Draining Pool

[argekay]

Hi-

I have a 27,000 gal concrete pool. Due to financial reasons I am not able to run/open my pool this upcoming season. I would like to drain my pool next month to avoid problems with west nile virus and algae before the weather gets warm. My question is this: will draining the pool for 5 months during the warm weather have any bad effects on the concrete? I know water exerts pressure on the pool wall and do not wish to have any cracks begin to appear from the lack of water in the pool. Thank you all in advance!

[Sunnyside]

I work in the swimming pool business but I'm NOT a builder of concrete swimming pools. I have read that it's not a great idea to empty your swimming pool for a long period of time. Ideally, you should be keeping it filled with water for the reason you suggested.

However, my father lives in Florida for the Winter and moves back to Ottawa, Canada for the summer. In the Florida summer he covers his concrete pool for 6 months with a Winter Cover, anchored tightly with water bags. When he comes back in November he either pumps the dirty water off the cover or pumps it back underneath.

During the summer months he asks a neighbor to pour some liquid chlorine on top of the cover from time to time to keep the 'top water' from going rancid. This costs next to nothing because a $2 jug of bleach can have quite an impact on such a small amount of water. The big question is whether or not you have a good winter tarp & water bags (or another way to anchor)... because if you don't this can get aggressive on your budget. Perhaps you could borrow a cover from somebody?

Good luck!

Bruce

(SPAM REMOVED)

[drandolph]

Draining a pool can result in the gunite shell actually popping out of the ground if the surrounding ground is too moist it will also ruin your plaster by drying it out not a good idea at all if your pool pops out of the ground you need to basically build a new pool....I've seen this happen many times

[argekay]

Thanks for your replies!