When Pools Need Draining

A common misconception among pool owners is that pool water lasts forever as long as it is filtered and chlorinated. In reality, pool water has a lifespan, especially in the arid climate of Southern Nevada. Generally, a pool should be drained and refilled every 3 to 5 years.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

Everything that enters your pool—chemicals, sweat, sunscreen, dust, and minerals from tap water—contributes to Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Because water evaporates but solids do not, TDS levels constantly rise. When TDS exceeds 3,000 ppm, the water becomes "tired." It looks dull, tastes salty, and prevents chemicals from working effectively.

High Cyanuric Acid (CYA)

If you use stabilized chlorine tablets, cyanuric acid is constantly being added to your pool. CYA does not evaporate. Once CYA levels exceed 100 ppm, it causes "chlorine lock," rendering your sanitizer useless against algae. The only effective way to lower CYA is to drain a portion of the water and replace it with fresh water.

Extreme Calcium Hardness

Las Vegas water is hard. Over years of evaporation and refilling, calcium levels can exceed 800-1000 ppm. At this point, severe scaling on tiles, plaster, and inside equipment is inevitable. Draining is required to reset the calcium baseline.

The Dangers of DIY Draining

Draining a pool is not as simple as dropping in a submersible pump. If drained during the heat of summer, exposed plaster can crack and delaminate within hours. Furthermore, if the water table is high, an empty pool can literally pop out of the ground like a boat. Draining should always be assessed and performed by professionals during appropriate weather conditions.