Overwhelmed

[Newdude]

@newdude I was looking at this pump since it's low-cost and has a garden hose attachment.

The 1.6 hp pump / 4800gph / $83 has a garden hose attachment also, or can be upsized down the road if the situation ever arises.

Not sure if it has a standard nozzle or shutoff as you suggested, though.

You'd provide those on the end of the drain hose (if needed)

 

[Darin]

It is pretty easy to use your pool pump to do the job if you don't want to purchase another pump. If you want to water your lawn just plumb in a hose adapter (like $3) to the backwash line and sprinkle away while vacuuming. Or just let it go from your main drain to sprinkler.

 

[proavia]

It is pretty easy to use your pool pump to do the job if you don't want to purchase another pump. If you want to water your lawn just plumb in a hose adapter (like $3) to the backwash line and sprinkle away while vacuuming. Or just let it go from your main drain to sprinkler.

Using the pool pump is not recommended as many pools either don't have a main drain or the main drain is plumbed to the skimmer.
In either case, once the water level is below the skimmer the pump will lose prime. Even with a main drain plumbed back to the pad on a line separate from the skimmer, one would need to be quite careful that the pump didn't run dry.

Additionally, if doing a no drain water exchange, the water flow coming into the pool needs to match the water flow leaving the pool - pretty difficult to do using a pool pump.

A less than $100 sump pump is a lot cheaper than a $1500+ VS pool pump - and can be using for other duties as well.

 

[Darin]

In either case, once the water level is below the skimmer the pump will lose prime.

Of course, that is why he would use the main drain to sprinklers. Not rocket science, just no need to purchase additional pump if they don't want to. There are several options, let the homeowner decide what is best. In central Penn, not a real problem with high water table to necessitate the whole hyopolimnion strategy.

 

[Newdude]

. In central Penn, not a real problem with high water table to necessitate the whole hyopolimnion strategy.

TheNewGuy needs more draining than the shallow end will allow with a vinyl liner. So it's either multiple drains, or an exchange.

 

[proavia]

that is why he would use the main drain to sprinklers

You do you @Darin .

TFP will tend to lean more toward the safe side in all cases.
As for draining - it is always safer to use a separate pump to drain a large quantity of water or do a no drain exchange. This protects the pool owners expensive equipment. While there may be a small cost involved, it's better than burning up a $1500+ pump.

Remember, many newbies read these posts - always better to error on the side of caution than to have them assume using their high dollar pool pump is the safest way to go.

In this case, we are helping a relatively new member with an issue. And we aren't even sure if the OP's pool has a way to drain directly from the main drain. If the pool is plumbed with the main drain to the skimmer and then the skimmer to the equipment pad, the pump will likely lose prime once the water level is below the skimmer.

Of course, it's up to each individual member to do as they wish with their pool. But they also take on the sole risk as well.

 

[The New Guy]

Thanks all. I appreciate the discourse. I like hearing different perspectives and having options to consider. I am unsure how my main drain works, perhaps something to look into later on.

For now, I'm leaning toward investing in a small pump. It's not entirely clear to me how to match the output to the input, but given how slowly my hose fills my pool, I think it seems like the safest bet and I will take a crack at learning.

The 1.6 hp pump / 4800gph / $83 has a garden hose attachment also, or can be upsized down the road if the situation ever arises.

You'd provide those on the end of the drain hose (if needed)

Any chance you could provide a link to this one? I don't remember seeing it.

 

[Newdude]

It's not entirely clear to me how to match the output to the input,

Time filling a 5 gallon bucket. Then adjust a valve on the pump hose to do about the same. Something like This here.

Monitor the water level because the flow will change based upon how many neighbors are using it too. You may need to adjust the pump at times as you go.

I think it seems like the safest bet

I'd never put my pool pump through a garden hose. Just no. I don't leave it in a snow drift for weeks at a time either. I don't care it's 'probably ok'. I spent a full work week securing it during the shortages and then payed through the wazoo for it.

Any chance you could provide a link to this one? I don't remember seeing it.

This one You can cut the smaller parts off to use larger hoses but for this use, you'll want the 3/4 garden hose to help slow down the exit flow.

 

[The New Guy]

I'd never put my pool pump through a garden hose. Just no. I don't leave it in a snow drift for weeks at a time either. I don't care it's 'probably ok'. I spent a full work week securing it during the shortages and then payed through the wazoo for it.

Thanks for the links!!
It just occurred to me that my pump does, in fact, sit out all winter. Will have to get some tips from folks on here.

 

[Newdude]

It just occurred to me that my pump does, in fact, sit out all winter.

My bad.

My pump was $1800 and has electronics. It's all season capable, and I fully understand that. But no.

So it spends the winter in the 60+ degree basement.

 

[ajw22]

My pool pumps and spa pumps have stayed outside for 20+ years without causing any problems.

My pool cover pump gets taken inside in the winter before any large snow events. I have found when I let it get buried in snow it gets corrosion that trips the GFCI.

 

[V___25]

For now, I'm leaning toward investing in a small pump. It's not entirely clear to me how to match the output to the input, but given how slowly my hose fills my pool, I think it seems like the safest bet and I will take a crack at learning.

Just invest in the small pump. I lowered my water level using the pool pump before since we have a separately plumbed (is that a word?) main drain and while it was quicker, it was hard on the pump and it did lose prime.

The sump pump I have is similar to what you showed and using a garden hose, it drained pretty slow for me. I did not measure the output rate but it definitely wasn't the same volume you'd get by draining from the pool pump. Completely anecdotal, I know

 

[V___25]

It just occurred to me that my pump does, in fact, sit out all winter. Will have to get some tips from folks on here.

I'm in South Central PA too (north of York) and my equipment sits out all winter. It hasn't been an issue but it's one of those "it's fine until it's not" situations.

 

[Darin]

burning up a $1500+ pump.

These $1500 pumps run 24/7 for swimming not sure how it would burn up. My pump and motor and filter have been outside for 16 years. They are designed to be outside in all elements.

- it is always safer to use a separate pump to drain a large quantity of water

Safer, no as there is more of a chance for electrocution using an extra pump. It has to be plugged in somewhere. Pool pumps are already installed to remove water from pool. That is why we have them.

 

[Newdude]

Pool pumps are already installed to remove water from pool

A couple inches, fine. Most will lose prime at a couple of feet. That's where a novice burns up their pump so we don't send first timers down that route, or let it be so future novices go down that route to make a rookie mistake.

We are typically not teaching experienced people here. And again, if not them, the untold number of future beginners who searched old threads instead of starting their own.

 

[proavia]

These $1500 pumps run 24/7 for swimming not sure how it would burn up

You don't know what you don't know.
Pump loses prime and no one is there to remove power. Pump overheats and damage ensues.

Safer, no as there is more of a chance for electrocution using an extra pump. It has to be plugged in somewhere. Pool pumps are already installed to remove water from pool. That is why we have them.

Verifiable references - or is this just your personal opinion?

A pool pump is installed to circulate water in the pool. That is why we have them.
If they were installed to remove water from the pool, all our pools would be in a never ending drain-refill cycle.
What about the 100's of 1000's of pool pumps that are plugged in? With your logic, they present a chance of electrocution as well.

Newbies come here already frustrated and frazzled. We attempt to guide them to solve their pool problems. And that includes the safest way to solve those issues - including the safest way to protect their expensive pool equipment. Then there are the untold number of visitors who only come here to read thru the info presented and never post or even join. They also deserve to be provided with the safest way to accomplish a task.

 

[The New Guy]

So I'm planning to scoop up a submersible pump, hose attachment, and a long garden hose.

This is a bit of a long shot, but does anyone have suggestions for where to best drain water?
This is my first home (purchased 8 months ago) so I'm still getting the lay of the land. Attached an overhead view.

Draining the pool down to just about the skimmer entrance got my side yard pretty wet downslope of my shed. My neighbor's yard levels off at the bottom of the slope so it kind of just starts to pool where his lawn begins (there's another neighbor's yard pictured parallel to mine, but his wouldn't be affected much since we're on the same slope).

I was using my pool pump and a blue waste hose, which dumps a lot of water in one spot right near the shed. Could go for a sprinkler head or something to disperse water more evenly from the garden hose attached to the submersible pump. If I get a long enough garden hose, I can try to start it at the top of the hill next to the street. Even still, draining half of my pool seems like a recipe for a swamp. It is extremely hot and sunny here this week and I don't care much about my yard short-term, but I don't want to aggravate the neighbor who takes quite good care of his.

There's also some kind of drain in my front yard, right by the house. No idea where it goes, not sure if it looks familiar to anyone. Even without measuring, I know I'd need an exceptionally long hose to reach it from the pool.

 

[Darin]

Verifiable references - or is this just your personal opinion?

yes, you cant get electrocuted by a second pump if is not plugged in.

Top 5 Things to Know About Submersible Water Pumps and Electricity | Reflections Water Gardens

Submersible water pumps present severe hazards for homeowners and should never be used in ponds meant for swimming or human immersion.

www.reflectionswatergardens.com

 

[Darin]

I was using my pool pump and a blue waste hose, which dumps a lot of water in one spot right near the shed. Could go for a sprinkler head or something to disperse water more evenly from the garden hose attached

This is why you can attach a water hose to the pool pump discharge and put it where ever you want. Ask the neighbor if they want their yard watered. You can pump it a long ways.

 

[Mdragger88]

So I'm planning to scoop up a submersible pump, hose attachment, and a long garden hose.

This is a bit of a long shot, but does anyone have suggestions for where to best drain water?
This is my first home (purchased 8 months ago) so I'm still getting the lay of the land. Attached an overhead view.

Draining the pool down to just about the skimmer entrance got my side yard pretty wet downslope of my shed. My neighbor's yard levels off at the bottom of the slope so it kind of just starts to pool where his lawn begins (there's another neighbor's yard pictured parallel to mine, but his wouldn't be affected much since we're on the same slope).

I was using my pool pump and a blue waste hose, which dumps a lot of water in one spot right near the shed. Could go for a sprinkler head or something to disperse water more evenly from the garden hose attached to the submersible pump. If I get a long enough garden hose, I can try to start it at the top of the hill next to the street. Even still, draining half of my pool seems like a recipe for a swamp. It is extremely hot and sunny here this week and I don't care much about my yard short-term, but I don't want to aggravate the neighbor who takes quite good care of his.

There's also some kind of drain in my front yard, right by the house. No idea where it goes, not sure if it looks familiar to anyone. Even without measuring, I know I'd need an exceptionally long hose to reach it from the pool.

You may need to check with your municipality- there may be specific rules.
Some say sewer, some don’t care etc