Seasonal Pool Care /
How to Drain a Pool Below the Skimmer—and When Not To
There’s no universal safe water level below the skimmer. Learn when a partial drain makes sense, when it can damage the pool, and when to call a pro.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Jan 6, 2026 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
Is it possible to drain a pool below the skimmer? In some cases, yes, but you should only do so if the winterizing or pool manual makes an exception. There is no one size fits all when it comes to a safe depth; the proper water level is dictated by your particular setup, be it an inground with a liner or a rigid shell, as well as the climate, cover and plumbing involved.
Should you find yourself in need of lowering the water for repairs or to put the pool to bed for the season, first make sure you understand why. A lower level might be necessary to accommodate a certain winter cover or to protect the skimmer and plumbing from the cold. But take care not to overdo it, as draining too far can open up other risks.
The trouble with going below the skimmer is that it halts normal circulation through that port. The pool may not function as intended. You also run the risk of:
- Wrinkles or movement in a vinyl liner
- Stress on fiberglass or plaster
- Fitting or skimmer throat damage
- Hydrostatic pressure from groundwater forcing its way under the shell
- Equipment losing prime or being left exposed
If the yard is prone to staying wet after a rain, a partial drain could be more of a hazard than a help.
Before you go about removing any water, have a look at the equipment and pool manuals and heed the chemical labels. Be sure to check local ordinances on where you can discharge pool water; storm drains and property lines are often off limits. Put on the appropriate PPE like gloves and eye protection, and if you must open the skimmer basket, the pump should be off. Do not put your hands in running suction equipment.
A good practice is to verify the target level in the manual and inspect for any visible leaks or cracks in the lid and plumbing. Determine what your winter plate or cover demands. If you spot electrical damage or active leaking, call it off.
There is no point in guessing. Steer clear of a partial drain if the manual is silent on the matter, the liner is already loose, or there is a history of movement in the shell. High groundwater and electrical faults with the heater or controls are other reasons to hold back. And of course, swimming is out of the question if the structure or water is anything less than safe.
Homeowners tend to make errors by rushing the close or following advice that does not apply to their situation. They might use a submersible pump or siphon without thinking, or drain too low simply because they heard “below the skimmer” was the rule. Or they will forget that a mesh cover has different requirements than a solid one.
When in doubt, or if the pool is older and the liner is delicate, a qualified pool professional is worth the call. This is especially true if you are uncertain of the discharge path or suspect groundwater issues. The bottom line is to follow your pool’s instructions and no further; once the risk is greater than the benefit, leave the water in.