subject: Why Draining A Swimming Pool May Be Dangerous [print this page] When your pool water becomes murky, cloudy or even green, the first remedy that may come to mind is to drain the swimming pool. However, there are very few circumstances when a homeowner will need to drain their swimming pool entirely. Draining a pool can actually result in damage to the pool. Thanks to advancements in technology, and alternative water treatment options, you should never have to drain your swimming pool again.
Draining your pool can cause serious damage to your swimming pool. Among the many cons of draining your pool are:
A pool's plaster is very porous and can begin to corrode when exposed to the air and elements.
Draining a pool actually promotes algae growth.
Pebble linings on pools tend to crack and deteriorate when the pool is drained, resulting in cracks that will need to be repaired.
When the pool is full, hydrostatic pressure builds up under the pool. When the pool is drained, the pressure is greater under the pool than above the pool, causing it to lift up out of the ground. This type of damage is often irreparable.
Instead of draining your pool, use the following simple remedies to return your pool and pool water back to health:
Murky, cloudy water: Cloudy pool water is often a sign of a high pH or alkalinity level. Regularly test your pool water to make sure that pH and alkalinity levels are within optimum ranges. If the pH and alkalinity in your pool water are too high, reduce the levels until they test optimum range. In addition, oxidize your pool water weekly with a professional oxidizer following manufacturer's instructions.
Green water: If the water in your pool has turned green due to algae, it is due to a lack of chlorine and an abundance of phosphates. This condition can be easily remedied without draining your pool. Simply add a phosphate remover and algaecide to your pool water, and your pool filter will do the rest of the work for you.
Calcium deposits: Hard, white calcium deposits can build up on the tiles of your pool, causing you to think about draining you pool. Calcium deposits occur due to excess chemicals in the water in conjunction with the process of evaporation. If you notice the presence of calcium deposits on the waterline tiles or under the surface of your pool, a professional pool cleaning company can remove it for you. Calcium deposits can be removed safely without draining the pool.
Chlorine block: If your pool water has a strong chlorine smell, it is probably due to a phenomenon called chlorine block, which is characterized by high amount of chlorine which has been rendered ineffective in its ability to disinfect the pool water. This occurs when the molecules in the chlorine bond with cyanuric acid because of poor pH balance. Many homeowners think the pool must be drained when this occurs. However, with advanced technology, such as reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters equipped with ion exchanged units, cyanuric acid can be safely removed from your pool without draining it. A pool cleaning professional can help you determine which is the best method for your pool.
In Arizona, Shasta Pools & Spas has been building quality swimming pools for over 45 years. The company also offers pool cleaning, maintenance and repair services. Visit http://www.shastapools.com/Contact/ or call 866.Shasta5 (866.742.7825) to learn more about the many services available at Shasta.
