Maya Ellison
Adding a drain to a plastic pool can be a convenient way to empty it without the hassle of buckets or pumps. While some pools come with built-in drains, others can be modified to include them. One method involves cutting a hole in the side or bottom of the pool and installing a drain valve, secured with waterproof silicone and PVC piping. Alternatively, a hose can be used to siphon water out of the pool, with the hose end placed in the centre of the pool and the other end in the desired drainage area. This method is slower but effective and inexpensive.
Characteristics and Values Table for Adding a Drain to a Plastic Pool
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Drill, Dremel with a cutting bit, heated knife, plastic cut-off valve, plastic nut, rubber washers, PVC pipe, garden hose |
| Techniques | Drilling a hole in the side, cutting a hole at the bottom, stomping down the sides, using a hose to siphon water, attaching a hose to a drain plug |
| Benefits | Easier drainage, prevents flooding, can direct water to desired locations, can attach a hose for fertilizer |
| Considerations | Risk of cracking or puncturing the pool, potential for small holes, ensuring a secure fit for the drain, preventing hose clogs |
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What You'll Learn
Drilling a hole in the side of the pool
Drilling a hole in the side of a plastic pool can be a tricky task, but it is possible. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, it is important to choose the correct tool for drilling the hole. A Dremel with a cutting bit can be used to make the hole. Mark the desired location of the hole with a marker or pencil. It is recommended to make the hole slightly smaller than the PVC piece that will be used for the drain. This will ensure a tight fit and prevent leakage.
Slowly and carefully, drill the hole at the marked spot. Take your time and do not apply too much pressure to avoid cracking the plastic. Once the hole is drilled, it is important to smoothen the edges to prevent any sharp edges that could cause injury.
After the hole has been drilled, it is time to insert the PVC piece for the drain. Choose a PVC pipe that fits snugly into the hole. You may need to sand or file the edges of the hole to ensure a tight fit. Apply waterproof silicone or adhesive around the PVC pipe before inserting it into the hole. This will create a watertight seal and prevent leakage.
Let the adhesive dry completely before testing the drain. You can then attach a hose to the PVC pipe to drain the water away from the pool. It is recommended to use a hose that can be directed towards your garden, providing free fertiliser.
Finally, test the drain by filling the pool with water and observing if the water drains properly through the new drain system. Adjust the PVC pipe or hose as needed to ensure proper drainage.
Drilling a hole in the side of a plastic pool can be a delicate task, but with careful planning and execution, it is possible to add a drain to your pool successfully.
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Using a heated knife to cut a hole in the bottom of the pool
Using a heated knife to cut a hole in the bottom of a plastic pool is a viable option. This method is extremely efficient compared to conventional drilling, which can be noisy and dusty. Hot cutting is instantaneous, silent, and dust-free.
To create a hot knife, you can use a soldering iron. First, loosen the screw on the soldering iron and pull out the tip. Then, unscrew the barrel of an X-Acto knife and insert it into the barrel of the soldering iron. Ensure that you tighten it down from the side of the blade to hold the blade securely. Plug in the iron and allow it to heat up. The higher the wattage, the easier it will be to cut through the plastic.
It is important to note that hot wires can sometimes leave ragged, uneven holes. Therefore, it is recommended to practice on some unwanted material first to develop a skillful and flawless execution. Additionally, consider the size of the hole you require. If you need to cut perfect circles, a drill with a hole saw attachment might be a better option.
For a plastic kiddie pool, some users have suggested drilling a hole in the side and inserting a drain. They recommend tracing the size of the desired hole and cutting it slightly smaller, as a hole that is too small can be enlarged, but a hole that is too large cannot be easily fixed.
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Bailing out water with buckets
The Bucket Method:
- Ensure you have enough buckets dedicated to the task. It is recommended to have a few 5-gallon or 2.5-gallon buckets. Smaller buckets can speed up the process as they are easier to fill and manage.
- Start by bailing out the water, using the buckets. Work systematically around the pool to ensure you cover all areas.
- Be prepared for a lengthy process. The time it takes will depend on the size of your pool and the number of people helping.
- Keep the buckets clipped to the pool frame when not in use, to avoid mud and debris getting in.
- Expect to get wet and potentially dirty. Bailing with buckets can be a messy process, especially if you are not careful.
Tips for Faster Bailing:
- Consider using a self-bailing raft or a bucket boat. These options may be more expensive but can make the process more manageable.
- If you're handy, you can install a simple drainage system. Some people have successfully drilled a hole in the side of their plastic pool and inserted a PVC pipe with a cap to open and close the drain.
- Alternatively, you can stomp down on the sides of the pool to let the water gush out. However, this may risk puncturing or distorting the pool.
- For a more innovative approach, try using a siphon with a garden hose. Let the hose sink to the bottom of the pool, ensuring there is no trapped air. Then, direct the hose towards your desired drainage area.
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Using a pump to drain water
To drain a pool using a pump, you must first determine the type of pool and pump system you have. There are four ways to drain water using a pump: with a filter waste port, a pump's hose bib, a sump pump, or a garden hose.
If you have a sand filter or a DE filter, you can use your filter's waste port. First, turn off your pump and connect a backwash hose to the waste port. Then, set your filter to "waste" and turn the pump back on. Ensure you watch the water level in your pool, as once the water drops below the skimmer, your pump will start sucking in air.
If you have an inground pool, you likely have a hose bib built into the plumbing near your pool pump. Shut off the pump, attach a garden hose to the hose bib, and turn the pump back on. Open the valve and watch the water level to ensure it doesn't drop below the skimmer line. This method will take longer than using a backwash hose.
If you need to remove a large amount of water or want to avoid putting strain on your pump and filter, use a sump pump, also known as a submersible pump. Plug it in, and it will start pulling water out of the pool through the hose. Some sump pumps allow you to connect a larger backwash hose to increase the speed of water removal.
For pools with a cartridge filter, you can drain water by first shutting off the pump and unscrewing the drain plug at the back of the filter. Turn the pump back on and let the water run until it reaches the desired level. Then, turn off the pump and replace the drain plug.
It is important to note that you should not drain your pool past the skimmer line, as this can cause your pump to run dry and potentially damage or destroy it. Additionally, if any of your pool equipment runs on an automatic timer, ensure they are turned off before draining to avoid accidental activation during the process.
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Installing a plastic cut-off valve
To install a plastic cut-off valve for a plastic pool drain, you will first need to purchase a suitable valve. These are available at hardware stores such as Home Depot or Walmart.
Before you begin, turn off the main water valve to the house. Open a spigot and allow water to drain out of the pipes, then turn off the spigot. Place a bucket under the old valve to catch any remaining water.
Next, you will need to remove the old valve. If the valve is a solder-type, use a pipe cutter to cut the supply line. Ensure you leave enough room between the escutcheon plate and the cut for the new valve fitting. If there isn't much room to make a cut, you can heat the fitting with a propane torch until it's loose. Protect any flammable surfaces with a heat shield. Alternatively, if you have a compression-type valve, loosen the compression nut with an adjustable wrench. Use a second wrench to steady the valve if it turns with the nut. Push the nut away from the ferrule and cut the ferrule with a hacksaw, being careful not to damage the pipe. Once the ferrule is cut, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry it from the pipe.
Now you can install the new plastic cut-off valve. If it is a thread-type valve, clean the threads with a wire brush and wrap them with thread seal tape or pipe thread compound. For a solder-type valve, place the valve onto the pipe and twist to distribute the flux evenly. Open the valve to prevent the internal washer from melting. Heat the fitting with a propane torch and, when the flux begins to bubble, apply solder at the joint. Use a dry cloth to wipe the joint clean before the solder dries.
Finally, turn on the valve at the water supply to the house. Open the pressure-release valve on the filter and turn on the new valve. Close the pressure-release valve when water begins to spew out.
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Frequently asked questions
You can cut a hole in the side of your plastic pool with a heated knife and install a plastic cut-off valve. You can also use a dremel with a cutting bit to make a hole in the side of your pool.
If your pool has a drain plug, you can use a hose to drain the water. If your pool does not have a drain plug, you can use a hose to siphon the water out.
Before draining your pool, remove any leaves or debris to prevent the hose from getting clogged. You should also figure out where you want the water to drain before starting.
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