Sump Well Care & Maintenance

Why Draining Your Sump Well is Important

Your sump well helps control groundwater levels around your pool, preventing excessive water from putting pressure on your pool’s liner and steel walls. Neglecting sump well maintenance can lead to floating liners or even structural damage. To avoid these issues, it’s recommended to check your sump well regularly—especially in the fall, around pool closing time, and in the spring when melting snow and heavy rainfall can cause water levels to rise.

If you notice a high water level in your sump well, it’s essential to drain it immediately to keep excess water from affecting your pool’s integrity.

Don’t Have a Sump Pump?

If you don’t already have a sump pump, consider purchasing one that fits within the circumference of your sump well. This will ensure you can efficiently remove excess water when necessary.

Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Your Pool Sump Well:

Day 1: Gather Your Equipment

Before you begin, make sure you have a sump pump along with a garden hose or backwash hose ready. Attach the hose to the output port on your sump pump.

Day 2: Position the Pump & Start Draining

Lower the sump pump into the well and begin the draining process. It’s recommended to direct the draining hose toward the road or the side of your house to ensure the water is evacuated properly.

Day 3: Monitor the Water Flow

As the water begins to drain, check where your hose is directing the water to ensure it is flowing to an appropriate area and away from your pool’s structure.

Day 4: Let the Pump Run

Once the sump well is draining and your hose is properly positioned, allow the pump to run for 1-3 hours, checking periodically to ensure the water is being removed efficiently.

Day 5: Know When the Pump is Done

You will know your sump pump has finished draining when you hear a noise similar to a soda straw slurping the last bit of liquid. This indicates that most of the water has been removed.

Day 6: Shut Off the Pump

Once you hear this noise, check the sump well. If no water is coming back in, you can safely shut off your pump and remove it from the well.

Keep Your Pool Protected Year-Round

Regularly monitoring and draining your sump well is a simple but essential step in maintaining your pool’s integrity.
By staying on top of sump well maintenance, you can prevent costly issues and ensure a worry-free swimming season.

For more information on how to keep your pool liner protected from damage, visit

Have questions about sump wells? Contact our Service Department for expert advice

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visit us in-store or check out our website for expert guidance!