Swimming Pool Drain Cost

Typical costs:

• If the same water has been in a pool for several years, the levels of total dissolved solids (TDS)^[1] can be high. Draining and refilling, then adding new chemicals will refresh the water in an otherwise undamaged pool. Costs for refilling a pool will vary, but the average water agency charges about $1-$1.50 per 1,000 gallons, so water for a 20,000 gallon pool would be $20-$30.
• Renting a small submersible pump for 24 hours costs about $25-$40; buying a small sump pump^[2] runs around $80-$130.
• Charges start around $70-$150 to have a professional pool service company drain a pool (of almost any size) and refill it simply to refresh the water,
• For pools with persistent stains or other problems, having it drained, cleaned, acid- or chlorine-washed, and then refilled with fresh water and chemicals bumps the cost to $150-$800, depending on the size of the pool, the amount of cleaning needed and if the filtering system needs flushing.

• Before doing anything, check with your local water and sewer agencies. Many municipalities have strict regulations (and fines) governing how you can dispose of chlorinated swimming pool water. Usually, pool water must be de-chlorinated and then drained onto your own hardy landscaping. Glendale, CA^[3] requires pools to be drained into the sewer system if they can't be used to water landscaping, but Queen Creek, AZ^[4] prohibits using the sewer system.
• Even a pool with dark green water doesn't necessarily need to be drained; talk with a pool supply store or service company about how to treat the problem with chemicals. Often a problem can be fixed using chemicals without any draining or by only partially draining the pool and then treating it.
• Occasionally a pool must be drained completely to make needed repairs, but the process needs to be done properly. Some experts do recommend draining and replacing the pool water every 3-5 years, if the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) builds up over time. To ease the pressure during draining, some pools are equipped with hydrostatic relief plugs (manual or automatic); otherwise a hole or holes should be drilled in the bottom to relieve the pressure. And often a company will start acid- or chlorine-washing a pool while the water is still draining, to minimize the amount of time the pool is empty and vulnerable to damage.

• If you drain and refill your pool, you'll need to add appropriate chemicals to the new water. The cost will depend on your pool size and type of filtering system, but generally runs $15-$50.

• Check with the company that built your in-ground pool; a few have a policy of providing draining service for the life of the pool.

• Professional pool service referrals are available through the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals^[5] and through the Independent Pool & Spa Service Association.

1.  www.poolwizard.net/problems/tds.htm
2.  www.google.com/search?tbm=shop&q=submersible+sump+pump+cost
3.  www.ci.glendale.ca.us/public_works/pdf/swimming_pool_draining_procedure.pdf
4.  www.queencreek.org/Index.aspx?page=400
5.  www.apsp.org/

Check Out All Costs for Home and Garden		How Much Does a Storm Shelter Cost?		How Much Does Heating Oil Cost?		How Much Does Painting a House Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

We give our advice on where to find Purell and hand sanitizers. If you want a spring or summer wedding, now it the time to pin down the location. It's not too late for a flu shot. What would a personal trainer cost to reach those New Year's resolutions? If joining a gym was one of those resolutions, how much will it cost?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Front and rear brake pads and brake fluid exchange Paid: 499.24 A coupon for Kurt's Automotive came up so I went to his shop to get a second opinion from what the dealership told me for a free brake job inspection... [more] -Heidi L. Brakes Cost Eye exam(pressure, muscle, peripheral), refraction, retinal exam, contact lens evaulation Paid: 342.00 Using dad's insurance blue cross blue shield and mom's culinary... [more] -Evelyn Eye Exam Cost 12 shingles replaced Paid: 200.00 Replaced 12 Shingles in 4 separate locations on roof. Left remaining 14 shingles w/me for future use. Only 40 minutes actual labor but I think he did a good job... [more] -W. Hill Roof Repair Cost Eye glasses Paid: 275.00 675 before insurance 275 after... [more] -Bobby Sammy Eyeglasses Cost What we pay Paid: 2400.00 Quarterly bookkeeping revisions plus 1099 for 3 employees and advising... [more] -Felipe01 Business Tax Preparation Cost Brake fluid exchange, front & rear brake pads and resurface rotors Paid: 634.85 This is the estimate they gave me. Breakdown is brake fluid exchange would be 134.95 (too much it seems). front brake pads and resurface rotors $249.95 and same amount for the rear... [more] -Heidi L. Brakes Cost