How to lower the water level in your pool
Guide to lowering the water level in your pool
It is important to note that every pool and filtration system is different and this guide will not be applicable to all. GC Pool Professionals accepts no responsibility for damage you may cause by attempting to operate your pool equipment.
Some pools will have an overflow pipe at the top either under the coping or in the skimmer box. The water level in these pools may still get high in very heavy rain, but it should drain back to its normal level in time. If your pool does not have an overflow and you need to lower the water level due to excessive rain, the following will hopefully help:
Sand Filters
If you have a Sand Filter, the most important thing to remember is to NEVER TURN THE HANDLE WHILE THE PUMP IS RUNNING.
- Turn the pump off using the switch on your chlorinator, or at the power point
- The handle on the Multi Port Valve (sits on top of the filter) will be in the “Filter” position. Press this down and turn it 180 degrees to the “Backwash Position”
- Turn the pump back on to start pumping water down the drain. Some systems will have an auto shut off after 5 minutes. You may need to turn these off and on again to restart the pump.
- When the water is down to your desired level, turn the pump off again. Make sure you do not take too much water out of the pool, or your pump will suck air, and you’ll waste chemicals.
- Now turn the handle on the Multi Port Valve to the “Rinse” position
- Turn the pump back on for about 30 seconds. This ensure you don’t get cloudy water going back to your pool.
- Turn the pump off again
- Turn the Muli Port Valve handle back to the original “Filter” position.
- Check you have set your timer and chlorinator switch back to the original settings.
Cartridge Filters
- You will only be able lower your water level if a waste line has been installed on your cartridge filter. This is usually a three-way valve or a tap and is commonly installed between the pump and filter. Not all cartridge filters will have a waste line
- Turn the pump off at the chl0orinator or power point
- Take note of the current valve configuration for future reference
- Turn the valve or open the tap to direct the water down the waste line
- Turn the pump back on. Make sure the water is going where you expected it too. If the pump makes an unusual straining noise, turn it off immediately as you may have the valve in the wrong position and blocking flow from the pump
- When the water is down to your desired level, turn the pump back off. Make sure you do not take too much water out of the pool, or your pump will suck air, and you’ll waste chemicals.
- Revert the valves back to their original positions
- Turn the pump back on and check the timer and switches are set correctly.