How long can a pool liner last without water

While the thought of emptying your pool and starting again might seem tempting, the repercussions could mean more than an expensive water bill.

“Water acts as a stabiliser that weighs the pool down when it’s in the ground, so when you take that water out, it could ‘pop’ out of the ground or cause the walls to cave in,” explains Swimart Regional Franchise Manager, Peter Allen. “This does depend on a number of factors including the type of pool and ground water levels.”

Draining or emptying your pool of water can create a number of financial and structural headaches, including:

• Cracking the pool’s shell
• Damaging the interior lining or surface
• Damaging the pool’s coping and surrounding paving or timber work
• Causing it to “float” due to hydrostatic pressure
• Damaging expensive in-floor cleaning systems
• Damaging pool lights
• Causing a safety hazard for people, pets and local wildlife
• Hefty fees if you’re on a water metre

Regardless of what type of pool you own, the chances of it incurring some sort of damage once it is emptied of water is likely. For example:

• Above-ground vinyl liner – once drained, the liner can shrink and possibly tear when it’s time to re-fill the pool, especially if it is an older liner
• In-ground concrete – while most of these pools are built structurally to withstand the weight of the soil that’s around them when drained, high ground water levels can push the entire structure out of the ground
• Fibreglass – just like a fibreglass boat, fibreglass pools ‘float’ easily when emptied of water, which often requires them to be braced before being emptied

“Draining your pool should be the last resort, especially if your goal is to simply clean the pool and improve the quality of the water, which in most cases can be done with chemicals,” says Peter.

What to do when you need to empty your pool

When the need to repair, re-surface, or re-line your pool requires it to be emptied of water, the best advice we can give you is DON’T DO IT YOURSELF!

“There are hydrostatic valves in the bottom of your pool, which in most cases will allow the ground water to seep into the pool once it’s emptied and alleviated a bit of the pressure under the pool,” Peter explains. “However, it really depends on the age of the pool as some of the older styles are more likely to be damaged than newer installations. My advice is, when in doubt, call Swimart.”

While the thought of emptying dirty pool water and re-filling it with clean water from your hose is tempting, there are other, less risky, ways to get your pool back into peak swimming condition. If you take a water sample into your local Swimart store, we will be able to tell you exactly what you need to bring it back into balance – and it will be a lot cheaper than repairing cracked coping or replacing the liner. You can also call us on 1300 991 104 and we’ll find a solution for you.

Over the last week I have been asked the question can I leave my above ground pool empty over the winter? The answer is always NO.

Above ground pools need the weight of the water in them to provide an optimal level of stability.  Without water supporting the wall you run the risk of the pool wall coming out of the track.  Also without water in the pool the liner can shrink and no longer fit your pool.

The most common method to winterize an above ground pool is to add the appropriate winterizing chemicals, lower the water level to just below the skimmer and return, cover the pool and remove all equipment plugs.  Of course with rainfall water tends to collect on top of the cover causing it to sag.  You will want to keep this rain water pumped off the cover.  Other options are available to prevent having to drop the water level such as placing a gizzmo in the skimmer or installing a skimmer door and installing a plug in the return.

The bottom line is never leave your above ground pool sitting empty for any extended period of time. 

As the weather gets cooler, it’s time for many people to start taking care of basic pool maintenance and repairs. Many people assume that in-ground pools need to be drained during the winter months, but the opposite is actually true. 

You should leave your concrete pool empty for as little time as possible. Swimming pools are meant to be filled with water. If that’s taken away, the pool can be damaged. Although concrete pools are safer to empty than other types like fiberglass or vinyl-lined pools, they should not be left empty for more than a few days.

Draining a pool should only ever be a last resort. Not only will it raise your water bill significantly to refill the pool in the spring, but removing the water can also lead to long-term, costly damages.

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Is it OK To Leave a Concrete Pool Empty?

No swimming pool, including a concrete pool, should be left empty for prolonged periods of time. 

Compared to other types of pools, concrete pools can be left empty for a bit longer. They are constructed to be the most durable, yet you still shouldn’t leave your concrete pool empty for long periods of time. Sun exposure and other environmental impacts can cause cracks to form on the interior of a concrete pool.

Concrete pools are sturdier and more resilient than other types of pools, like fiberglass pools. Fiberglass pools may be severely damaged when left empty even for a few hours. The floor can come loose and float to the top when the pool is refilled. 

However strong concrete pools may be, damages can still arise when they are drained. Some pools might pop out of the ground while others can cave in. That’s because pools get used to the heavy weight and pressure of the water. 

When it’s removed, groundwater and surrounding soil pressure can cause the pool’s various components to become disfigured. 

How Long Can You Leave a Pool Empty?

Leave your pool empty for as little time as possible. There’s not really a set figure on how long it is safe to leave a pool empty because it varies depending on the groundwater levels, the age of the pool, and what kind of material it is constructed out of.

Even above-ground pools are vulnerable to damages caused by draining the water out. The pool liners can shrink when they’re exposed to the air, which can later cause them to tear. 

Most issues that require a pool to be drained will take around one or two days to be fixed. Therefore, it’s recommended that you don’t leave your pool empty for any period of time longer than this.

Some people assume that a concrete pool needs to be left empty over the winter months, but that’s not the case. You just need to take appropriate steps to winterize your pool. You will lower the water level slightly, but you don’t need to remove all of the water in its entirety. 

What Happens if a Swimming Pool is Left Empty?

There are several problems that can arise if you leave your pool empty.

Some of these are commonsensical. Think about it – pools are meant to hold water. When they don’t have water in them, there’s nothing keeping them weighed down. The average pool weighs more than 80,000 lbs! 

When that kind of weight is removed, the pool can pop up out of the ground due to ground pressure. It can compromise the pool’s structural integrity and damage its floor, walls, liner, and deck. 

Not only that, but the lack of water means there’s no moisture on the pool walls, so the pool finish can dry out, causing flaking and cracks.

There are some newer models that are equipped with hydrostatic relief valves on the floor to keep the shell in place, but emptying a pool fully is never a great idea. 

Related Questions

Will my swimming pool crack if left empty?

A swimming pool can crack if it is left empty for long periods of time. This is true not just of concrete pools but also of those made from other materials. Vinyl liners can dry, crack, or become ripped, even if it’s an above-ground pool. 

Should you drain a concrete pool for winter?

No. There is no need to drain a concrete pool for winter. Even if you get extremely cold weather, water in the pool is still a good idea. You just need to winterize your pool. Taking proper winterization steps (such as lowering the water level, adding necessary chemicals, blowing the lines, and cleaning the pool filter) can keep your pool secure and safe over the winter months. However, draining is not necessary or advised. 

Will an inground pool collapse without water?

Inground pools don’t always collapse when they aren’t filled with water but there are plenty of other damages that can result instead. Your pool may pop out of the ground or the floor, liners, walls, and deck can be damaged. 

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Draining a Concrete Pool: Tips

Is your goal simply to clean your swimming pool? If so, don’t worry about draining it. Instead, use chemicals. 

Algae can be a big problem for concrete pools since the material is so porous. A vigilant cleaning regimen can help keep your pool healthy and beautiful without needing to drain it. 

If you absolutely must drain the pool, hire a submersible pump. This will get rid of the water slowly and gradually so that the pool does not become damaged. When you drain it, you may want to cover it so it’s not being beaten on by the harsh rays of the sun. Some pools may also be fitted with a ground plug to allow in groundwater and prevent the pressure from damaging the pool. 

When in doubt, hire a pool care professional to take care of your concrete swimming pool. They will be able to drain it without damaging the pool and will also do things like testing the drains and lines (which is often something that can be done when full). 

Keep the water in your pool! That’s simply where it’s meant to be. 

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