Green or swampy water at pool opening can happen to the best of us. Many people wonder if they should drain and refill their pool with fresh water to clear it up quickly. In theory, this seems like a quicker, easier, and maybe even cheaper alternative to cleaning up your pool with chemicals. Read below to see if draining & refilling your pool is the best option for you.
When May Draining Your Pool Be the Best Option?
In the case of the water being severely murky, black, or swampy, it may be best to drain and refill the pool. We often see this happen in pools that have not been open for a couple years. However, we always recommend having your pool drained and refilled by a professional, because it can lead to issues with the pool surface if not executed correctly. If you do decide to not open your pool for an extended period, we do have summer and winter pool service available to help maintain your water and prevent it from getting to the point where a drain and refill is necessary.
Why do you want to have a professional drain and refill your pool?
A professional can advise you if a drain and refill is your best option, and make sure it is done correctly to prevent further issues or a void in the liner warranty. You always want to have your pool full of water. Many manufacturers warranties state that the pool must always be filled. Manufacturers often state they will not be held responsible for any damage, imperfections, or irregularities that may occur if water is removed. When water is taken out of the pool, it can cause the liner to shrink, pop out of coping, or get wrinkles. Liner issues due to consistent water chemistry issues may also void the warranty. In the case of concrete pools, the pool may even pop out of the ground with no water in it.
Is it Safe to Drain & Refill your Pool?
The answer is dependent on a few different factors. The age of your liner is important in determining if draining & refilling is advisable. Liners last about 10-13 years on average. As liners age, they lose elasticity and can shrink during a drain and refill. We also want to avoid draining and refilling if it may void your warranty as described above. Professionals can decide if it is the right decision to move forward with a drain and refill and provide alternative solutions if necessary.
For more information on draining & refilling your pool, or to schedule service, please contact us.
