How To Drain An Inflatable Pool

So you are wondering how to drain an inflatable pool? Owning an inflatable kiddie pool or an above‑ground Intex pool is a fantastic way to enjoy your garden or outside space. When the weather is warm, you can share fun times with family while staying cool.

Whether you have a playful small kiddie pool, a spacious larger pool, or a state-of-the-art Intex easy‑set above‑ground pool, draining it properly is really important for keeping you and your family safe and healthy.

That murky, soapy water sitting around can become a health hazard, growing algae, fostering stagnant water, and damaging your lawn or garden.

So we’ve pulled together the best techniques for emptying your pool – covering the drain plug, garden hose, submersible pump, and even sump pump techniques. We also thought we’d offer a few tips about your legal responsibility, water management, and also pool maintenance.

Preliminary Steps: Safety & Setup

You’ll find that most inflatable pools have a drain valve or drain cap at the bottom or side. For Intex pools, you might also find a drain connector for an included hose adapter.
It’s not a good idea to empty your pool onto your lawn or ground cover, as it can kill the grass, damage tree roots, or violate watering restrictions. Instead, we’d suggest emptying it into a proper water supply outlet, gutter, or drain. If you have a water butt, you could even empty it into this and reuse the water.

A small pool (\~100 L) may drain easily via siphon, but you’ll find that a larger pool, mechanisms like a submersible pump, sump pump, or pool pump, may be much faster and safer.

Get yourself kitted up. Having some gloves, closed-toe shoes, and a clean towel on standby is a good idea if your water has residual chlorine, traces of other chemicals, or other residues.

Method 1: The Garden Hose Siphon (Easiest Way)

This low-tech method is probably the best (and easiest way for small to medium pools.

Steps:

1. Connect one end of a garden hose to a tap, open it, and let water flow until it's full. This removes air.
2. Then you should close both ends (thumb or hose cap), disconnect from the tap, keeping water sealed.
3. We’d suggest submerging one end near the bottom of the pool (centre is best).
4. Place the other end downhill, far below the pool base—gravity is critical.
5. Release the seal; water should begin flowing out via siphon.
6. If you find there is no flow, briefly suck (if safe) to start until water moves.
7. Monitor: pinch the hose if water dips below the opening to avoid sucking up debris or air.
8. Once the water level drops, reposition the hose to reach the bottom of the pool for thorough draining.

Pros:
Simple, cheap, no electricity.
Quiet and highly effective!

Cons:
Needs downhill exit.
Manual starting is needed.

Method 2: Drain Plug & Attached Hose Adapter

For Intex pools and models with a drain connector, this option is fast and mess‑free.

Steps:

1. Start by firmly attaching your hose to the drain connector.
2. We’d suggest directing the free end downhill.
3. Then you should open the drain valve/drain cap – gravity takes over.
4. Refill or clean afterwards. You could rinse with a hose and use a dry vacuum or clean towel to absorb any remaining water.

Pros:
No need for manual siphoning or pumps.
Safer and avoids accidental ingestion or mess.

Cons:
Not available on all pools.
Requires a compatible adapter/hose.

Method 3: Pump Options (Faster for Larger Sized Pools)

This is the best technique if you have a large pool or if you need to drain a lot of water quickly. It also might be your best option if you don’t have a downhill exit.

Submersible pump

Place it in the pool; connect the discharge hose.
Plug it in and turn it on.
You’ll find that it usually drains down to around 1–2 cm—great for big pools.
Consider using a shop vac or dry vacuum afterwards to soak up the final wet patch.

Sump pump or pool pump

You’ll find that this is useful for massive volumes. It has much more power so will empty water quicker.

Ensure proper hose fittings and keep electrical units dry.

Drill‑powered pump

This is super handy if you already own a cordless drill.
Efficient for medium volumes; ties to a suitable hose (check fit).

Pros:
Rapid emptying, efficient.
No manual effort beyond setup.

Cons:
Requires electricity and investment.
Must take safety precautions

Post‑Drain Care: Clean, Dry, Store

1. Rinse and scrub inside pool with mild detergent or a cleaning agent if chlorine tablet residue is present.
2. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue.
3. Use a clean towel or dry‑vac to soak up final moisture.
4. Air‑dry fully in direct sunlight to prevent mildew from growing in your pool.
5. Fold and store in a cool, dry place away from sharp objects, the sun, and humidity.
6. We’d suggest keeping pool covers handy to protect your pool from dust or pests.

Be Responsible and Look After Your Garden

It really isn’t a good idea to let your pool water out on your grass, and this may flood your garden. It could cause root rot and compaction.

If draining chemical‑treated water (e.g. chlorine, chlorine tablets, bleach), you’ll want to neutralise the water first or if you are going to use it in the garden.

If you are emptying a large pool, you should be aware of your legal responsibilities. You should contact your water and sewerage company to understand the proper procedures for draining a pool and ensure compliance with regulations.

Common Mistakes & Tips

Not starting the siphon correctly.

If the flow stalls, pick up the hose-end downhill, refill with water, or briefly suction to restart.

Draining onto a soft lawn

Dilute soil causes erosion. It’s always better to drain it elsewhere rather than your lawn or garden.

Leaving chemicals inside

Causes skin irritation, raises pH. Always drain and clean soon after use.

Storing damp

If you put your pool away whilst it is still damp, you’ll likely get mildew or unpleasant smells and stains.

Pool Maintenance & Extensions

If you aren’t changing your water in your pool for more than a few days, you might want to use a chlorine dispenser or eco‑friendly pool chemicals to slow algae. Take a look at our post about how long can you leave water in an inflatable pool.

If you are using pool floats, water slides, or ball pit elements for extra fun, don’t store these with your pool; put them away separately after you have finished with them. Also check out our post about swimming pool games and pool games without toys.

You could also use a pool cover to protect it from leaves, grass and anything else that could fall into your pool.