How to Clear the Drain on an Inground Pool

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Things You'll Need

  • Pool vacuum

  • Garden hose

  • Clog-buster hose attachment tool

A clogged drain can put an end to your pool festivities.

Owning your own swimming pool can help you relax after a long day at work, but what if your pool is the cause of more stress? A clogged swimming pool drain can be a major headache, and can bring your swimming pool usage to a halt. To drain clogs in inground pools can be especially worrisome, because most of the plumbing is underground and not readily accessible. Before you call a pool repairman, or start digging up your yard to get to the pipes, there are a few things you can do yourself that just might clear your drain.

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Step 1

Manually remove any large debris in the pool and around the drain, such as branches, leaves, acorns or other yard waste. Connect the pool vacuum and use it to remove smaller debris around the drain itself.

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Step 2

Turn off your swimming pool's filter system. If the drain is clogged, you can burn out the motor to the filtration system by running it too long.

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Step 3

Attach a clog-buster hose attachment tool to a garden hose. You can purchase clog-buster tools at pool supply stools and at some home improvement centers. The attachment is a cylindrical, bulb-like attachment that fits into the drain and blasts the clog loose with high water pressure. Attach the other end of the hose to an outdoor water faucet.

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Step 4

Remove the drain cover from the swimming pool drain.

Step 5

Insert the clog-buster attachment as far down into the drain as it will fit. The clog-buster tool will expand and seal the drain once you turn the water on, so you do not need to hold it in place.

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Step 6

Turn the water faucet on slowly. The water pressure will build and the clog buster will expand and blast the clog free with a high pressure stream of water. You should only have to turn the water on for a few seconds before the clog is broken apart.

Step 7

Turn off the water faucet. Remove the hose and clog-buster attachment from the drain. Reinstall the drain cover. Turn the filtration system back on, and vacuum up any debris that was forced back into the pool by the clog buster. The drain should be completely clear.

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