Written by Pools Reno Team | Updated July 30, 2025
Thinking About Draining Your Pool? Read This First
Draining a swimming pool—whether inground, above ground, fibreglass, or vinyl—is not a decision to take lightly. Letting a pool sit empty can lead to serious and costly damage. At Pools Reno, we’ve handled numerous pool repairs throughout Cape Town and the Western Cape, and we strongly advise against emptying your pool unless absolutely necessary.
In this guide, we’ll answer: How long can you leave a pool empty? We’ll also cover safer alternatives, cleaning without draining, when it’s okay to drain, and expert tips from our professional team. Whether you’re maintaining a residential or commercial pool, this post will help you make the right decision.
Main Takeaways
- Emptying a swimming pool can cause structural and safety issues.
- The best time to drain a pool is during mild weather—not too hot or cold.
- Most pool problems can be solved without full drainage—consult an expert first.
How Long Can You Leave a Pool Empty?
Short Answer: Not long at all.
Empty pools are at risk of:
- Structural cracks or popping (especially in concrete pools)
- Liner shrinkage and damage (in vinyl pools)
- UV sun damage to plaster and surfaces
- Collapse of above-ground pool walls
The risks increase depending on the type of pool, local climate, and groundwater pressure.
Pool Type Matters
- Vinyl pools: Liners dry out, wrinkle, and crack if left empty.
- Fibreglass pools: Can float or shift due to groundwater pressure.
- Concrete pools: Stronger, but still prone to cracks or ground movement when empty.
Groundwater Danger
If your pool sits in an area with a high water table (common in parts of Cape Town), draining it can lead to hydrostatic pressure damage—pushing the empty pool up from below.
Weather Conditions
In both extreme heat and cold, leaving your pool empty can cause plaster cracking, liner damage, or cement fractures.
Pools Reno Tip: If you must drain your pool, do it for the shortest time possible and only under professional supervision. Our team handles safe pool draining throughout the Western Cape.
Why You Should Not Leave a Pool Empty
Structural Risks
Water pressure helps balance structural loads. Without it, pools can crack, shift, or pop out of the ground.
Vinyl Liner Damage
Vinyl liners become brittle and damaged when exposed to air and sun. They are costly to replace.
Above-Ground Pool Collapse
Above-ground pools rely on water weight for structural stability. Draining them can cause collapse in strong winds.
Sun Exposure
UV rays damage plaster, fibreglass, and vinyl surfaces that are designed to remain underwater.
Safety Hazards
Empty pools attract dirt, debris, standing water (mosquitoes), and can become a physical hazard in your yard.
Professional advice is crucial. At Pools Reno, we provide full consultations before any pool drainage. We handle safe draining, cleaning, and refilling services across the Western Cape.
Can You Leave an Above-Ground Pool Empty?
In short: Don’t risk it.
Leaving above-ground pools empty can cause:
- Wall collapse
- Ground pressure deformation
- Sun damage to the vinyl liner
The only exception? Small inflatable pools you plan to pack away.
Pools Reno can help with above-ground pool maintenance, vinyl liner replacement, and structural inspections.
How to Clean a Pool Without Draining It
Most pool maintenance problems can be solved without draining your pool. Here’s how we clean and restore pools across Cape Town without draining them:
Equipment Needed:
- Skimmer net
- Pool brush (nylon preferred)
- Manual or automatic vacuum
- Water test kit
- Pool chemicals (pH adjusters, chlorine, shock, etc.)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Brush the walls and floor — from shallow to deep end.
- Skim debris using a net.
- Vacuum the pool thoroughly.
- Balance water chemistry:
- pH: 7.2 – 7.6
- Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
- Calcium hardness: 175 – 275 ppm
- Chlorine: 1 – 3 ppm
- CYA: 20 – 50 ppm
- Shock the pool to eliminate bacteria and organics.
Need help? Pools Reno offers expert non-drain deep cleaning services, acid washing, and algae removal for Cape Town homes and businesses.
When Should You Drain a Pool?
Only drain your pool for these specific reasons:
- High TDS, calcium, or cyanuric acid levels
- Severe pool neglect (green/black water)
- Acid washing to remove stains and scale
- Pool resurfacing: fibreglass relining, plastering, or marbelite upgrades
Even in these cases, partial drainage may suffice. Let Pools Reno handle it safely.
Best Season to Drain a Pool in Cape Town
Drain your pool only in mild temperatures, ideally in spring or early autumn.
Avoid draining in:
- Temperatures above 29°C / 85°F
- Freezing or near-freezing conditions
We check all weather and groundwater conditions before scheduling any draining project in the Western Cape.
Pools Reno: Full-Service Swimming Pool Specialists in Cape Town & Western Cape
At Pools Reno, we don’t just fix pools—we extend their life, boost property value, and ensure long-term performance. Our team proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Cape Town, Bellville, Durbanville, Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Paarl, and more.
Our Pool Services Include:
- Safe Pool Draining & Refilling
- Leak Detection & Crack Repair
- Pool Acid Washing
- Pool Resurfacing (Marbelite, Plaster & Fibreglass)
- Vinyl Liner Replacement
- Pool Equipment Installation & Repairs
- Pool Cleaning & Maintenance Contracts
- Plunge Pool Construction
- Pool Tiling & Coping Repairs
- Green Pool Recovery & Algae Elimination
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can pool plaster be without water?
Never leave pool plaster dry for longer than 7 days. Plaster is designed to remain submerged. Extended exposure can cause it to crack or deteriorate.
Can I leave my inground pool empty over winter?
No! Instead of draining, winterize your pool professionally to protect it from cold damage and debris buildup.
Is an empty pool a safety hazard?
Absolutely. Empty pools pose risks of injury, structural collapse, and become breeding grounds for insects if water accumulates.
Final Thoughts: Drain Only When Necessary
To recap: avoid draining your pool unless absolutely necessary. The risks far outweigh the benefits unless professionally managed. Instead, focus on routine maintenance, partial water replacement, or expert cleaning services.
Need assistance with pool repairs, cleaning, or draining in the Western Cape? Contact Pools Reno today and let our experienced team handle it for you—safely, efficiently, and affordably.
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