Draining a pool slowly is one of those small frustrations that adds up over a season. Whether you’re closing up for winter, moving your pool to a new spot, cleaning out algae, or simply doing a weekly water refresh, having a reliable drain strategy saves you significant time — and protects your lawn, pool material, and surrounding surfaces from the kind of damage slow drainage causes.

This guide covers seven distinct draining methods, ranked roughly from easiest-to-access to fastest. Most households can execute the first two methods right now without buying anything. The others require minimal, inexpensive tools that pay for themselves the first time you use them. We’ve also included detailed SVG diagrams for each method so you can visualize exactly what’s happening before you start.

Before diving in, know that how you store and care for your pool after draining matters just as much as the drain itself. If you’re cleaning your pool without a pump as part of this process, we have a companion guide that picks up exactly where this one leaves off. And if you’re exploring which pool type is easiest to maintain overall, our full roundup of the best inflatable swimming pools covers setup, draining, and longevity across all major pool categories.

⚠️ Before You Start: What to Know

Draining an inflatable pool isn’t complex, but a few preparation steps make the process faster, safer, and less damaging to your property. Skipping these takes 30 seconds of reading and potentially saves you two hours of cleanup.

Know Your Pool’s Water Volume

How long draining takes depends entirely on how many gallons you’re moving. A small 8-foot pool holds around 600 gallons; a large 15-foot pool holds over 3,000. The right method for 600 gallons (gravity siphon, tipping) is different from the right method for 3,000 gallons (submersible pump). If you’re not sure of your pool’s volume, our guide on how much water inflatable pools hold includes a volume calculator by pool diameter and depth.

Check Your Local Regulations

Pool water — even untreated — often falls under local wastewater regulations if it contains algaecides, chlorine, or shock chemicals. Water treated with standard pool chemicals should never be drained directly into storm drains, bodies of water, or concentrated onto a single spot of lawn. Most municipalities allow slow lawn drainage for neutralized pool water. We cover this in detail in the Where to Drain section below.

Tools to Gather Before Starting

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Submersible Pump

Fastest option. Connects to garden hose. $25–$50 on Amazon.

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Garden Hose

Required for siphon methods. Already in most backyards.

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Buckets

For residual water after main drain.

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Push Broom

For sweeping residual water toward drain after tipping.

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Wet/Dry Vacuum

Good for last 1–2 inches of water in small pools.

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Garden Hose Extension

Must reach from pool to drain point. Measure before starting.

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Do Not Drain Onto a Neighbor’s Property Sounds obvious, but fast-draining large pools can send hundreds of gallons running toward property lines quickly. Plan your drainage path to a lawn area, garden bed, or street drain that’s yours to use before you open the valve.

1 Method 1: Using the Built-In Drain Plug Medium Speed

The built-in drain plug is where every draining session should start. Most modern inflatable pools come with a dedicated drain valve — usually a twist-lock or push-pull plug — positioned at the bottom side wall. If your pool has one, this is your primary drainage mechanism and should handle 80–90% of the water before you need anything else.

1

Locate and Prepare the Drain Plug

⏱ 2 min

Find your pool’s drain plug — it’s typically on the lower sidewall, 1–3 inches above the pool base. Most are one of three types: push-pull stoppers (pull out to open), twist caps (unscrew counterclockwise), or ball valves (turn 90° to open). Before opening it, attach a garden hose to the outlet if it has a hose-thread adapter. This lets you direct the water to a drain point rather than flooding your immediate surroundings.

Step 1 — Three Types of Pool Drain Plugs Three Common Drain Plug Types Pool Side Wall A. Push-Pull Pull Out to Open B. Twist Cap Unscrew ↺ to Open (counterclockwise) C. Ball Valve Turn 90° to Open (handle → inline with pipe)
2

Open the Valve and Direct the Flow

⏱ 15–30 min drain time

Once the plug is open, gravity and water pressure do the work. Water flows fastest in the first few minutes when the pool is full and the pressure head is highest. Flow slows significantly as the water level drops below the drain height — plan for the last 2–3 inches to be handled by a different method (tilting, wet-vac, or sweeping).

If your pool has no hose adapter on the drain, position the outlet near a slope or garden area and let the water run freely. Avoid directing water toward paved areas if you can — it can be slippery and may cause flooding near foundations.

Step 2 — Drain Plug Flow Path with Hose Attachment Inflatable Pool Drain Plug Hose Adapter Garden hose → Lawn / drain Level drops Gravity Drain Flow Path
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Pro TipIf your drain is slow, press firmly on the inflated ring walls from the outside to increase hydrostatic pressure on the drain side. Even gentle squeezing can noticeably increase flow rate for the final 20–30% of water.
✓ Pros
  • Requires no tools whatsoever
  • Works for any pool size
  • Hands-free once started
  • Most precise water direction with hose adapter
✗ Cons
  • Slower than powered options
  • Last 2–3 inches require follow-up
  • Flow slows significantly as pool empties

2 Method 2: The Siphon Hose Technique Medium Speed

If your pool has no built-in drain or if the drain is positioned too high to fully empty the pool, the siphon method is your next best no-tools option. A basic garden hose can move water from a pool to a drain point further away using nothing but atmospheric pressure and gravity — as long as the exit point of the hose is lower than the pool floor. This is one of the most underused yet highly effective techniques for pools on raised decking or sloped properties.

1

Prime the Hose

⏱ 2–3 min setup

You need to fill the hose completely with water before siphoning begins. The easiest way: submerge the entire hose in the pool water until no air bubbles emerge from either end. Then, keeping both ends submerged, cap one end with your thumb and bring that end out of the pool. Place it at your chosen drain point — a garden bed, slope, or lawn area. Remove your thumb and flow begins immediately.

Alternatively, attach one end of the hose to your outdoor faucet, run water through it until it fills completely, then quickly disconnect from the faucet and place that end into the pool. The water pressure that filled it creates the siphon. This “reverse fill” method is faster for long hoses.

Step 1 — Siphon Hose Priming Technique Siphon Method — How It Works Pool (Higher elevation) Drain Point (must be LOWER) Height difference (must exist) Hose inlet submerged Atmospheric pressure keeps flow going 👍 Cover end until ready
2

Maintain Unbroken Flow

⏱ 20–40 min depending on pool size

Once siphoning starts, the most important rule is: don’t let air enter the hose. Any kink, lift, or partial obstruction that allows air into the hose will break the siphon and force you to reprime. Keep the hose as straight and level as possible from the pool to the drain point, and ensure the output end stays lower than the pool floor at all times.

A standard 5/8″ garden hose typically flows at 8–12 gallons per minute at 2 feet of elevation difference. For a 600-gallon pool, that’s roughly 50–75 minutes. A second hose running simultaneously cuts that time in half — well worth it for larger pools.

Step 2 — Siphon Maintenance: Do’s and Don’ts ✓ Correct — Smooth Path Continuous unbroken flow No air pockets = steady siphon ✗ Incorrect — Kinked/Raised AIR Air pocket breaks siphon
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Speed TrickUse two garden hoses running simultaneously to double your flow rate. If you can dedicate both hoses and have two separate drain points, a 1,000-gallon pool empties in roughly 40–45 minutes — no pump required.

3 Method 3: Submersible Pump — The Fastest Method Fastest

If you drain your pool regularly — weekly water changes, seasonal closing, multiple times per summer — a small submersible pump is the single best investment you can make. A quality unit costs $25–$50 on Amazon, weighs under two pounds, fits in a shoe box, and can drain a 1,000-gallon pool in under 15 minutes. It pays for itself the first or second time you use it versus spending 90+ minutes with gravity methods.

1

Choose the Right Pump

⏱ One-time setup

Look for a submersible utility pump rated at a minimum of 1,500 GPH (gallons per hour) — this handles most home inflatable pool sizes comfortably. Many in the $25–$40 range are rated 1,800–2,400 GPH. Key features to check: standard garden hose thread outlet (saves buying adapters), automatic shut-off when water drops below inlet (prevents dry running), and a cord length of at least 10 feet.

Brands like Wayne, Superior Pump, and Zoeller make reliable units in this range. If you want more comprehensive pump comparisons that also cover built-in pool filtration, our guide to the best vacuums for inflatable pools covers multipurpose units that drain and clean simultaneously.

Step 1 — Submersible Pump Setup in Pool Submersible Pump Setup Inflatable Pool PUMP sits on floor Water inlet Hose exits pool → Lawn / drain Power cord Auto shut-off when water drops low
2

Place, Connect, and Run

⏱ 5–15 min to drain

Place the pump on the pool floor at the center or at the lowest point. Attach a garden hose to the outlet, run the hose to your drain destination (it must reach without kinking), then plug in the pump. That’s it. A 1,800 GPH pump drains 30 gallons per minute — a 600-gallon pool empties in 20 minutes, a 1,500-gallon pool in about 50 minutes. Run it until the auto-shutoff triggers or the pump starts making a different sound (air instead of water — switch off immediately).

Step 2 — Pump GPH Flow Rate vs Drain Time Comparison Drain Time by Pump Rating (1,000 gallon pool) 60 min 1,000 GPH 40 min 1,500 GPH 30 min 2,000 GPH 20 min 3,000 GPH Higher rated pump → shorter drain time. Recommended minimum: 1,500 GPH for home pools.
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Don’t Run DryRunning a submersible pump without water overheats the motor and causes immediate damage. Switch off when you hear the tone change from a water-moving sound to a higher-pitched air sound, or when the auto-shutoff engages.

4 Method 4: Garden Hose Reverse Pressure Siphon Medium Speed

This variation on the siphon method uses your outdoor faucet’s water pressure to prime the hose and create a stronger, more consistent siphon flow than the thumb-seal technique. It’s particularly effective when you need to drain water over a moderate distance and the simple gravity siphon doesn’t generate enough pressure to cover the run.

1

Use Faucet Pressure to Prime, Then Redirect

⏱ 3 min setup, 25–45 min to drain

Connect your garden hose to the outdoor faucet. Place the other end into the pool. Turn the faucet on fully for 5–10 seconds — this fills the hose completely with pressurized water. Turn off the faucet immediately, then disconnect the hose from the faucet quickly (water will try to pour out — have your thumb ready). Immediately place the disconnected end at your drain destination below pool level. The pressurized water in the hose creates a stronger initial siphon that pulls pool water out behind it.

Step 1 — Reverse Pressure Siphon: Phase A (Fill) vs Phase B (Drain) Phase A — Fill Hose TAP ON Pool Water fills hose 5–10 sec, then turn OFF + disconnect Phase B — Drain Pool Pool → Drain Pool water now drains out
✓ Pros
  • No tools or power required
  • Works over longer hose runs than simple gravity siphon
  • Stronger initial flow than thumb-seal priming
  • Good for pools without drain plugs
✗ Cons
  • Requires close outdoor faucet
  • Setup takes coordination
  • Siphon can break if hose is lifted

5 Method 5: Wet/Dry Vacuum for Small Pools Slower

A standard household wet/dry shop vac is surprisingly effective for draining small pools — particularly kiddie pools, small paddling pools, and pet pools in the 50–150 gallon range. It’s not the fastest method for large pools, but for small volumes in tight spaces (patios, balconies, areas where hose drainage isn’t practical) it’s often the cleanest and most precise option available.

1

Set Up for Wet Vacuuming

⏱ 30–60 min for small pools

Ensure your shop vac is set up for wet use — the paper filter must be removed and replaced with a foam sleeve filter (or a dedicated wet filter). Attaching a floor squeegee tool or wide-mouth intake nozzle maximizes suction efficiency over a broad area. Position the vac outside the pool, lower the hose in, and start vacuuming. Empty the tank as needed — most shop vacs hold 5–12 gallons before needing to be dumped.

The wet-vac method’s real strength is precision cleanup after other methods: it reaches the final inch of water that gravity drainage and submersible pumps can’t get to, especially in pools with a slight floor undulation or non-level ground. For pool-specific vacuum options, our inflatable pool vacuum roundup includes models designed specifically for this use case.

Step 1 — Wet/Dry Vacuum Draining Setup Wet/Dry Vac — Draining Setup Small Pool (50–150 gal) WET/DRY VAC suction Remove paper filter first! Empty every 5–12 gal
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Best Use CaseWet-vac draining is best reserved for the final cleanup phase after your main drain method (plug or siphon) has done the bulk of the work. Using it to drain from full is slow but thorough — good for pools on balconies with no slope or outdoor drain access.

6 Method 6: Tipping and Tilting Small Pools Fastest for Small Pools

For small pools — kiddie pools, pet pools, and compact round pools under about 6 feet in diameter — the fastest possible method is simply tilting the pool to pour the water out in one controlled dump. No tools, no setup, no waiting. This method takes literally under 60 seconds if you have help.

1

Drain 50% First, Then Tip

⏱ Under 5 min total

Even small pools become very heavy when full. A 6-foot kiddie pool filled to 12 inches holds roughly 200 gallons — about 1,680 lbs of water. You can’t tip that. The strategy: use the drain plug, a siphon, or a wet-vac to bring the water level down to 30–40% of capacity first. At that point, one or two people can grip the pool rim and roll it toward the drain direction, pouring the remaining water out in a controlled stream.

Position the pool near a sloped area or garden bed before starting so the water has somewhere natural to go. Tipping onto a flat paved surface creates a large, fast-moving flood that can be difficult to control and may run toward foundations or neighboring areas.

Step 1 — Safe Pool Tipping Technique Pool Tipping — Step by Step ✗ Full = Too Heavy ⚠️ 1,000+ lbs Do NOT tip yet Drain 60% first ↓ ✓ 40% full = OK to tip Tip toward slope ✓ → Lawn 👤 👤 Two people recommended

7 Method 7: Pool Drain Valve Upgrade Kit Fast

If your inflatable pool came without a drain plug — or has a small, slow drain — a universal pool drain valve kit lets you retrofit a larger, hose-compatible drain in minutes. These kits, available for under $15 on Amazon, include a rubber grommet, plastic valve, and hose adapter that you install through a small hole punched in the pool wall near the base.

1

Install the Retrofit Drain Valve

⏱ 10 min one-time install

First, fully deflate and dry the pool. Identify the lowest point on the side wall — ideally a corner or the thickest panel. Using a sharp awl or hole punch, create a hole slightly smaller than the grommet diameter. Press the grommet through the hole from inside, seat it firmly, then thread the plastic valve through the grommet and secure the locking nut from the outside. Apply PVC sealant around the grommet edge on both sides. Allow 24 hours to cure before use. This modification typically holds for the life of the pool and transforms drain time dramatically.

This is also a good moment to review the overall condition of your pool walls. If you notice any micro-tears or thinning around seams during installation, our guide to repairing inflatable pool damage covers the right patching techniques before water pressure turns a small flaw into a failure.

Step 1 — Retrofit Drain Valve Cross-Section Installation Drain Valve Retrofit — Cross-Section Pool Side Wall (PVC) ~0.5–0.7mm thickness Inner Flange Valve body Locking Nut Thread adapter ← PVC sealant both sides Garden hose Pool interior (water side) Outside pool (drain side) 24h cure time before filling pool

All 7 Methods: Speed, Cost & Effort Comparison

Use this table to quickly compare every draining method by the factors that matter most to your situation. If speed is everything, go pump. If you’re equipping with zero spend today, go drain plug + siphon combination.

Method Speed (1,000 gal) Tools Needed Approx. Cost Effort Best For
1. Drain Plug 25–50 min None (built-in) $0 Very Low All pools with built-in drain
2. Siphon Hose 40–70 min Garden hose $0 Low Pools without drain plug
3. Submersible Pump 8–20 min Pump + hose + power $25–$50 Very Low Large pools, frequent draining
4. Reverse Pressure Siphon 35–60 min Garden hose + faucet $0 Medium Longer drain runs, no plug
5. Wet/Dry Vacuum 45–90 min Shop vac $30–$80 Medium Small pools, residual cleanup
6. Tipping Under 2 min None $0 High (physical) Small pools under 200 gal
7. Retrofit Valve Kit 15–30 min (after install) Valve kit + tools $10–$20 Medium (one-time) Pools lacking a good drain
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Recommended CombinationFor most homeowners: use your pool’s built-in drain plug as the primary method, follow up with a garden hose siphon for faster mid-phase draining, and finish with a wet-vac or tipping for the final inch. If you drain weekly or have a pool over 1,500 gallons, invest in a submersible pump — it eliminates the frustration entirely.

🌿 Where to Drain Your Pool Water

Where the water goes matters both legally and practically. Pool water that contains chlorine, algaecide, shock, or other treatment chemicals must be handled carefully — these compounds can harm aquatic life, kill vegetation, and in some regions trigger regulatory violations if they reach storm drains.

Safe Drainage Destinations

Lawn and garden areas are the most practical and commonly accepted destination for treated pool water, provided the chemical concentration has been allowed to neutralize first. Stop adding chemicals 24–48 hours before draining, and let the pool sit open to sunlight (which breaks down chlorine naturally). Spread the discharge across a wide area rather than concentrating it on a single spot, and avoid drainage within 10 feet of garden vegetables or ornamental plants sensitive to pH swings.

Municipal sanitary sewer systems (via an outdoor drain connected to your sewer line, not a storm drain) are typically acceptable for treated water in most municipalities. Check your local code — many explicitly allow this method for pool water. The key is “sanitary sewer” specifically; storm drains typically discharge untreated to waterways where chlorine is harmful to aquatic ecosystems.

Untreated fresh water (pools with no chemical treatment or that have had chemicals neutralize naturally) can generally be used for lawn irrigation without restriction.

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Never Drain Into Storm DrainsStorm drains in most residential areas discharge directly to local waterways, rivers, or coastal water. Chlorinated pool water is toxic to aquatic organisms at very low concentrations. Even small amounts can cause significant die-offs in stream invertebrates and fish populations near outflows.

Using Drained Water Productively

Untreated pool water is essentially free irrigation. Use it on ornamental trees, shrubs, and large perennial beds where slight pH variation is tolerated. If your pool uses a saltwater system, avoid draining repeatedly onto the same patch of lawn as salt accumulation can inhibit plant growth over time. For more guidance on managing the chemical balance of your pool water to optimize its downstream use, our pool chemicals guide explains neutralization timing in detail.

🧹 After Draining: Cleanup and Storage

The hour after draining is the most important maintenance window in your pool’s life. Water left sitting in folds, trapped in seam channels, or pooled in any recessed area creates mold, mildew, and algae bloom conditions that shorten pool life significantly. Here’s the right post-drain sequence.

Immediate Cleaning

With the pool still open and wet, wipe down the interior walls using a clean damp cloth or a soft brush with a mild soap solution. Focus on the waterline ring (where evaporation and splashing create mineral deposits), the floor seams (where debris accumulates), and the drain valve area (which can harbor bacteria). A diluted white vinegar solution works excellently for mineral deposits and is pet-safe once rinsed. Our guide to cleaning inflatable pools without a pump covers this step in detail with specific product recommendations.

Thorough Drying

Wipe down all interior surfaces and leave the pool fully open in direct sunlight for at least 2–3 hours before folding. If you’re closing for the season, a full day of sun-drying is ideal. Use a clean dry towel to reach corners and fold lines — these trap water and are the most common site of mold development in stored pools.

Proper Folding and Storage

Fold along the natural crease lines the pool already has, rather than forcing new folds. Most inflatable pools have natural fold patterns that correspond to their deflation geometry. Following these prevents stress cracking along the PVC. Store flat in a cool, dry indoor location — never outdoors where UV exposure continues to degrade the material even in storage. Avoid heavy objects stacked on top of the stored pool, which can cause permanent indentations.

If you’ll be using a pool cover between uses rather than full draining, our guide to the best covers for inflatable pools helps you choose the right cover to extend water life and reduce debris accumulation.

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Winter StorageBefore long-term storage, perform a complete inspection of all seams, the drain valve seal, the inflation valve gaskets, and any wall areas where the pool regularly contacts the ground. Minor issues caught now prevent major failures when you inflate next season. For repair guidance, our inflatable pool repair guide covers everything from pinhole leaks to seam separation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to drain an inflatable pool?
A submersible utility pump is by far the fastest method — a 2,000 GPH model drains a 1,000-gallon pool in about 30 minutes. For very small pools (under 200 gallons), partially draining via the plug and then tipping the pool can empty it in under 5 minutes. For large pools without a pump, running two garden hoses simultaneously in a siphon configuration is the next-fastest option.
How do you drain an inflatable pool without a drain plug?
Use the garden hose siphon method: submerge a garden hose entirely in the pool, keep one end underwater while carrying the other end below pool level, then remove your thumb to start the siphon flow. Alternatively, a submersible pump placed on the pool floor bypasses the need for any drain hardware. For a permanent fix, install a universal retrofit drain valve kit, available on Amazon for under $15.
Can I drain my pool onto my lawn?
Yes, for lightly or un-treated water. If your pool uses chlorine or other chemical treatments, stop adding chemicals at least 24–48 hours before draining and let sunlight naturally break down the chlorine. Then spread the discharge slowly across a wide lawn area — never concentrated on one spot. Avoid draining near garden vegetables, storm drains, streams, or ponds.
How long does it take to drain a 10-foot inflatable pool?
A 10-foot pool filled to 24 inches holds approximately 1,400 gallons. With a built-in drain plug, expect 40–60 minutes. With a submersible pump rated at 2,000 GPH, approximately 40–45 minutes. With a siphon garden hose, 60–90 minutes. Using two siphon hoses simultaneously cuts hose-drain time roughly in half.
What submersible pump should I buy for pool draining?
Look for a minimum 1,500 GPH utility pump with a standard garden hose thread output, an automatic shutoff feature, and at least a 10-foot power cord. Popular reliable options in the $30–$50 range include the Wayne 57729-WYN1 and Superior Pump 91250. Avoid pumps designed for aquariums — they’re too low-powered for pool drainage.
Is it OK to leave pool water in overnight?
For one or two nights with proper chemical treatment, yes. Extended standing water — particularly in warm, sunny conditions — promotes algae growth and bacterial buildup within 24–48 hours. If leaving water in the pool between uses, use a pool cover to reduce UV exposure and evaporation, and maintain appropriate chemical levels. Our guide on preventing algae in inflatable pools covers the management strategy for extended water retention.
Can I drain the pool and immediately put it away?
No — not if you want it to last. Folding a pool that’s still damp, even slightly, traps moisture in seam channels and fold lines where mold and mildew develop rapidly in storage. Wipe down all surfaces after draining, then allow the pool to air and sun dry fully before folding. In humid climates, 3–4 hours of open-air drying is the minimum; a full day is better before seasonal storage.
Why is my drain plug so slow?
Three common reasons: the drain opening is too small (common in budget pools that use a half-inch valve — upgrade with a retrofit kit), the pool isn’t level and the drain is positioned above the lowest water point, or debris has partially blocked the valve opening. Check the valve for obstructions first, then try tilting the pool gently toward the drain side to pool the remaining water toward the outlet.
What should I do after draining to prevent mold?
Wipe down interior surfaces with a diluted white vinegar solution (1:10 ratio), rinse clean, then allow complete air drying in direct sunlight before folding. Sunlight is a natural antimicrobial and dries the material faster than shade. For seasonal storage, ensure the pool is completely dry, fold along natural crease lines, and store in a cool indoor location away from humidity and UV exposure.
Does pool type affect which drain method is best?
Somewhat. Foldable rigid PVC pools (like dog pools) typically have side-positioned drain plugs that drain very efficiently with gravity methods. Large ring-style inflatable pools benefit most from submersible pumps due to their volume. Frame pools with a drain adapter connector may work best with the reverse-pressure siphon method via garden hose. Small kiddie pools are generally easiest to just partially drain and tip. Our overview of rectangular vs round pool shapes also notes how pool geometry affects drainage efficiency.

Ready to Drain Faster?

Draining your pool doesn’t have to be an hour-long slog. With the right method for your pool size and tools available, it can take as little as 5 minutes. Start with your drain plug and a garden hose siphon combination — you have everything you need right now. If you drain regularly, a $30 submersible pump is the single best purchase you can make for your pool maintenance routine.

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