Filtration & Circulation /
How to Drain a Pool Using the Pool Pump Safely
You can drain a swimming pool with the pump only if your system has a waste or drain setting and you can keep the pump from running dry.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Aug 1, 2026 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
Is it possible to drain the pool with the pump? In most cases, yes. Provided your equipment has a waste or drain setting, many pool systems will do the job. How you go about it is a matter of what your filter, valve arrangement and manual dictate. The golden rule is to stick to the drain path for which your system was made and under no circumstances let the pump run dry.
Precautions before you begin You want to be certain the system can move water out of the pool and off the property without incident. Start by going over the manuals for the pump, filter and valves. Make sure you can find a route clearly marked for backwash, drain or waste. You should also check where that water is headed; it is not acceptable for it to flood a yard or a neighbor’s foundation.
Give the system an once-over for any stiff valves, leaks or electrical issues. Should the plumbing be ambiguous, put the work in the hands of a qualified pool professional.
The proper procedure Follow the sequence laid out by the manufacturer. A typical and safe way to handle this is:
1. Shut down the pump prior to opening the skimmer basket or making any changes to the valve. 2. Confirm the discharge is suitable for drain water. 3. Move the valve to a waste or drain position as permitted in the manual. 4. Put the pump back on and observe. There should be a steady flow. 5. Monitor the level carefully. Cease operation well before the skimmer is exposed or the pump starts to pull in air. 6. Power down the pump to put the system back into normal circulation.
Some prefer a submersible or utility pump for these tasks, particularly if the pool pump is not intended for emptying the vessel or to get at the last of the water in an in-ground pool.
How far down to go? Only drain as much as the repair or maintenance calls for. There is little point in fully emptying the pool when it may put stress on the structure, liner or equipment. For work near the tile, main drain or fittings, a pro can make sure the water level is kept at a safe point.
Pitfalls to steer clear of There are easy mistakes to make that can be hazardous or ruin equipment. Do not guess at a valve setting, open the skimmer basket with the pump running, or allow discharge to go where it does not belong. And never put your hands in operating suction equipment or enter a suction outlet area. Use the right PPE for wet work and turn the pump off to access the skimmer.
When to bring in an expert If the pump is losing prime, there is an electrical fault, or you cannot figure out the right path for the water, call for assistance. It is also wiser to have a professional on hand for structural repairs or if a full drain is required to protect the liner.
In short The pump is fine for draining so long as the manual says so and there is a proper waste route for the water. Watch it like a hawk, stop in time to keep the level from getting too low, and do not hesitate to contact a pool professional if you have any doubts about the safety of the situation or the plumbing.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)