How To Drain Bestway Pool With Hose

Okay, so picture this: it's late August, the sun is beating down, and my Bestway pool, affectionately nicknamed "The Lagoon of Mild Discomfort" (because let's be honest, inflatable pools aren't exactly Olympic-sized swimming arenas) is starting to resemble a science experiment gone wrong. The kids have long abandoned it, and the water is… well, let's just say it's developed a certain "patina." It was time. Time to drain the beast. I looked at that huge expanse of slightly murky water and thought, "There has to be a better way than buckets." And there is! Enter: the humble garden hose. This guide will show you how to drain your Bestway pool with a hose, hopefully with less drama than I initially anticipated.

Why Drain Your Bestway Pool Anyway?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's address the elephant in the inflatable pool (metaphorically, of course – unless you really went wild at the zoo). Why bother draining it at all? Can't you just, you know, let nature take its course?

Well, you could. But here are a few compelling reasons to consider draining your Bestway pool:

• Grossness Factor: Let's be real. After a summer of sunblock, grass clippings, rogue insects, and the occasional unidentified floating object, the water gets… icky. Draining and cleaning is a must for hygiene. Trust me, your skin will thank you.
• Winterizing: If you live somewhere that experiences freezing temperatures (basically, anywhere north of the Equator for part of the year), leaving water in your pool over winter is a recipe for disaster. The expanding ice can damage the pool's structure. We don't want that, do we? Nobody wants a pool-shaped ice sculpture in their backyard.
• Repairs & Maintenance: Sometimes you need to patch a leak, clean the liner, or just give the pool a good scrub. Draining is essential for these tasks. Trying to patch a leak underwater is like trying to perform brain surgery with mittens on – messy and largely ineffective.
• Water Quality: Even with regular cleaning and chemicals, pool water eventually degrades. It's more cost-effective and environmentally friendly to drain and refill than to constantly bombard it with chemicals trying to restore it to pristine condition. (Plus, your kids will be swimming in less chlorine soup.)

The Hose Method: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let's get down to business. Here's how to drain your Bestway pool using a garden hose. It's surprisingly straightforward, even for those of us who consider themselves "hydraulically challenged."

What You'll Need:

• A garden hose (duh). The longer, the better – you need to reach a suitable drainage area.
• A spot to drain the water (more on this later).
• Possibly some heavy objects (bricks, rocks, etc.) to weigh down the hose. (Sometimes, a little extra weight keeps things flowing smoothly.)
• (Optional) A pool pump or submersible pump for faster draining (if you're impatient like me).

Step 1: Prep Your Pool (and Yourself)

First, do a quick visual inspection. Remove any large debris like leaves, toys, or that inflatable flamingo your neighbor keeps "accidentally" throwing over the fence. (Seriously, Bob, we know it's you.) This will prevent clogging and make the draining process smoother.

Also, consider where you're going to drain the water. This is important! Don't just blast it into your neighbor's yard (unless you're Bob, in which case, maybe you deserve it). Think about:

• Local regulations: Some areas have restrictions on where you can discharge pool water. Check your local ordinances to avoid fines. Nobody wants a hefty fine because they accidentally flooded the petunias next door.
• Drainage: Ensure the water will drain away properly and won't create a swampy mess in your yard or damage your foundation. A gentle slope leading away from your house is ideal.
• Chlorine levels: Ideally, let the pool water sit for a few days without adding chlorine before draining. This will help reduce the chlorine concentration and be kinder to your lawn and the environment. (Consider it a little spa day for the grass.)

Step 2: Priming the Hose (The Fun Part… Maybe)

This is the key to getting the whole process started. Priming the hose essentially means filling it with water to create a siphon. Here's how:

1. Submerge the hose completely: Fully submerge the entire length of the garden hose in the pool. Make sure all the air bubbles escape. You can use your hands or feet (clean ones, please!) to push the air out.
2. Hold both ends underwater: Keep both ends of the hose submerged. This is crucial! If air gets in, you'll have to start over.
3. Cap one end (temporarily): While keeping both ends underwater, cap one end of the hose with your thumb or a rag.
4. Lift the capped end: Keeping the capped end sealed, lift it out of the pool and hold it lower than the water level in the pool. This is where gravity comes into play! (Thanks, Newton!)
5. Release the cap: Uncap the end of the hose. If you've done it right, water should start gushing out. Hooray! You've successfully primed the hose!

Troubleshooting Tip: If you're struggling to get the siphon going, try a slightly thicker hose. A wider diameter can make priming easier. Also, ensure there are no kinks or bends in the hose that could obstruct the flow. And remember, persistence is key! Don't give up after the first try. (I think it took me three attempts the first time – no shame!)

Step 3: Let Gravity Do Its Thing (Or Add a Little Help)

Once the siphon is established, simply let the water flow. The lower the end of the hose is compared to the water level in the pool, the faster the water will drain. It's basic physics, folks. But don't expect it to be lightning fast. Depending on the size of your pool and the hose diameter, it can take several hours to completely drain.

Speed It Up (Optional): If you're impatient (like me), you can use a pool pump or submersible pump to significantly speed up the draining process. Simply place the pump in the pool, attach the hose to the pump's outlet, and let it rip. Be sure to supervise the pump to prevent it from running dry once the water level gets low. Running a pump dry is a good way to ruin it. I learned that the hard way, so you don't have to! (You're welcome.)

Step 4: The Final Stretch (And The Annoying Puddle)

As the water level gets lower, the siphon may start to weaken or stop altogether. This is because the suction power decreases as the height difference between the pool water level and the end of the hose diminishes. You might need to reposition the hose or use weights to keep the intake end submerged in the remaining water.

You'll likely be left with a shallow puddle at the bottom of the pool that the hose can't quite reach. You can either scoop it out with a bucket (the old-fashioned way – groan!) or use a sponge and some elbow grease to soak it up. I usually opt for the sponge method – it's a decent workout, and it feels strangely satisfying to finally get rid of that last bit of murky water.

Important Considerations & Pro Tips

Before you start draining your pool, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:

• Pool Size Matters: These instructions are generally applicable to most Bestway inflatable pools. However, larger pools may require a more powerful pump or multiple hoses to drain efficiently. Use common sense!
• Check the Weather: Don't drain your pool right before a rainstorm. You'll just end up with a refilled pool full of rainwater, defeating the whole purpose. Check the forecast and plan accordingly.
• Avoid Draining Directly into Sewers: This is generally discouraged as it can overwhelm the sewage system. Directing the water into your yard or a designated drainage area is usually a better option. (Again, check your local regulations.)
• Be Mindful of Wildlife: If you live in an area with wildlife, be cautious about leaving a large body of water unattended. Small animals can accidentally fall in and drown. Consider placing a ramp or some other escape route in the pool to help them get out if they get into trouble.
• Clean Your Pool After Draining: Once the pool is empty, take the opportunity to clean the liner thoroughly. Use a mild soap and water solution and a soft brush to remove any dirt, algae, or stains. Rinse well and allow the pool to dry completely before storing it away. A clean pool is a happy pool! (And a happy you.)

Alternatives to the Hose Method

While the hose method is generally effective and inexpensive, there are a few alternative options you might consider:

• Pool Pump with Backwash Feature: Some Bestway pools come equipped with a pump that has a backwash feature. This allows you to drain the pool by simply switching the pump to the backwash setting and attaching a hose to the backwash outlet. This is often the easiest and fastest method if your pool has this feature. Read your pump's manual for specific instructions.
• Submersible Pump: As mentioned earlier, a submersible pump can significantly speed up the draining process. These pumps are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at most hardware stores. They're particularly useful for larger pools or when you need to drain the pool quickly.
• Professional Pool Draining Service: If you're feeling overwhelmed or don't have the time or equipment to drain the pool yourself, you can hire a professional pool draining service. This is the most expensive option, but it can save you a lot of time and effort.

The Final Splash (Of Wisdom)

Draining your Bestway pool with a hose is a relatively simple and straightforward process. With a little planning, patience, and perhaps a dash of ingenuity, you can have your pool emptied and ready for winter storage or a fresh start next season. Just remember to choose a safe and responsible drainage location, prime the hose correctly, and be prepared to tackle that last annoying puddle. And hey, if all else fails, you can always call Bob and ask him to "accidentally" drain it for you. Just kidding! (Mostly.)

Now go forth and conquer that watery beast! Your sparkling clean pool (or, at least, a pool ready to be stored) awaits!