Every Mesa, AZ pool owner faces a tough question at some point: should you drain pool water yourself or call in a professional? It sounds like a simple weekend project, but draining a pool incorrectly can cause serious damage. Therefore, knowing your options before you start is essential.
Arizona’s intense heat and hard water create unique challenges for pool owners. Because of this, pool draining in the East Valley is not quite the same as draining a pool in a milder climate. There are legal, structural, and chemical factors to consider before you pull the plug.
In this guide, we break down the real differences between DIY and professional pool draining. Additionally, we cover what every Mesa homeowner should know before making that decision.
Why Would You Need to Drain Your Pool?
Most pools do not need to be fully drained very often. However, there are specific situations where draining becomes necessary. Understanding why you might need to drain pool water helps you plan ahead and avoid costly mistakes.
Common Reasons Homeowners Drain Their Pool
- High total dissolved solids (TDS): Over time, minerals and chemicals build up in pool water. When TDS levels get too high, the water becomes difficult to balance properly.
- Severe algae or staining: Some stubborn green or black algae problems require a full drain and acid wash to fully resolve.
- Plaster or surface repairs: Resurfacing or patching pool plaster requires the pool to be empty.
- Chemical imbalance beyond correction: Sometimes the water chemistry is so far off that starting fresh is the most practical solution.
- Structural inspections: A thorough inspection of the shell, drains, and fittings requires an empty pool.
In the East Valley, hard water is a major contributor to high TDS. Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek homeowners often find themselves dealing with this issue more frequently than pool owners in other parts of the country.
The DIY Pool Draining Approach
Many homeowners attempt to drain pool water on their own to save money. On the surface, it seems straightforward: hook up a submersible pump, run the hose to the street or sewer cleanout, and let it drain. However, the process is more complex than it appears.
What DIY Pool Draining Involves
First, you need the right equipment. A standard garden hose will not move water fast enough. Most DIYers use a submersible pump rated for the volume of their pool. Next, you need to identify a legal discharge point, which we will cover shortly.
Then comes the monitoring phase. You cannot simply walk away and let the pump run unattended. Pumping too quickly can create pressure issues in the ground around the pool. Moreover, the pool shell itself can float or crack if groundwater pressure is not accounted for.
Finally, once the pool is empty, the real work begins. Cleaning, inspecting, and refilling all take additional time and resources. Many homeowners underestimate how long the entire process takes.
Risks of DIY Pool Draining in Arizona
- Pool pop or float: An empty pool shell can literally lift out of the ground when hydrostatic pressure from surrounding soil is too high. This is an expensive repair.
- Sun damage to plaster: Arizona sun is brutal. Exposed pool plaster can dry out and crack within hours if left empty during the day.
- Incorrect discharge: Draining pool water into the street or storm drain is illegal in most East Valley cities, including Mesa and Gilbert.
- Pump burnout: Running a submersible pump without proper monitoring can burn out the motor before the job is done.
- Improper chemical levels before draining: Pool water must be dechlorinated before discharge in many municipalities.
Because of these risks, a DIY drain that goes wrong can end up costing far more than a professional service would have. Therefore, it is worth carefully weighing the tradeoffs before starting.
The Professional Pool Draining Approach
When you hire a professional pool service, you get much more than just someone with a pump. A trained technician brings experience, proper equipment, and knowledge of local regulations. Furthermore, a professional can spot problems while the pool is empty that would otherwise go unnoticed.
What Professionals Do Differently
Professional pool technicians assess the pool before draining begins. They check the water table conditions, inspect the pool shell for existing cracks, and ensure the water is properly treated for legal discharge. Additionally, they use commercial-grade pumps that drain pools faster and more efficiently than consumer-grade equipment.
During the drain, a professional monitors the process continuously. They watch for signs of structural stress and adjust the pace as needed. Meanwhile, they can also assess the pool surface, plumbing, and equipment while the pool is accessible.
After draining, a professional service team can perform acid washing, surface repairs, or equipment servicing before the pool is refilled. This makes the entire process much more efficient for the homeowner.
Local Regulations Matter in Mesa and the East Valley
Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Tempe all have specific rules about how pool water must be discharged. In most cases, pool water must be dechlorinated before release and directed to a sanitary sewer cleanout rather than the street or storm drain. Professional pool companies know these rules and follow them correctly.
Violating discharge regulations can result in fines from your city or municipality. Therefore, this is one area where professional knowledge genuinely pays off.
DIY vs Professional: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Still deciding which path is right for you? Here is a quick breakdown to help you compare the two options clearly.
- Cost: DIY may seem cheaper upfront, but equipment rental, mistakes, and repairs can add up quickly. Professional service typically costs more initially but avoids expensive errors.
- Time: DIY draining requires hands-on monitoring for many hours. Professional teams complete the job more efficiently and handle everything from start to finish.
- Risk: DIY carries higher risk of pool damage, legal violations, and equipment failure. Professional service significantly reduces these risks.
- Quality: Professionals inspect and service the pool during the drain, adding value beyond just removing the water.
- Peace of mind: Knowing the job was done correctly and legally is often worth the investment for busy homeowners.
For many Mesa and Gilbert pool owners, the peace of mind alone makes professional draining the smarter choice. However, informed DIYers with the right equipment and knowledge can handle a drain successfully if they proceed carefully.
Not sure which option fits your situation? Contact Valley Pool and we will help you figure out the best plan for your pool.
Tips If You Decide to Drain Your Pool Yourself
If you choose to move forward with a DIY drain, preparation is everything. Following the right steps greatly reduces your risk of damage or legal trouble. Additionally, a little planning goes a long way in Arizona’s extreme climate.
DIY Pool Draining Tips for East Valley Homeowners
- Choose the right time of year: Never drain your pool in the peak of summer. Arizona heat can damage exposed plaster in just a few hours. Spring or fall is much safer.
- Stop adding chemicals early: Allow chlorine levels to drop naturally before draining. This makes discharge safer and more compliant with local rules.
- Locate your sewer cleanout: Discharge pool water into your home’s sanitary sewer cleanout, not the storm drain or street.
- Monitor continuously: Never leave a draining pool unattended. Watch water levels and check for signs of ground movement around the pool.
- Work quickly once empty: Once the pool is empty, do your cleaning, repairs, or inspections as fast as possible. Refill promptly to avoid plaster damage.
- Check your equipment: Inspect your pump, filter, and returns while you have full access to the pool and its plumbing.
Even with careful preparation, unexpected issues can arise. Therefore, having a pool professional on call during your DIY drain is a smart safety net. Our team at Valley Pool Service is always ready to step in if something comes up during the process.
When Professional Draining Is the Clear Choice
Some situations genuinely call for professional help. Attempting to handle these scenarios without experience can lead to significant damage and expense. In these cases, calling a professional is not just the easy choice — it is the right one.
You should strongly consider professional draining if your pool has existing structural cracks or damage, if you have never drained a pool before, or if the water chemistry is severely imbalanced. Furthermore, if you are planning to have the pool acid washed or replastered, combining that work with a professional drain makes the most sense.
Homeowners in Chandler, Queen Creek, and Gilbert with older pools especially benefit from professional eyes on their equipment and shell during a drain. Older pools can have vulnerabilities that only become apparent when the water is removed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Draining in Mesa AZ
How often should I drain pool water in Arizona?
Most Arizona pools benefit from a partial or full drain every three to five years. However, hard water conditions in Mesa and the East Valley may require more frequent attention. A professional water test can tell you when your TDS levels are high enough to warrant draining.
Is it legal to drain my pool into the street in Mesa?
No. In Mesa and most East Valley cities, discharging pool water into the street or storm drain is prohibited. Pool water must be dechlorinated and directed to a sanitary sewer cleanout. Contact your local city for specific guidelines before draining.
How long does it take to drain a pool?
Draining time depends on the size of your pool and the pump you use. Most residential pools take several hours to fully drain with the right equipment. Professional teams typically work faster because they use commercial-grade pumps.
Can I drain my pool in the summer in Arizona?
It is strongly discouraged. Arizona summer heat can crack and blister exposed pool plaster very quickly. Additionally, the risk of pool pop is higher in summer months. Spring or early fall are much safer times to drain an Arizona pool.
What should I do while my pool is empty?
Use the empty pool as an opportunity. Inspect the plaster surface for cracks or staining, check all fittings and returns, and assess your equipment. A professional technician can perform an acid wash or surface repairs while the pool is empty, saving you from scheduling a second service visit later.
Trust Valley Pool Service for Pool Draining and More
At Valley Pool Service, our experienced Gilbert-based technicians serve homeowners throughout Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, and the greater East Valley. We understand the unique demands that Arizona’s climate and hard water place on residential pools. Because of this, we approach every job with care, professionalism, and clear communication.
Whether you need a full pool drain, an acid wash, equipment repair, or ongoing weekly maintenance, our team is ready to help. We will inspect your pool thoroughly, explain all of your options, and work with your schedule and budget to find the best solution.
Talk with a pool care expert on our team today and find out what your pool needs. Request a free quote or schedule a service visit at your convenience — we are here to make pool ownership easier and more enjoyable for every East Valley homeowner.
