Draining Excess Water From an Inground Pool Safely

Draining excess water from an inground pool means lowering the water level in a controlled way, usually after heavy rain or before repairs. The safest approach is to remove only what is necessary, keep the pump running under supervision, and account for groundwater pressure that can damage an empty pool.

Ingredients

1 submersible pump rated for pool water and the planned discharge rate
1 discharge hose, typically 25–50 ft (7.5–15 m), sized to fit the pump outlet
1 outdoor GFCI-protected electrical outlet, or a properly rated GFCI extension setup if the pump manufacturer permits it
1 pool water test kit or test strips, optional, for checking water after rain or contamination
1 pair of waterproof work gloves
1 suitable discharge location that complies with local rules and will not flood buildings, slopes, neighboring property, or storm drains

Instructions

Decide whether draining is necessary. For routine rainwater, use the pool’s built-in waste or drain setting, if available, to lower the level by a few inches rather than emptying the pool. In most pools, water should remain around the middle of the skimmer opening, unless the pool or equipment manufacturer specifies otherwise. If the pool water is cloudy or chemically unbalanced, testing and treatment may be safer than a major drain.
Check the pool and site before removing water. Find the pool’s construction type and manufacturer guidance. A high water table, recent heavy rain, saturated ground, or a pool installed on a slope increases the risk of a pool shell lifting, shifting, or cracking when water pressure inside is reduced. Do not drain an inground pool fully without a pool professional’s approval; some pools require a hydrostatic relief system or other precautions. If you cannot confirm the groundwater conditions, stop and call a licensed pool contractor.
Choose a lawful discharge route. Check municipal requirements before pumping. Rules may require discharge to a sanitary sewer cleanout, restrict discharge to streets or storm drains, or require the water to be dechlorinated first. Never send chlorinated or saltwater pool water into a storm drain, wetland, stream, or neighboring property unless local authorities specifically allow it. Keep the outlet away from the home’s foundation and places where water could erode soil or return to the pool.
Set up the pump safely. Turn off pool equipment as needed, following its instructions, and keep electrical connections dry and well away from standing water. Place the pump on a stable, flat surface in the pool; do not stand in the water while installing or adjusting electrical equipment. Route the hose securely to the approved discharge point, with no sharp bends or trip hazards. Use only a GFCI-protected supply and equipment rated for wet locations. Do not use a damaged cord, an improvised connection, or an extension cord unless the pump maker explicitly allows it.
Pump in short, monitored intervals. Start the pump and watch the discharge and pool level continuously. Check that water flows freely, the hose stays in position, and the receiving area does not become saturated or flood. A submersible pump can run dry as the level drops, so follow its minimum operating-depth instructions and shut it off before it loses its water supply. Never leave it unattended or run it overnight. If the pool is close to the desired level, check every few minutes; pump flow varies widely by model and hose length, so do not rely on a generic gallons-per-hour estimate.
Stop at the target level. Switch off and unplug the pump using a dry, safe connection before removing it. For a high water level, lowering the water to the middle of the skimmer opening is commonly sufficient; do not lower it further unless a repair or professional instruction requires it. Avoid draining below the skimmer or exposing the pool shell without confirming the pool’s specific requirements.
Restore normal operation and recheck the water. Refit any plugs or covers removed for pumping, restore the equipment according to its manuals, and confirm the pump and filter are operating normally. Test and adjust pH, sanitizer, and other chemistry before swimming, using the test kit and product directions. If the water was contaminated by flooding, sewage, or chemical runoff, keep people out and consult a pool professional or local health authority rather than trying to correct it by draining alone.

Tips

Use the built-in waste setting as an alternative. If your filter has a multiport valve with a waste or drain position, that may be easier than a separate pump. Switch the pump off before moving the valve, then follow the equipment manual; never run the pump with a valve in a prohibited position.
Do not assume a pool can safely be emptied. Fiberglass and vinyl-lined pools can be especially vulnerable to movement or liner damage, and concrete pools can also be affected by groundwater. Pool type alone does not establish that draining is safe.
Watch the weather and ground. Avoid draining during or just after heavy rain when the soil is saturated. If water rises back into the pool, the ground around it is very wet, or the shell appears to move, stop pumping and get professional help.
Keep people and pets clear. Mark the hose route, secure the discharge end, and keep children and pets away from the pool and electrical equipment throughout the job.

Serving Suggestions

This is a pool-maintenance task rather than a dish, so there is nothing to serve. Once the water reaches the intended level, restore circulation, confirm that the filtration system is running correctly, and wait until the water chemistry meets the pool-product instructions and local guidance before allowing swimmers back in.

Variations

For a small amount of rainwater: Use the pool’s waste setting or an approved pump to remove only enough water to bring the level back to its normal operating range.

For a repair: Ask the repair company or pool builder how far the water should be lowered. Some work needs only a partial lowering; full drainage can create structural risks and should be directed by a qualified professional.

For a pump-free option: A siphon hose can work for a small level adjustment only where local rules permit the discharge and the hose can be primed safely. Do not siphon by mouth, and do not use a siphon as a substitute for professional advice about draining a pool.

Storage and Reheating

There is no prepared food to store or reheat. Do not store removed pool water for later use unless local rules and a qualified pool professional confirm that it is appropriate. After pumping, rinse and dry the pump and hose as their manufacturers direct, coil them without tight kinks, and store them in a dry, protected place. Keep electrical equipment unplugged during cleaning and storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water should I remove after rain?
Usually, only enough to return the water to its normal operating range, often around the middle of the skimmer opening. Check your pool and skimmer manuals because the correct level varies by design.

Can I drain my inground pool completely?
Do not do so without explicit guidance from a qualified pool professional who knows the pool construction and groundwater conditions. Groundwater pressure can lift or damage a drained pool, and liners may shift or wrinkle.

Where can I pump pool water?
That depends on local regulations and the water’s chlorine, salt, and chemical levels. Contact your municipality or wastewater authority before pumping, and avoid storm drains, waterways, landscaping, and neighboring property unless specifically permitted.

How long does it take to lower the water?
It depends on how many gallons must be removed, the pump’s actual flow under your hose setup, and the approved discharge location. Check the level frequently instead of estimating from the pump’s advertised maximum rate.

Can I leave the pump running while I do something else?
No. Stay nearby and monitor the water level, hose, discharge area, and electrical setup. Switch the pump off before it runs dry or reaches the target level, and never leave it operating unattended.

Is it safe to swim after lowering the water?
Only after the water level is normal, equipment is operating correctly, and water chemistry is within the ranges required by your pool products and local guidance. Keep swimmers out if the water may have been contaminated by flooding or runoff, and seek professional advice.

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