Bestway offers various types of portable pools, including the Easy-Set pool and Frame-Set pools. However, these pools are not ideal for winter weather conditions, leading most Bestway pool owners to dismantle their pool at the end of the season.
If the idea of disassembling your pool fills you with dread, fear not! Take a moment to explore our six-step process for safely draining and storing your Bestway pool for the winter months.
How to Dismantle and Store Your Bestway Pool for Winter
1. Check Water Chemistry
Before draining your pool, conduct a thorough examination of its water chemistry. This step ensures that you're not disposing of water with imbalanced pH levels or excessive chlorine content. Additionally, consider the drainage location and familiarize yourself with any regulations governing pool water discharge in your area.
2. Locate the Drain Valve
Locate the drain valve positioned on the exterior of your pool. Extend a garden hose towards the drain valve, ensuring the female end is proximate to it. Attach the opposite end to a sprinkler for efficient water distribution, particularly if the pool water exhibits optimal pH levels and minimal chlorine content. Proceed by uncapping the drain valve to initiate the drainage process. This step helps in efficiently managing pool water disposal while nurturing your lawn or garden.
3. Drain the Pool
Attach the female end of a garden hose to the drain connector to start draining your pool entirely. While draining, consider relocating the hose periodically if discharging to an open space to prevent erosion or excessive saturation. This step ensures a systematic and efficient process of emptying the pool while mitigating any potential environmental impacts on the surrounding area.
Bestway pool drain hose adapter
For certain Bestway pools, attaching a hose adapter to the female end of the garden hose is necessary. Then, thread the hose adapter into the drain valve to prevent immediate water discharge upon removing the drain cap.
As gravity dictates the drainage process, it's crucial to consider the slope of the draining area. While smaller Bestway pools may drain within a few hours, larger ones may require more than 12 hours. To streamline the process, consider initiating the drainage procedure the evening before intending to dry, fold, and store the pool.
4. Dry the Pool
Once the draining process is complete, it's crucial to ensure thorough drying before folding the pool. For Frame Set ™ pools, leaving them standing can aid in air-drying. Alternatively, employ a wet/dry vacuum or towels to gently wipe the pool dry.
A comprehensive drying process, both inside and out, prevents vinyl from sticking together upon folding and inhibits mildew growth. To absorb any lingering moisture, consider using Talc or DE powder as a final touch. Don't forget to screw the pool drain cap back onto the drain valve to prevent misplacement.
5. Fold Your Bestway Pool for Storage
To prepare your Bestway pool for storage, begin by folding the wall material inward on all sides. With the assistance of another person, pull one side of the pool over to meet the other, gradually folding it in half until you have a long strip approximately 3-4 feet wide.
Next, either roll or fold this strip into a manageable size, ensuring easy storage until the next swimming season. This step-by-step folding process guarantees a compact and organized storage solution for your Bestway pool.
6. Store Your Pool at Room Temperature
For optimal storage of your Bestway pool during the off-season, aim to store it at room temperature to prevent damage from extreme weather conditions. Keep it away from potential nesting sites for rodents or birds that could cause damage to the vinyl material.
Consider utilizing a clean, spacious trash can placed in a suitable indoor location such as the basement or garage for convenient winter storage. Prior to storage, ensure to drain the pump and filter, and store them indoors or in a protected area to safeguard against the elements. These precautionary measures will help preserve your pool's integrity and ensure hassle-free setup for the next swimming season.
How Do I Drain the Last 100 Gallons From My Bestway Pool?
When it comes to draining the last 100 gallons of water from your Bestway pool, there are a few effective methods you can employ. One option is to utilize a wet/dry vacuum or opt for the traditional approach using a pail and sponge. However, the most common method involves moving the water to one side of the pool with the help of two or three individuals, then carefully spilling it over the edge.
Before initiating this process, it's essential to deflate the top ring on Easy Set™ pools or disassemble the frame pieces for Frame Set™ pools to facilitate easier water movement. To efficiently move the water, two people can grab the floor of the pool on one side and gradually "walk the water" to the opposite side, allowing it to spill out slowly.
Prior to draining, it's advisable to inspect the pool floor for any dirt or debris. If present, use a pool brush or a soft push broom to sweep away any remaining film or debris to ensure a clean and smooth draining process. By following these steps, you can effectively drain the last remnants of water from your Bestway pool, preparing it for storage or maintenance as needed.
What if I Can't Find the Drain Plug?
If you're unable to locate the drain plug on your Bestway pool, don't fret, as there are alternative methods you can use to effectively drain the pool. While the drain plugs are typically positioned just under the edge of the pool, they may sometimes be hidden or buried.
In such cases, it's essential to explore other options for draining the pool. One approach is to utilize a siphon hose, which can be inserted into the pool water to create a vacuum effect and facilitate drainage. Additionally, you can consider using a submersible pump to extract the water from the pool, providing a quick and efficient drainage solution.
Alternatively, if you have access to a wet/dry vacuum, you can use this tool to suction the water out of the pool manually. Simply attach the appropriate hose attachment and position it strategically within the pool to extract the water effectively.
By employing these alternative methods, you can successfully drain your Bestway pool even if you're unable to locate the drain plug. This ensures that you can proceed with pool maintenance or storage without delay, keeping your pool in optimal condition throughout the season.
Gravity Siphon
One effective method for draining your pool is by utilizing a gravity siphon, which offers a straightforward and efficient way to remove water from your pool. To set up a gravity siphon, begin by inserting a garden hose or vacuum hose directly into the pool water until it is fully submerged and filled with water.
Once the hose is filled, secure one end of the hose to the pool edge using tape or string, ensuring that there is a sufficient length of hose submerged in the water, nearly touching the pool bottom. Then, cap the other end of the hose with your thumb and swiftly pull the hose over the pool wall, leaving the capped end low to the ground.
With the capped end held low, move the hose to a lower area for drainage and release your thumb from the capped end. If the pool end of the hose is positioned higher than the discharge end, the siphon will initiate immediately, facilitating the draining process.
This gravity siphon method can also be applied using a pool vacuum hose, providing versatility and convenience in draining your pool effectively. By employing this technique, you can efficiently remove water from your pool without the need for complex equipment or machinery, ensuring hassle-free maintenance and storage.
Submersible Pump
Another effective option for draining your Bestway pool is by using a submersible pump, which offers a convenient and efficient solution for removing water. If you have a small sump pump or a pool cover pump available, these can be utilized for the draining process.
To begin, connect a garden hose to the pump and ensure it is securely attached. Then, carefully place the submersible pump at the bottom of the pool, positioning it near the pool edge for optimal drainage.
Once the pump is in place, plug it in and allow it to initiate the draining process. Submersible pumps are designed to efficiently remove water from pools, making them a practical choice for pool maintenance tasks such as draining.
If you do not have access to a submersible pump, you may consider renting one from a rental shop, or explore available options for pool cover pumps, which can also serve the purpose effectively.
By utilizing a submersible pump for draining your Bestway pool, you can streamline the maintenance process and ensure swift and effective water removal, facilitating hassle-free pool management and storage.
Skimmer or Return Hoses
When it comes to draining your Bestway pool, it's essential to follow the proper steps to ensure a smooth and efficient process. While it may be tempting to simply remove the hose from the pool filter and drain the water next to the pool, this method is limited to the level of the return and may not fully drain the pool.
To drain your Bestway pool effectively, consider using a skimmer or return hoses connected to the pool filter. This allows for controlled drainage and prevents any potential damage to the pool or surrounding area. It's important to proceed with caution and avoid rushing the draining process, as doing so could lead to unintended consequences such as ripping or holes in the pool.
For Easy Set ™ pools, avoid deflating the top ring and rolling the water out, as this can pose risks to both the pool structure and nearby landscaping. Instead, opt for a gradual and controlled drainage method to safeguard your pool and ensure longevity.
By following these simple yet crucial steps for draining your Bestway Poo or Easy-Set pool, you can maintain your pool's integrity and enjoy many more years of aquatic enjoyment without worry.
The wrong way to drain a Bestway pool.
When it comes to draining your Bestway pool, it's crucial to approach the process with care and consideration for both the pool and your surroundings. Unfortunately, some individuals opt for shortcuts that can lead to disastrous outcomes.
Take, for example, a group of individuals who, seemingly unconcerned with pool maintenance, chose a reckless approach to draining their Bestway pool. In a misguided attempt to expedite the process, they ended up flooding their backyard and documented the entire ordeal on YouTube for all to see.
This irresponsible method not only wreaks havoc on the immediate environment but also sets a poor example for others seeking guidance on pool maintenance. It's essential to prioritize proper drainage techniques to avoid such mishaps and ensure the longevity of your pool.
If you find yourself needing to dispose of your Bestway pool, consider environmentally friendly options such as recycling the vinyl material. Many landfills accept vinyl pools for recycling, minimizing the environmental impact of disposal and promoting sustainability.
By steering clear of careless shortcuts and embracing responsible practices, you can maintain your Bestway pool effectively and enjoy its benefits for years to come.
To ensure your pool stays in top condition, regular maintenance tasks like cleaning the filter and checking for leaks are crucial. Additionally, it's important to pay attention to other household fixtures, such as shower drains. If you're experiencing issues with a clogged drain, you can refer to this helpful guide on How to Unblock a Shower Drain: A Step-by-Step Guide for step-by-step instructions.
