Pool Renovation Preparation: Emptying a Fiberglass, Gunite or Concrete Swimming Pool
Prior to starting any pool renovation project, the pool needs to be drained. While this seems like an easy thing to do, there are things to consider to keep the pool from getting damaged during the process. Properly draining the pool first involves understanding the type of pool you are dealing with. For professional installers this is a given. For the do-it-yourselfer, a little explanation is required.
Safety Is Step One in Preparing for Pool Renovation
While emptying a pool may seem to be an easy enough task, in reality it can be tricky and can cause damage to the pool. Underground water pressure exerts force on an empty pool causing damage, including lifting. This can occur with any type of pool, whether it is made of fiberglass, gunite or concrete, however fiberglass pools are the most susceptible to this type of damage. Most pools are equipped with a safety feature to help relieve hydrostatic pressure. Using the feature will prevent damage that may be irreparable.
Fiberglass pools should never be emptied during rainy season, unless it is equipped with a built-in underground water pressure relief system. If the area near the pool typically has standing ground water following rain, the chances are higher that the pool will lift during the draining process. By using this information as a guide, pool damage can be prevented.
Pool Renovation Tips: Pool Drainage Using Hydrostatic Relief Valves
Hydrostatic relief valves are a common feature on many pools and are typically found in the deep end of the pool where the slope ends. Make sure to remove the valves as soon as you can get to them during pool drainage. If the pool has a drain at the bottom, the hydrostatic relief valves may be found there. If so, remove them after the pool has drained.
In many cases you may get almost finished with the pool draining, and a foot or so of water remains. Use a sump pump to finish it as quickly as possible to allow access to the relief valves.
After the valve is open, insert a 3 to 6 foot piece of pipe and thread a hose into it. When the hose reaches just over the coping, it can be attached to a pump to remove groundwater underneath the pool. This water is free of chemicals and can be disposed of anywhere, however take care to position the water output 50 to 100 feet from the pool. This action removes the hydrostatic pressure making your pool safe from damage.
Pool Renovation Tips: Pool Drainage Using Standpipes
Instead of hydrostatic relief valves, some pools have standpipes. These are very handy when it comes to emptying a pool, however they are usually used because water problems were experienced during pool construction. Such pipes are often unobtrusive as they are less than a foot high. They may or may not have a cap. They can be located beneath a diving board or close to the pump and filter. Typically they are placed 10 to 30 feet from the pool.
Standpipe equivalents are also often used in pool construction, which high water tables become a problem. A small black or white PVC pipe protruding from the ground is often the standpipe equivalent. These are often located near a deck’s edge and may be shorter than the deck. They can also be found in 4 by 4 foot stone pits.
Insert a long hose into the standpipe or standpipe equivalent and connect it to a utility pump in order to relieve the hydrostatic pressure on the pool when you drain it.
Pool Renovation Tips: Pool Drainage and Well Points
Some pools require well points to be added around the perimeter of the pool. This is most often found in pools that are constructed near beaches or in any low lying area. Well points may be found on all sides of a pool or just on select sides. Professional pool drainage is necessary for pools equipped with well points. It is not a job for a do-in-yourselfer.
AquaGuard pool renovations are an investment in the future of the pool and come with a great warranty. Become a dealer or installer today and join the wave of AquaGuard distributors taking over the industry.
