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Pool Service and Repairs

When to Drain Your Pool: Top Reasons Every Pool Owner Should Know

November 18, 2024

James Carroll

Contaminated Water and Chemical Imbalance

In Arizona, high temperatures and intense sunlight can rapidly deplete chlorine and impact chemical balance in pools. Combined with heavy pool usage, dust storms, and environmental debris, Arizona homeowners may find their water becoming contaminated or severely out of balance more quickly. When this happens, draining and refilling is often the best way to restore healthy water conditions.

Repairing Pool Surfaces and Equipment

Arizona’s harsh sun and temperature fluctuations can cause pool plaster, tiles, and liners to degrade faster. Cracks, chips, and surface erosion are common issues, making draining the pool necessary for proper repairs. Additionally, dry conditions in Arizona can lead to quick water evaporation, potentially revealing equipment issues such as leaks or malfunctioning components that require a drained pool to access.

Algae Infestations

The warm climate of Arizona creates ideal conditions for algae growth, especially when water chemistry is imbalanced. While chemical treatments can often manage algae, severe blooms—such as stubborn black algae—may require draining the pool for a deep clean. This helps ensure the spores are completely eradicated, preventing regrowth and allowing for a healthy swimming environment.

Reducing Cyanuric Acid (CYA) Levels

Arizona pool owners often rely on stabilized chlorine due to the state’s strong sun, but this can lead to an accumulation of cyanuric acid over time. High CYA levels reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers, making it difficult to maintain safe and clean water. When CYA becomes too high, the best solution is to partially or fully drain and refill the pool to restore proper chemical balance.

Lowering High Calcium Hardness

Arizona’s hard water is notorious for contributing to elevated calcium levels in pools, leading to scale buildup on surfaces, plumbing, and equipment. This mineral-rich water can cause significant damage if left untreated, making draining and refilling with softer water a necessary practice to prevent costly repairs and maintain a pristine pool surface.

Winterizing or Major Pool Renovations

While Arizona homeowners rarely need to worry about freezing temperatures, pools may still require draining for major renovations or updates to outdated systems. Whether reshaping a pool, installing new equipment, or performing upgrades, draining ensures a safe environment for contractors and successful project outcomes.

Switching Pool Sanitation Systems

Given Arizona’s demanding pool conditions, some homeowners choose to switch from traditional chlorine systems to saltwater or other alternatives. This transition often requires a full drain and refill to avoid chemical imbalances during the conversion, ensuring a smooth transition and effective sanitation.

Unusual Water Contamination (Flooding or Dust Storms)

Arizona’s unique weather, including monsoons and dust storms, can lead to unexpected water contamination. Flooding can introduce harmful bacteria and debris, while dust storms fill pools with dirt, dust, and other particles. In such cases, draining and thoroughly cleaning the pool is the most effective way to restore a healthy swimming environment.

Prevention of Staining from Metal Deposits

Metal deposits, such as copper and iron, are more common in areas with hard water, like Arizona. These deposits can lead to unsightly staining on pool surfaces, and draining the pool to remove metal accumulation is often necessary to maintain a beautiful, stain-free appearance.

Routine Pool Renovations and Resurfacing

Arizona’s climate is particularly hard on pool surfaces, leading to faster wear and tear. Resurfacing every 10 to 15 years, or when signs of degradation appear, is crucial to maintaining structural integrity and appearance. Draining is a necessary step in this process, allowing for re-plastering, tile replacement, or other major renovations.

Arizona’s intense sun and high temperatures make draining and maintaining a pool particularly challenging during the hotter months, which is why draining your pool during the cooler months is a much better option. The milder weather reduces the risk of pool surface damage caused by heat stress when the water is removed, ensuring your pool remains in optimal condition. Additionally, draining and refilling in cooler weather helps protect your equipment and makes cleaning, repairs, and maintenance easier and more efficient.

At One Source Pool Service, we recommend taking advantage of the cooler months to tackle any necessary pool draining and maintenance projects. To make it even more worthwhile, we’re currently offering special deals on our pool services, so you can protect your investment, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and keep your pool in pristine condition—all while saving money. Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure your pool is ready for the next hot season—contact us today to learn more about our current specials and how we can help!