How much does Pool draining cost?

Based on 58 real quotes from businesses in United States.

$100

TYPICAL

$200

$450

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Key takeaways

To avoid expensive repairs, have your pool drained and refilled only when necessary
The size of your pool and local water rates are major factors in the cost
Draining and refilling an inground pool generally costs about 30–70% more than an above-ground pool

Thinking about draining and refilling your swimming pool? That can be necessary for a variety of reasons, but it’s a much more complicated process than most people know.

The fact is, swimming pools are meant to be filled with water. In a conventional concrete pool, water protects the plaster surfaces from drying out and cracking—and, even more important, it holds the pool itself in place. If a pool is emptied incorrectly, pressure from excessive groundwater around the pool, called “hydrostatic pressure,” can literally float the empty pool out of the ground. Fiberglass pools or vinyl-lined pools can also be ruined—and their warranties voided—if emptied improperly.

“Don’t even think about emptying your swimming pool without consulting a swimming-pool repair professional,” says home-improvement expert Don Vandervort of HomeTips.com. “This is not a DIY job for homeowners. If a pool absolutely must be drained, it should be done by a pro.”

In this guide, you’ll learn about the typical costs of professional pool draining.

When to drain a pool

There are certain situations in which your pool will have to be drained. For example:

If needed repairs, such as patching cracked plaster, can’t be done underwater, the pool must be drained down to the level of the repairs.

If the water chemistry goes too far out of whack, emptying and refilling a pool may be necessary. It’s common for pools to require draining every 5–7 years because normal evaporation causes buildup of the total dissolved solids (minerals, salts, metals, and other impurities, abbreviated “TDS”) that regular filtration can’t correct. (Pool owners can slow down evaporation by installing a pool cover.)

“If the water can be cleaned with repeated applications of chemicals, filtering, using a pool vacuum, and other regular maintenance, do those things instead. Have your pool emptied only as a last resort,” Vandervort advises.

If you do require pool draining, refilling, and water treatment, you’ll need to hire an experienced pool expert to ensure the proper care is taken. It’s a good idea to get referrals from family and friends, check online reviews, and request 2–3 quotes from qualified swimming-pool repair professionals.

Total pool draining costs

The national average cost to have a pool company drain, clean, and refill an inground pool is $225–900. Cleaning can include simple scrubbing, acid washing, the use of a pressure washer, or the application of an algaecide, depending on the services requested.

In climates with freezing temperatures, pool services recommend winterizing your pool by lowering the water level to below the skimmer and jets to avoid frozen pipes. For all the tasks involved in inground pool winterization or spring pool opening, expect to pay $275–600.

Cost factors

These variables can affect the total cost of draining, refilling, and treating pool water.

Water costs. When the time comes to refill the pool, be ready for a higher-than-normal water bill. Current water rates range from as little as $2.50 per 1,000 gallons in parts of Utah to as much as $9 per 1,000 gallons in Connecticut. A 10,000-gallon pool (about 12×24 feet) will cost roughly $25–90 to fill, while a 20,000-gallon pool (about 16×34 feet) will cost $50–180.

Type of pool. If you own an inground pool (no matter what kind of pool material—concrete, fiberglass, or hard frame with a vinyl liner), draining and refilling will cost about 30–70% more than for an above-ground pool, because the volume of water is usually much higher.

Size of your pool. Most pools will require 2–3 visits by a pro, as draining and filling can each take more than 1 day to complete. For the cleaning phase (when required), labor rates will be the driving cost factor. You’ll pay more for larger-than-average pools or those with difficult stains.

Pool chemical costs. Your pro will also need to add enough pool chemicals for basic pool maintenance and to bring the new pool water’s chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium levels into balance. In total, these can cost $50–300, depending on how much water your pool holds.

FAQs

How much should it cost to drain a pool?

Having a pool-cleaning service or repair company drain, clean, and refill your pool costs an average of $225–900, depending in part on the specific cleaning process requested. Local water rates—which range from $2.50–9 per 1,000 gallons in different parts of the US—will also affect the final cost, as will the local price of pool chemicals.

How much does it cost to drain and acid wash a pool?

Draining and acid washing an inground pool is an effective way to remove stains and algae growth from the interior lining. This service can range from $200–750, depending on the size of the pool and extent of staining.

How often should swimming pools be drained?

Swimming pools should only be drained when absolutely necessary, and you should pay to have it done by a qualified professional. Draining is typically required every 5–7 years because of minerals and impurities that build up in water over time, or if the pool needs repairs that can’t be made underwater.

Find a swimming pool repair professional in your area.

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