How much water can be safely removed from an inground vinyl pool and for how long?

Answer 1

I've owned an in-ground vinyl pool for many years. I have used several pool companies over the years. Each pool person I have talked to recommends draining no more than half the water at any time. This is something that is typically done for the winterization process. It was explained to me that the weight and pressure of the water in the pool provides structural integrity, preventing any chance of the walls collapsing.

On the other hand, there are times when you need to completely drain a pool because the water just has too many dissolved solids in it after years of chemicals, or sometimes, a pernicious algae condition can only be solved by draining the pool, scrubbing it down, and refilling with fresh water.

If you need to drain a pool completely and refill it, the whole process should be completed as quickly as possible. I don't think, given all the variables, how specific I can be, but personally, I wouldn't want to see my pool without water for longer than 24 hours.

New HeadlineOnce filled and used, you do not want to drain an in ground vinyl lined pool. I made this mistake once and recently saw my neighbor make the same mistake on a two year old liner. Over time the liner seems to become less pliable and when the pool is drained the liner contracts. When you refill the pool the liner does not expand to the previous shape and often rips. This is an expensive error.