. Additionally, severe chemical imbalances — like extremely high cyanuric acid levels — can make your pool water unsafe. In those cases, a full or partial drain may be the fastest path to a clean, swim-ready pool.
Replastering or Equipment Repairs
Major repairs often require a dry pool. For example, replastering, tile replacement, or certain leak repairs all need the water out first. Furthermore, some equipment issues at the base of the pool wall require a full drain to access properly.
The DIY Approach: What You Need to Know
Many Gilbert homeowners consider draining their pool themselves to save money. That instinct is understandable. However, there are several important factors to consider before you start pumping water out.
What Equipment Do You Need?
To drain a pool yourself, you typically need a submersible pump, discharge hoses, and a safe drainage point. Most homeowners use a utility pump to move water into a sewer cleanout or storm drain. Meanwhile, you also need to monitor the process closely to avoid flooding your yard or a neighbor’s property.
Renting the right equipment takes time and costs money. Moreover, if something goes wrong mid-drain, you may not have the tools or experience to fix it quickly.
The Risk of Pool Floating
One of the most serious risks of DIY draining is pool floating, also called hydrostatic uplift. When a pool is empty, groundwater pressure underneath can literally push the pool shell up out of the ground. This can crack the shell and cause massive structural damage.
In Gilbert and surrounding East Valley cities like Queen Creek and San Tan Valley, soil conditions and groundwater levels can vary. Therefore, a professional should assess your soil and water table before you drain.
Local Regulations and Discharge Rules
Gilbert has rules about where and how you can discharge pool water. Dumping untreated, chemically saturated water into the street or a storm drain may violate local ordinances. As a result, you could face fines if you do not follow proper discharge procedures.
A professional pool service knows local regulations. Additionally, they understand how to dechlorinate water before discharge to stay compliant with Gilbert’s municipal guidelines.
Sun Damage to an Empty Pool
Arizona’s sun is intense. An empty pool shell left exposed for too long can crack, blister, or fade. This is especially true during the summer months, when temperatures in Gilbert regularly push into triple digits. Therefore, timing matters when you drain a pool here.
Professionals work quickly to minimize the time the shell is exposed. DIY draining, on the other hand, can stretch into a multi-day project if complications arise.
The Professional Approach: What You Get
Hiring a professional pool service to drain your pool removes the guesswork. Moreover, it protects your investment in ways that DIY simply cannot match.
Experience and Equipment
Professional pool technicians bring the right equipment for your specific pool size and situation. They also know how to handle complications if they arise. For example, if a pump fails mid-drain or they discover a crack in the shell, they can address it on the spot.
At Valley Pool Service, our Gilbert-based technicians have hands-on experience with all types of residential pools across the East Valley. We understand local soil, water chemistry, and equipment well.
Proper Drainage and Compliance
Our team knows exactly how to discharge pool water in compliance with Gilbert’s local rules. We dechlorinate the water before disposal and use approved discharge points. As a result, you avoid fines and environmental issues without lifting a finger.
Full Inspection While the Pool Is Empty
One major advantage of professional draining is what happens next. While the pool is empty, a technician can inspect the shell, plumbing, and equipment thoroughly. This is the perfect time to spot cracks, worn surfaces, or leaking fittings before they become expensive problems.
Furthermore, our team will walk you through what we find and explain your options clearly. You stay informed every step of the way.
If you are ready to stop guessing and get expert eyes on your pool, contact Valley Pool to schedule a service visit today.
DIY vs Professional Pool Draining: A Side-by-Side Look
Still weighing your options? Here is a quick comparison to help you decide.
- Cost: DIY may seem cheaper upfront. However, mistakes can cost far more than a professional service would have.
- Time: Professionals work efficiently and minimize the pool’s downtime. DIY projects often take longer than expected.
- Safety: Professionals understand hydrostatic risks, sun damage timelines, and chemical discharge rules. DIYers often do not.
- Compliance: A pro ensures you follow Gilbert’s local ordinances. DIY draining can accidentally violate them.
- Inspection: Professionals use the drain as an opportunity to inspect and catch issues early. DIY draining often misses this step.
On the other hand, if you are an experienced pool owner with the right equipment and a small, straightforward drain situation, a partial DIY approach may work in some cases. Even then, we recommend consulting a professional first.
When Should You Always Call a Professional?
Some situations make professional draining an absolute must. Here are the clearest examples.
- Your pool has not been drained in several years and TDS levels are very high.
- You are planning replastering, resurfacing, or major structural repairs.
- Your pool has a fiberglass or vinyl liner shell, which are more vulnerable to damage when empty.
- You are draining during summer in Gilbert, when sun exposure risk is at its highest.
- You are unsure about your local discharge rules or soil conditions.
In these situations, the stakes are simply too high to risk a DIY approach. A professional inspection before and during the drain can prevent costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Draining in Gilbert
How often should I drain pool water in Arizona?
Most Arizona pools need a full drain every few years, depending on water quality and usage. Hard water in Gilbert and the East Valley accelerates mineral buildup. A professional water test can tell you when it is time.
Is it safe to drain a pool in the summer?
Draining during summer in Gilbert is risky because the exposed shell can crack from heat. Therefore, spring or fall is usually the better window. If you must drain in summer, work quickly and keep the shell shaded if possible.
Can I drain my pool into the street or storm drain?
Generally, no. Gilbert’s local rules require pool water to be properly dechlorinated before discharge. Dumping untreated water into the street or storm drain can result in fines. Always follow local guidelines or hire a professional who handles this for you.
What happens if I leave my pool empty too long?
Sun exposure, soil pressure, and hydrostatic uplift can all damage an empty pool shell. The longer it sits empty, the greater the risk. Professionals work quickly to minimize this window.
Does Valley Pool Service handle pool draining in Gilbert and nearby areas?
Yes. Our team services Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and other East Valley communities. We handle draining, refilling, inspections, and full pool maintenance. Reach out to talk with a pool care expert about your specific situation.
Trust Valley Pool Service with Your Pool Draining Needs
Draining a pool is not a task to take lightly, especially in Gilbert’s extreme Arizona climate. From hydrostatic risks to local discharge rules and sun damage, there are many ways a DIY drain can go wrong. Therefore, working with an experienced local team simply makes sense.
At Valley Pool Service, we bring the knowledge, equipment, and local expertise to handle your pool draining safely and efficiently. We serve homeowners across Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and the wider East Valley. Our technicians will inspect your pool, walk you through every step, and leave your pool ready for its next season.
Do not risk your pool shell, your yard, or your budget on a DIY approach that could go sideways. Request a free quote today and let our team take care of it the right way, from start to finish.
