How to Drain an Above Ground Pool

Reviewed by a Certified Pool Technician (CPT)

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The Short Answer

To drain an above-ground pool, the fastest option is a submersible pump connected to a discharge hose; a garden hose siphon works without power or equipment; and many pools have a built-in drain valve as a third option. Always plan where the water will go before you start, drain slowly near the pool base to avoid ground destabilization, and avoid fully emptying the pool unless necessary, the liner needs water pressure to maintain its shape.

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Draining an above-ground pool is a straightforward task with a few important decisions: which method matches your equipment and situation, how long it will take, and where the water will go. Make these decisions before you open any valve or start any pump, not after water is already flowing.

Which Pool Draining Method Is Best for Your Setup?

 

How Long Does It Take to Drain an Above-Ground Pool?

Time estimates depend on your draining method and pool volume. Use these as planning benchmarks.

Drainage Time by Pool Size and Method

GPH rates reflect typical residential equipment at standard head pressure. Actual rates vary with pump condition, hose length, and discharge elevation.

Planning for a full drain: For larger above-ground pools (12,000+ gallons), a full drain can take 6–12+ hours even with a good submersible pump. Plan to start in the morning and expect completion by late afternoon don't start a large drain the evening before a time-sensitive project.

Step-by-Step: Using a Submersible Pump to Drain Your Pool

A submersible utility pump is the most efficient and controllable draining method for most above-ground pools.

What You Need

• Submersible utility pump (1,500–3,000 GPH for most residential above-ground pools)

• Garden hose or discharge hose long enough to route water to your planned discharge area

• GFCI-protected outdoor outlet or extension cord rated for outdoor/wet use

Recommended Pump Sizes by Pool Volume

Browse our cover pump collection for submersible pump options; cover pumps work equally well for pool draining.

Steps

1. Plan your discharge route first. Confirm where the water will go, see the disposal section below. Route the discharge hose before you put the pump in.
   
   

2. Attach the discharge hose to the pump outlet. Extend the hose to your planned discharge area, ensuring it has a continuous downhill slope. A hose that loops up before going down creates an air lock that reduces flow.
   
   

3. Place the pump in the deepest part of the pool. For above-ground pools, this is usually the center of the floor. Weight the pump if needed to keep it from floating.
   
   

4. Plug the pump into a GFCI-protected outlet. GFCI protection is mandatory when operating electrical equipment near water.
   
   

5. Monitor the first few minutes, confirm water is flowing from the discharge end and the pump is running without unusual noise.
   
   

6. Check periodically as the water level drops, as the water gets shallow, the pump may need to be repositioned or tilted to continue drawing water.
   
   

7. Stop when the water is low enough for your purpose. For most above-ground pool tasks, you don't need to drain completely, see the manufacturer warnings section below.
   
   

8. Remove the pump before the pool is completely empty. Running a submersible pump dry will damage the pump's internal seal.
   

Step-by-Step: How to Start a Garden Hose Siphon

A garden hose siphon requires no electricity and no additional equipment, just a standard garden hose and an outdoor faucet connection.

Steps

1. Lay the hose. Place one end of the garden hose in the pool water. Run the hose over the pool wall and out to your planned discharge area, the discharge end must be lower than the pool water level for the siphon to work.
   
   

2. Connect to the faucet. Connect the outdoor end of the hose to your outdoor faucet (or hose bib).
   
   

3. Fill the hose with water. Turn on the faucet and run water through the hose for 60–90 seconds until water flows out the discharge end. This removes all air from the hose.
   
   

4. Create the siphon. Turn off the faucet. Quickly disconnect the hose from the faucet spigot, keeping your thumb over the end to prevent air entering. Point the end downward toward your discharge area.
   
   

5. Start the siphon. Remove your thumb, the siphon should activate and begin drawing water from the pool. You'll see the flow begin within a few seconds.
   
   

6. Monitor. The siphon will run until it either finishes or draws air into the hose (which breaks the siphon). If the siphon breaks, restart from Step 2.
   
   

Siphon limitations: The siphon works only while the discharge end remains lower than the pool water surface. As the pool level drops, the effective siphon pressure decreases and flow slows. A garden hose siphon is practical for small pools (under 5,000 gallons) or for removing the last few inches that a pump can't reach.

Common Mistakes That Can Damage Your Pool While Draining

Draining completely when it's not necessary. The liner of an above-ground pool requires water pressure against it to maintain its shape and seal. A fully drained above-ground pool liner can shrink, wrinkle, separate from wall tracks, or deform in hot weather, sometimes permanently. Drain only to the level your task requires.

Per manufacturer guidance for above-ground vinyl liner pools: Most manufacturers specifically advise against complete drainage except for liner replacement, as a drained liner is vulnerable to distortion and physical damage. If a full drain is unavoidable, work quickly to minimize the time the liner is without water.

Draining too fast near the pool base. Very fast drainage (multiple large pumps) from a large above-ground pool can create uneven pressure on the liner and pool walls during the drain. Use a rate appropriate for your pool size and monitor for any wall flexing or deformation.

Routing discharge toward the home's foundation. Water discharged near the foundation can cause soil erosion, foundation settling, and moisture damage. Route the discharge hose well away from all structures; aim for a lawn area, drainage ditch, or storm drain if local regulations permit.

Not checking local disposal regulations. See the section below.

Pulling the drain plug from inside the pool. Pool drain plugs are typically located at the bottom exterior of the pool frame. Attempting to remove them from inside while the pool is full creates an uncontrolled drain that may route water directly under the pool base, eroding the sand base.

Leaving the pool drained in freezing temperatures. A drained above-ground pool liner exposed to freezing temperatures can crack, stiffen, or lose elasticity permanently. Never leave an above-ground pool drained through winter unless you're storing it and then, store the liner properly indoors.

Not running the pump when you should. A pool that drains slowly can sit partially empty for hours or days. If that happens during hot weather, the exposed liner faces UV damage and heat distortion. Plan to complete draining in one session. For related pump guidance, see our guide on how long to run your pool pump.

Local Water Disposal Compliance

This is the step most pool owners skip, and it can result in fines.

Why pool water disposal is regulated: Pool water typically contains chlorine, algaecide, pH adjusters, and other chemicals at concentrations that can harm aquatic ecosystems if discharged directly into storm drains, waterways, or streams.

Common municipal requirements:

• Chlorine must be at or near zero before discharge to storm drains in many jurisdictions, allow chlorine to naturally dissipate by leaving the pool uncovered for 24–48 hours before draining, or add sodium thiosulfate dechlorinator

• Some municipalities require pool water to be discharged to a sanitary sewer (via a cleanout) rather than storm drains

• Check with your local water authority or municipal code before draining

The safest discharge option: Irrigate your lawn with pool water at low application rates. Properly balanced pool water with neutral chlorine is generally safe for most grass and landscaping. Avoid saturating any single area.

Where NOT to discharge:

• Directly into storm drains without confirming local regulations

• Toward neighboring properties

• Into waterways, streams, or ponds

• Near your home's foundation

For above-ground pool overflow concerns specifically, see our guide to getting water off a pool cover without a pump and our pool debris and clogging guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the fastest way to drain an above-ground pool?

A submersible utility pump with a 1,500–3,000 GPH capacity is the fastest DIY method. For pools with a sand filter and multiport valve, setting the valve to Waste and running the pool pump is even faster; pool pumps are typically rated 3,000–6,000 GPH.

How long does it take to drain an above-ground pool?

With a 1,500 GPH submersible pump: approximately 3–5 hours for a 5,000-gallon pool, 5–8 hours for 8,000 gallons, and 8–12 hours for 12,000–18,000 gallons. Garden hose siphon takes 10–50× longer depending on pool size.

Can I use my garden hose to drain my pool?

Yes, through a siphon method. This works well for small pools (under 5,000 gallons) but is impractical for larger pools where it might take 17–50+ hours.

Can you fully drain an above-ground pool?

Technically yes, but manufacturers advise against it except when necessary (liner replacement, extended storage). A fully drained vinyl liner pool can experience liner shrinkage, deformation, or wall track separation. Drain only as much as your task requires.

Where should I drain my pool water?

Lawn irrigation at low rates is typically the safest option. Check local regulations; many municipalities require chlorine to be at near-zero before discharging to storm drains, and some require sanitary sewer discharge instead. Never drain toward your home's foundation or into waterways.

Do I need a special pump to drain my pool?

A standard submersible utility pump (not a pool circulation pump) is the correct tool. Pool circulation pumps are not designed for draining; they require a continuous water supply to the inlet to avoid damage. Browse our cover pump collection for submersible models appropriate for pool draining.

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This article was reviewed by a Certified Pool Technician (CPT). Drainage time estimates are approximations based on typical residential equipment at standard operating conditions; actual times vary with pump condition, hose length, and discharge elevation. Manufacturer warnings about full vinyl liner drainage reflect general guidance from above-ground pool manufacturers. Local water disposal regulations vary by municipality; always verify with your local water authority before draining.