Above Ground Pool Drain Fix - DIY PVC Wall Drain Hack

Dealing With Above Ground Pool Drain Issues

Owning an above ground pool can be a fun and relaxing addition to your backyard. However, with pools comes maintenance, especially when it comes to keeping the water clean and dealing with drainage. Many above ground pools utilize simple bottom drains to remove water, but over time these can clog or fail, leading to backflow, flooding, and very difficult drainage. Don't stress if you encounter drain issues with your above ground pool - read on to learn about a quick PVC hack to install an efficient wall drain.

Why Above Ground Pool Drains Are Problematic

Most above ground pools are designed with bottom drains or simple siphon hoses to drain away water. These work great when brand new, but face common problems over time:

• Debris builds up and clogs the drain
• The drain fails or pulls away from the pool liner
• Drainage hoses get kinked or filled with gunk
• Backflow problems occur from poor drainage planning

These issues can make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to drain or empty an above ground pool. The water has no quick exit point without a functioning bottom drain. Even worse, failed drains can fill up with standing water and harbor bacteria or algae.

Installing a Wall Drain - An Efficient PVC Hack

Wall drains make an excellent alternative to finicky bottom drains for above ground pools. Adding a wall drain higher up can completely bypass problems with clogging, backflow, and drainage issues. Thanks to an easy PVC hack, you can create a custom wall drain for your above ground pool in no time.

What You'll Need

• 1.5" PVC pipe & fittings (elbows, couplings, cap)
• Hole saw or jigsaw to cut pipe access hole
• PVC glue and cleaner
• Weatherproof silicone

Make sure to thoroughly plan out your PVC drain design before cutting or gluing anything. Measure from multiple spots along the pool wall to locate the perfect height and position for drainage. Anywhere from 6 inches to a couple feet below the pool lip is ideal.

Instructions

Follow these steps to install your new PVC wall drain for an above ground pool:

1. Cut a properly sized hole in the pool wall using a hole saw or jigsaw.
2. Dry fit the elbow and pipe through the hole to test fit.
3. Thoroughly clean and glue the elbow piece into the cut hole.
4. Add other fittings like a cap or connecting pipe as desired.
5. Seal up waterproof around the finished drain with clear silicone.

Be very careful not to apply any pressure onto the fresh PVC glue fittings until fully cured! Once assembled though, the drain will handle powerful suction force with no leaking issues.

Advantages of a Wall Drain System

Installing a PVC wall drain for your above ground pool offers many useful benefits:

• Avoids clogging issues from bottom debris
• Water drains fully from a higher point
• No more standing water or bacteria buildup
• Customizable PVC parts available
• Much easier access for draining upkeep

This hack essentially gives your pool the quick-drain functionality of professional in-ground options without the huge expense. Any debris avoids the upper wall drain area altogether, keeping it clog-free for ages. You'll now have the convenience of attaching a simple garden hose to rapidly drain the entire pool any time you need.

DIY Wall Drain Positioning Tips

Installing your new PVC wall drain at the optimal position takes a little planning. Keep these tips in mind when deciding on placement:

Height

The drain needs to sit high enough up the pool wall for complete gravity drainage, but not too close to the upper lip or splash line. Anywhere from 8 inches to 2 feet down from the top is ideal.

Accessibility

Consider easy access for draining and garden hose attachment. Placing the new drain near pool entry steps or built-in ladders makes usage more convenient.

Visibility

Try not to position the wall drain where it will be an eyesore. Keep it tucked out of sight below the waterline along a side wall or corner area if possible.

Structural Support

Ensure the drain assembly has plenty of solid frame rail support. Add bracing bars if attaching anywhere without backing support beams.

Test fitting the PVC drain parts before permanent gluing lets you find the optimal position for both drainage power and looks. Take advantage of the convenient hack to stop pulling your hair out over a constantly clogged pool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this drain hack work for all above ground pool types?

The PVC wall drain method will work for nearly any steel or resin above ground pool. Just be sure to carefully measure and cut openings customized to your specific pool wall size and dimensions.

How difficult is the install process?

Putting in a new wall drain only takes an hour or two with some basic PVC knowledge and DIY skills. It is one of the easiest pool upgrades you can tackle.

Can I keep my original bottom drain too?

You bet - adding a new upper wall drain gives you redundancy. Just be sure to give the original bottom drain an inspection and cleanout when installing the new system.

Revamping your above ground pool's failing drainage doesn't have to be a nightmare anymore. A simple PVC hack lets you put in an efficient wall drain in no time. Refresh your backyard pool with better convenience and maintenance using this game-changing upgrade. Ditch the frustrating debris clogs for good!

FAQs

What PVC pipe size should I use?

1.5 inch or 2 inch PVC pipe and fittings work perfectly for a wall drain system. Match your chosen size to the proper hole cut in the pool wall.

Can I adjust flow rate?

Yes, add a PVC ball valve if you wish to control drainage flow. This allows you to fill pool hoses faster or avoid overflow.

How do I clean the drain system?

Periodically flush the wall drain with a garden hose to purge any collected debris. Use a bottle brush to scrub inside the drain elbow as needed.

What kind of glue seals the pipe joints?

PVC primer + solvent cement glue permanently bonds and watertight seals the drain fittings.