Pool drain: Why do I need to drain my pool?

Why do I need to drain my pool?
Arizona often has many environmental issues that affect keeping a swimming pool balanced properly. Often, environmental conditions, hard water readings, total dissolved solids (like calcium) and other elements within in the water all contribute to the seasonal need to drain your pool completely.

How does calcium build-up and surface staining happen?
First, high temperatures can create extremely high evaporation rates in our Phoenix area pools. This is also an issue at our other locations in San Diego, California and Fort Worth, Texas.

With temperatures rising above 100 degrees, in very dry conditions, this evaporation rate requires pool service technicians to refill pools on a consistent basis.

This consistent refilling of pools may increase hard water readings and when your water temperature rises, the balancing of the chemicals is greatly affected by these readings. Also, certain chemicals may not dissolve properly in the pool water. Minerals in the water such as calcium and copper will “fall out of solution” and will dull or change the color of your surface.

Once this happens, you may notice some staining on the pool surfaces – including your visible waterline tile. Chalky deposits will adhere to and harden on these surfaces. At this point, only professional cleaning chemicals and equipment can remove the staining and build-up.

These cleaning processes, referred to as “acid washing” or “tile cleaning”, require the water to be drained completely from the pool.

If it isn’t calcium build-up or visible staining, we also consider levels of total dissolved solids, high stabilizer readings and high phosphate levels that need to be balanced with a full pool drain.

During the off season, which is typically from November to April, we test your water to determine if it needs to be drained.

How does it help with pool maintenance costs?
Overall, there are many reasons why your pool water may need to be drained, so consult your technician or call your Poolman office to find out if your pool requires draining. Once the cleaning is completed, you’ll be happy with the quality of your water and the clean look of your pool surfaces. After the pool drain, it will be much easier to maintain your water chemistry, preserve your pool and your repair budget.