How Long Can I Leave My Concrete Pool Empty

How Long Can You Leave a Concrete Pool Empty? A Comprehensive Guide

Leaving your concrete pool empty might seem like a simple solution for maintenance or repairs, but it can have significant consequences if done for too long. The length of time you can safely leave your concrete pool empty depends on several factors. This guide will break down the risks and provide recommendations to ensure the longevity and safety of your pool.

Understanding the Risks of an Empty Concrete Pool

Concrete pools, while durable, are susceptible to damage when left devoid of water for extended periods. Here are the key risks:

Structural Damage:

• Ground Pressure: The earth surrounding your pool exerts significant pressure. Without the counter-pressure of the water, the pool shell can shift or crack, leading to potentially costly repairs. This is especially true in areas with expansive soils.
• Hydrostatic Pressure: Even without water in the pool, water from the surrounding ground can still exert pressure on the pool's walls. This pressure can cause cracking or buckling.
• Dry Rot: While concrete itself is not susceptible to rot, the structural elements supporting your pool, such as wooden beams or supports, can degrade rapidly without the water's protection against the elements.

Chemical Damage:

• Algal Growth: Once the water is removed, algae can quickly start to colonize the empty pool surface, creating stubborn stains that are challenging to remove.
• Chemical Imbalance: Any residual chemicals in the pool plumbing can degrade over time, leading to corrosion and damage to the pool’s equipment and surfaces.

How Long is Too Long?

There's no single definitive answer to how long you can leave your concrete pool empty. Ideally, you should keep your concrete pool filled with water at all times. However, if you absolutely must empty it, aim to keep the period as short as possible, ideally no longer than a few weeks. Beyond that timeframe, the risks of structural and chemical damage increase significantly.

Minimizing Risks When Emptying Your Concrete Pool

If you need to empty your pool, take steps to mitigate the risks:

Proper Drainage:

Ensure that the pool is drained slowly and methodically to avoid any sudden pressure changes. Consult a professional for assistance if you are unfamiliar with this process.

Support and Structural Integrity:

If you are leaving the pool empty for an extended period (even a few weeks), consider consulting a pool professional. They can assess the structural integrity of your pool and recommend measures to minimize the risk of damage. This might include adding temporary supports to the pool walls.

Post-Drainage Cleaning:

Once the pool is empty, clean it thoroughly to prevent algal growth. This is much easier to do when the pool is dry.

Regular Inspections:

If you absolutely must leave your pool empty, perform regular visual inspections to monitor for any signs of cracking, shifting, or other damage. Take pictures of the pool prior to draining, so you can compare these to future images.

Conclusion

Leaving your concrete pool empty carries inherent risks. While short periods might be manageable, it's best practice to keep your concrete pool filled with water to prevent structural damage and maintain its longevity. Always err on the side of caution and consult a pool professional if you have any doubts or concerns. Their expertise can save you significant time, money, and potential headaches.