Has a recent rainstorm caused the water level in your swimming pool to get too high or perhaps even caused it to start overflowing? If you’re worried about the high water level leading to other pool problems, it would be wise to begin draining water immediately. Depending on the type of pool and equipment installed, there are a number of different methods that can be used to drain water from a pool to bring the water level back to the correct level.
Submersible Pump – the easiest way to drain excessive rain water from your pool is by using a submersible pump. Depending on the size of the pump, it should take no more than an hour or two to bring the water level back to the appropriate level (half way up the skimmer intake). If you don’t own a pump or know someone to borrow a pump from, submersible pumps can be rented at any local equipment rental shop.
Built In Drain – you may already know if you have one, but many pools are built with a drain built into the wall that will automatically drain water when the water level gets too high. It is very common for these drains to get clogged with debris over time rendering them ineffective. If the built in drain in your pool is clogged, a qualified plumber should have the proper tools to get it unclogged.
Standard Garden Hose – check to see if your pool has a hose bib plumbed into the pool equipment. If so, hook up a garden hose, turn it on and the water will start draining any time the pool equipment is on. Be careful to monitor the water level during this process. If too much water drains, other pool problems may be headed your way.
Pressure Side Pool Cleaner – for pools with pressure pool cleaners (automatic cleaners propelled by water pressure created by the pool equipment), the cleaners feed hose can be used to drain water from the swimming pool. Simply remove the cleaner head from the feed hose and use the water pressure that normally moves the cleaner to drain water. Again, keep a close eye on the water level during this process and don’t allow it to drop too low.
As a swimming pool owner it makes sense to be prepared to drain rainwater from your pool after a big rainstorm. After all, it happens every year and I am guessing that the problem will never go away!