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Winter Pool Prep: How to Drain to the Proper Level, Part 2

Winter Pool Prep: How to Drain to the Proper Level, Part 2

How Do I Lower My Pool’s Water Level if I have a Cartridge Filter?

If you have a cartridge filter, draining your pool takes a bit more effort compared to sand or DE filters. Those filter types often come with a multiport or slide (push-pull) valve that includes a “waste” setting, allowing water to bypass the filter and drain directly out through a waste line. Cartridge filters, however, don’t have that option. They’re closed systems without a waste function, meaning there’s no built-in way to remove water from the pool using the existing plumbing.

  1. Turn off the pump – Always start by shutting off power to your pool pump.
  2. Locate the drain plug – Find the drain plug on your pool pump or filter housing.
  3. Attach a backwash/drain hose – Connect a hose to direct the water away from the pool area (to a proper drainage spot).
  4. Open the drain plug – Slowly open the plug or valve to let water flow out.
  5. Monitor the water level – Keep an eye on the pool so you don’t drain too much. For winter, lower it just below the skimmer or return jets.
  6. Close the drain plug – Once you’ve reached the desired level, close the plug securely.
  7. Restart the system – Restore power and check for leaks.

Can I Use a Submersible Sump Pump to Drain My Pool?

Yes, you can, and if you already have a sub pump, this may be the easiest option for you. if you’re unfamiliar with it, a sump pump is a submersible pump that’s used to drain water from places that don’t traditionally have drainage.  If you’ve ever dealt with a flooded basement, then you most likely have used a sump pump to drain it.

Basic instructions on how to drain a pool using a sump pump; but reference your sump pump’s manual and follow its instructions for best results.

  1. Attach Drain Hose –  Attach a garden hose; refer to the sump pump’s owner’s for other recommended drain conduit to the sump pump outlet port.
  2. Layout Drain hose to Designated Drainage Area – be sure to pick your drainage area carefully, as you will be removing hundreds, if not thousands of gallons of water from the pool.
  3. Plug in Pump, Then Turn On the Pump – plug your sump pump into the closest GFCI-protected power receptacle. 
  4. Inspect the Drainage area, Pool Water Level As Draining continues. – As the pool drains, be sure to check on water level progress and your drainage area to ensure it is not being overwhelmed by the high volume of water.

author avatar
Matthew Simmons Technical Writer & Pool Product Expert
Swimming pool expert at InyoPools and host of Poolside Chat, brings over a decade of experience in the pool industry.

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