Pool Care /
How to Siphon Water Out of a Pool with a Hose
A garden hose can drain pool water by siphon if the outlet is lower than the pool and the hose is fully primed. Keep the pump off and monitor the water level closely.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Apr 23, 2026 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
Siphoning a pool with a hose
It is possible to siphon water from a pool using a hose and forgo the pump, provided the end of the hose is positioned well below the water level in the pool. The key is to have the hose entirely full so that gravity does the work. Do not attempt to start a siphon with suction equipment or at the outlets; leave the pump off.
Preparation
You will want a garden hose in good order and of sufficient length to get to a spot where the water can run off without inundating your patio, landscaping or any structures. A short piece of hose may not give you the necessary drop to get things moving. Before you set up, inspect the hose for any kinks or cracks and make sure the path is clear.
Some things to consider:
- Verify the discharge area is suitable.
- Ensure the hose does not lie across a walkway where someone might slip.
- If there is any question as to how low the pool can be taken down, consult the manual.
- Put on appropriate PPE if the ground is wet and treacherous.
- Should you need to get at the skimmer or pump basket, shut the pump down first.
Getting the siphon going
1. Prime the hose. Put it in the water and let it fill up completely so there is no air left in it. 2. Hold the line. Keep the end in the pool submerged to prevent air from getting in. 3. Position the outlet. The other end has to be downhill from the pool for this to work. 4. Let it flow. With the hose in place, gravity should pull the water through. 5. Monitor the process. Stay close by to watch both the pool and where the water is discharging.
Should the water not begin to move, re-prime the hose and check your slope; an air pocket or a kink is usually the culprit.
How much to drain?
While a siphon is handy for taking some water out, it is not necessarily the way to go for a complete drain. In most cases you will want to stop before you are exposing the skimmer, the main drain or the pump. The type of pool and what the manufacturer says will dictate that limit.
Be careful not to make the common error of letting the hose get displaced, or of walking away while it is running. Never put water in the direction of a foundation or electrical gear, and do not reach into operating suction equipment. Cease operations if you see any sign of electrical trouble, structural movement, or a water path that could harm the property.
Time to call in a pro?
If you are looking to fully empty the pool or deal with a large volume of water, or if the siphon refuses to cooperate after you have tried to re-prime it, a qualified professional is the way to go. This also applies if the pool has a history of high groundwater, leaks or other structural issues. An expert can tell you if siphoning is the right call or if you would be better off with a submersible pump. For day-to-day maintenance, stick to the chemical labels and the manufacturer’s instructions, and do not swim if the conditions are not safe.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)