When it comes to deciding whether a Gunite Pool can be left empty, the answer is not as straightforward as you may think. In some cases, it can be beneficial to leave your Gunite pool empty while in other instances leaving the pool empty could cause serious damage. The key is knowing when it’s safe and appropriate to leave a Gunite pool empty, and when it’s better to keep water in the pool. The question “Can a Gunite Pool be Left Empty?” is an important one that all pool owners should understand before making any decisions about their own Gunite pool.
Can a Gunite Pool be Left Empty?
Before making the decision to leave your Gunite pool empty, it’s important to understand the risks associated with emptying your pool. It is possible for a Gunite pool to be left empty but certain safety precautions need to be taken in order for this to happen safely. This blog will provide an overview of the reasons why you may choose or not choose to leave your pool empty, and how to do so properly if you decide that it’s the right option for you. The goal is to provide an understanding of why and when it can be safe to leave a Gunite pool empty, helping all pool owners make informed decisions about the care of their own pools.
TL:DR – It is best practice not to leave a gunite pool empty for any extended amount of time as this can cause serious damage and even become a safety hazard. If you must leave your gunite pool empty, then it is advised to have the structure professionally inspected and maintained to ensure its integrity and safety. Additionally, it is recommended that any debris or pests be removed before refilling the pool with water.
The Problems With an Empty Pool
When a gunite pool is left empty, it can cause serious problems that can be difficult and costly to fix. The main dangers include:
- Structural Damage – With no water pressure to support the sides and bottom of the pool, they may begin to crack or crumble. Over time, this could lead to extensive damage that affects the integrity of the entire pool, making it unsafe for swimming.
- Contamination – With no water to circulate and filter, a gunite pool left empty can quickly become contaminated with dirt and debris. This can introduce bacteria and other contaminants into the pool, creating an unhealthy swimming environment.
- Insects & Rodents – Without a water barrier, pests such as ants, rodents, and other insects can easily gain access to the empty pool. These pests are not only unpleasant but could cause serious damage if left unchecked.
- Uneven Distortion – As the gunite shell of an empty pool is exposed to the elements, it can deteriorate, leading to cracks and structural damage. This can result in an uneven pool surface that could create dangerous swimming conditions.
If you are considering leaving a gunite pool empty for any length of time, it is highly recommended that you consult a professional before doing so to ensure that all safety measures have been taken. In most cases, it is much more cost-effective and safer to simply keep the pool filled with water.
How Long Can a Gunite Pool Stay Empty
When it comes to owning a gunite pool, it is important to know the answer to the question – can a gunite pool be left empty? The simple answer is yes, but there are some conditions that need to be met in order for this to happen.
If you want your gunite pool to stay empty for an extended period of time (more than a few months) then it is important to make sure that you winterize the pool before leaving it empty. This means draining all of the water, cleaning and removing any debris, checking for leaks and cracks in the pool walls or flooring, repairing any damage as needed, treating the surfaces with chemicals such as chlorine and algaecide, then covering it up with a proper pool cover.
As long as you follow these steps, your gunite pool can be left empty for an extended period of time without any significant damage occurring. However, if the pool is not properly winterized before leaving it empty, then the walls and flooring could suffer from cracks, leaks, and algae growth due to the changing temperatures. In addition, if you leave your gunite pool empty for too long without winterizing it properly, then the structure can become weak and eventually collapse.
Why You Should Not Leave Your Pool Empty
Gunite pools are durable and long-lasting, so you may think that leaving your pool empty isn’t a big deal. But the truth is, it’s never a good idea to leave your Gunite pool empty. Here’s why:
The first reason has to do with the structure of a Gunite pool — it is made up of a reinforced concrete shell which is then sprayed with gunite or shotcrete. This process creates an incredibly tough and solid layer that will support the water pressure inside your pool, but when there’s no water in the pool, that pressure is gone and can cause cracks to form. These cracks can weaken the structure of the pool and even lead to more serious problems, such as a full pool collapse.
The second reason why you shouldn’t leave your Gunite pool empty is that it can cause corrosion to form on the metal re-bar that’s used to reinforce the concrete shell of the pool. This corrosion can weaken the structure of your pool and again, lead to more serious issues.
The third reason why you shouldn’t leave your Gunite pool empty is that it can damage the plumbing and filtration systems. If there’s no water in the pool, the chemicals in the water won’t be able to do their job and the plumbing will be subject to physical damage from outside sources.
Another reason why you shouldn’t leave your Gunite pool empty is because it can lead to an increase in algae growth. Algae thrive in warm, damp environments and a dry pool can provide just that. This additional algae growth can cause unsightly stains and can be a hassle to remove.
How to Drain a Gunite Pool
If you’re looking to leave your Gunite pool empty for a long period of time, it’s important to take the necessary steps for draining it correctly. Before you start, make sure the pump and filter are both shut off. You can then begin by either draining all of the water from the pool directly into your sewer system (with the help of a sump pump) or by using a pool vacuum to suck out all of the water.
If you choose to directly drain your Gunite pool, you’ll need to locate the sewer line and attach it to your sump pump. Then, start running the pump in accordance with local regulations, usually at least once a day. This process can take anywhere from several hours to a few days, depending on the size of your pool and the amount of water that needs to be removed.
If you choose to use a pool vacuum instead, you’ll need to attach it to your filter pump and start running both simultaneously. After the vacuum is done, all the water should be removed from your pool. This process will also take several hours to complete and could take a few days depending on the size of your pool.
Once you’ve fully drained your Gunite pool, it’s important to remember that leaving a dry pool can cause damage over time and should therefore only be done when absolutely necessary. If you’re not able to fill the pool up once it’s empty, make sure to take all preventative measures (such as covering the pool with a tarp or using a dehumidifier) to protect it from long-term damage.
When in doubt, if you’re looking to leave your Gunite pool empty for an extended period of time, it’s best to consult a professional. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of draining your pool and also ensure that it is done safely and correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I completely drain my gunite pool?
Yes, you can completely drain a gunite pool. However, depending on the age of the pool and the type of plumbing, this process may cause damage to the interior finish or other components. It is recommended to consult with a professional before fully draining your gunite pool. Additionally, it is important to refill the pool in a timely manner to prevent further damage. If the pool is not refilled, the walls and floor may crack or shift due to ground movement. Also, potential problems related to the plumbing system could arise if the pool stays empty for too long. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider all risks before draining your gunite pool.
How long can you leave a gunite pool empty?
Generally, a gunite pool should not be left empty for more than two weeks. When the pool is left dry for extended periods of time, it can cause significant damage to both the gunite shell and the surrounding area due to cracks and shifting of the soil. It is also important to ensure that proper drainage systems are in place before leaving the pool empty for any length of time. In addition, all water should be removed from the plumbing, pumps and filters to prevent damage due to freezing.
Will an empty gunite pool crack?
No, an empty gunite pool should not crack. Gunite pools are designed to withstand shifting ground and extreme weather conditions without cracking or breaking down. However, if the soil underneath the pool is not properly compacted during installation, it may cause settling which could lead to cracks in the pool shell. To ensure a long-lasting result, it is important to hire a qualified pool contractor who can properly install the pool. Additionally, proper maintenance and regular inspections will help keep the gunite pool in good condition for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is not recommended to leave a Gunite pool empty for extended periods of time, it is possible to do so in certain circumstances. If the pool has been properly maintained and all necessary precautions have been taken, then leaving a Gunite pool empty for short periods can be done without any significant harm. To ensure that your pool is safe and healthy, it is always best to consult with a professional and follow their advice. A properly maintained Gunite pool can last for years with regular maintenance, so taking the necessary precautions now will ensure that your pool stays in good condition for many years to come.
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