If you own a pool in Gilbert, Arizona, there will come a time when you need to drain pool water completely or partially. However, many homeowners are unsure when draining is truly necessary. Additionally, doing it incorrectly can lead to serious and costly damage.
The Arizona heat puts unique demands on your pool water. Over time, dissolved solids, calcium buildup, and chemical imbalances can make your water difficult to manage. Therefore, a full or partial drain is sometimes the best solution.
In this guide, the team at Valley Pool Service walks you through everything you need to know about draining a residential pool in Gilbert and the surrounding East Valley.
Why Would You Need to Drain Your Pool?
Not every pool problem requires a drain. However, some conditions make draining the right call. Understanding the reasons helps you make the best decision for your pool.
High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Total dissolved solids, or TDS, refers to everything dissolved in your pool water. This includes minerals, chemicals, and organic matter. Over time, TDS levels climb and cannot be corrected by adding chemicals alone.
In Gilbert and nearby cities like Chandler and Mesa, the water supply tends to be harder than in other parts of the country. As a result, TDS builds up faster in Arizona pools. When TDS rises too high, your water becomes cloudy and difficult to balance.
Draining and refilling your pool is often the most effective way to reset your water chemistry. Furthermore, fresh water gives you a clean starting point for proper balance.
Severe Algae or Chemical Contamination
Sometimes algae blooms or chemical accidents go beyond what routine treatment can fix. For example, a pool that has turned completely green and black may require a full drain, scrub, and acid wash. This is especially common after a pool has been neglected for an extended period.
Additionally, if the wrong chemicals were added in large amounts, draining may be the safest path forward. Your pool technician can help you assess the situation accurately.
Plaster Resurfacing or Structural Repairs
Major repairs often require a dry pool shell. For instance, if you are replastering, patching cracks, or replacing tile, the pool must be fully drained first. Moreover, some equipment installations near the pool floor also require a drain.
In these cases, draining is not optional. It is simply part of the repair process.
The Risks of Draining a Pool in Gilbert, AZ
Draining a pool is not without risk. In fact, it can cause significant damage if done incorrectly or at the wrong time. Every Gilbert pool owner should understand these risks before proceeding.
Pool Floating or Popping Out of the Ground
This is one of the most serious risks. When a pool is empty, groundwater pressure beneath the shell can literally push the entire pool up out of the ground. This is known as hydrostatic uplift.
While it is more common in areas with high water tables, it can happen in the East Valley under certain conditions. Therefore, never drain your pool after heavy rain or if you suspect high groundwater levels. A professional can assess your specific situation before you begin.
Sun Damage to the Pool Shell
Gilbert averages an extraordinary number of sunny days per year. An empty pool shell is extremely vulnerable to sun damage. The intense UV rays and heat can crack plaster, warp fiberglass, and cause serious surface damage within hours.
Because of this, you should never leave a pool empty for longer than absolutely necessary in the Arizona climate. Plan your drain carefully and have a crew ready to complete repairs and refill quickly.
Drain Regulations in the East Valley
You cannot simply drain your pool into the street or a storm drain. In Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, and other East Valley cities, there are local regulations governing how pool water must be discharged. Most municipalities require pool water to be directed to the sanitary sewer system or to a landscaped area where it can absorb into the soil.
Furthermore, water treated with certain chemicals must be handled carefully. A licensed pool service professional will know the correct and legal discharge methods for your area.
How to Safely Drain a Pool: Step-by-Step Overview
If you are considering draining your Gilbert pool, here is a general overview of the process. However, we strongly recommend working with a professional to avoid damage and ensure compliance with local rules.
Step 1: Stop Adding Chemicals
Before you drain, stop adding chemicals to the pool for several days. This allows the chemical levels to drop. As a result, the water becomes safer to discharge according to local guidelines.
Step 2: Check the Groundwater Conditions
Make sure there has been no recent heavy rainfall. Additionally, check with your pool technician about the best time to drain based on current ground conditions. This step helps prevent the pool from popping.
Step 3: Use a Submersible Pump or Main Drain
You can drain the pool using a submersible pump or your pool’s main drain line. A submersible pump is often the preferred method for a full drain. Direct the discharge to the appropriate location per local guidelines.
Meanwhile, never use your pool pump to drain the pool. Running a pool pump dry will burn out the motor quickly and lead to costly repairs.
Step 4: Clean, Repair, and Refill Promptly
Once the pool is empty, complete your cleaning, acid wash, or repairs as quickly as possible. Then refill the pool immediately to prevent sun damage to the shell. In Gilbert’s summer heat, this step is especially urgent.
After refilling, test and balance your water chemistry before allowing anyone to swim. A fresh fill of water still requires proper chemical balancing.
Partial Drain vs. Full Drain: Which Do You Need?
Not every situation calls for a complete drain. In many cases, a partial drain is all that is needed. Understanding the difference can save you time and money.
- Partial drain: Used to dilute high TDS, lower cyanuric acid levels, or adjust calcium hardness. You drain a portion of the water and refill with fresh water.
- Full drain: Required for resurfacing, structural repairs, severe algae infestations, or extremely unbalanced water that cannot be corrected otherwise.
Additionally, partial drains are less risky because the pool shell retains some water weight. Therefore, the risk of hydrostatic uplift is significantly reduced. Your Valley Pool technician can help determine which option is right for your pool.
If you are unsure which approach makes sense, contact Valley Pool and one of our experienced technicians will evaluate your pool and walk you through your options.
When Is the Best Time to Drain a Pool in Arizona?
Timing matters greatly in the Arizona climate. The best time to drain a pool in Gilbert is during the cooler months, typically from late fall through early spring. During this period, temperatures are lower and the risk of heat damage to the pool shell is reduced.
Moreover, draining during summer is risky. The pool shell can absorb intense heat within just a few hours on a triple-digit day. Because of this, summer drains should only happen when absolutely necessary and should be completed as quickly as possible.
Additionally, avoid draining during or right after monsoon season. The summer storm season in the East Valley can raise groundwater levels unexpectedly. This increases the risk of your pool floating out of the ground.
How Valley Pool Service Can Help with Pool Draining
At Valley Pool Service, our technicians have hands-on experience with pools throughout Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and the broader East Valley. We understand the specific challenges Arizona homeowners face, from hard water and high TDS to monsoon season and extreme heat.
When you work with our team, we will inspect your pool and water chemistry thoroughly. We will explain clearly whether a partial or full drain is the best option for your situation. Furthermore, we will handle the drain safely and in compliance with all local guidelines.
Our goal is to protect your pool and your investment. We take every step seriously, from pre-drain preparation to the final refill and chemical balance. You can count on us to keep your pool in top condition year-round.
Ready to get started? Talk with a pool care expert at Valley Pool Service today and explore your options for a safe, professional pool drain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Draining a Pool in Gilbert, AZ
How often should I drain my pool in Arizona?
Most Arizona pools benefit from a full drain every few years, depending on water quality and usage. However, partial drains may be needed more frequently. Your technician can test your TDS and chemistry to guide the timing.
Can I drain my pool by myself?
Technically, yes. However, the risks of improper draining, including pool damage and code violations, make professional service the smarter choice. Additionally, a pro will handle disposal correctly and protect your shell from heat exposure.
How long does it take to drain a pool?
Draining time depends on pool size and the pump or method used. Most residential pools can be drained within several hours. Then, refilling typically takes a full day or more depending on your water pressure and pool volume.
Will draining my pool damage the plaster?
It can, if the pool is left empty too long in Arizona’s heat. Therefore, always plan repairs in advance and refill the pool as soon as possible after completing any work on the shell.
Does Valley Pool Service handle pool draining in Gilbert and nearby areas?
Yes. We serve Gilbert and surrounding communities including Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale. Our team is ready to help you with a safe and efficient pool drain whenever you need it.
Schedule Your Pool Drain Service with Valley Pool Today
Draining your pool is a significant task that requires careful planning and the right expertise. Whether you need a partial refresh or a full drain for repairs, Valley Pool Service is here to help every step of the way.
Our Gilbert-based team brings years of hands-on experience to every job. We will assess your pool, explain your options clearly, and handle the process professionally. Moreover, we will make sure your pool is refilled, balanced, and swim-ready as quickly as possible.
Do not risk costly damage by attempting a drain without professional guidance. Request a free quote from Valley Pool Service today and let our experienced technicians take care of everything for you.
