is it true that if i drain my pool and it rains my inground pool could come out of the ground and crack?

Answer 1

Hi,
Go to this site, It gives you all the information on why swimming pools float out of the ground.

http://swimming.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=swimming&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fiberglasspools.com%2Fscience1.html

Answer 2

You don't mention if this is vinyl or concrete, so I'll cover both.
It's possible, but is rare. I've only seen two concrete pools like this in 15 years. On any quality built concrete pool, there's what's called a hydro static valve in the main drain. It's purpose is to release water pressure from the pool surroundings, into the pool, if it's greater ( like when it's drained). As long as this valve is functioning, you'll be ok. The ground water will pop the valve open and water will seep into your pool from below. That's what it's meant to do. When the ground water pressure and the pressure of the pool and contents are equal, it will snap shut
If the valve isn't working (stuck) or isn't present, then yep, that shell will float like a boat. You need to remove the faulty valve and with a piece of rebar or a long screw driver, poke down the hole a bit to loosen up the underlying dirt a bit, before installing a new valve.
If this is a vinyl pool, there won't be a hydrostat. But then again, why did you drain a vinyl pool, without having the new liner ready to install? That's a BIG no no. The thin shell of a vinyl pool will easily heave and break. You don't have to worry about the pool lifting out as much as you need to worry about parts of the bottom heaving and a possible wall collapse. This, I have seen happen. Get that liner in ASAP.

Answer 3

Yes if you are in an area with a high water table. ie next to a lake. there is a fitting on the main drain at the deep end that needs to be removed when water in pool gets low. In extreme cases a pump needs to be fitted to this to remove water below pool. Think of it as a big boat. Enough water below it and it will float.

Answer 4

Yes an idea would be to divert your storm water to the pool temporarily so that the pool will fill while it rains. As long as your roof is a larger area than the source of water under your pool this should work.

Answer 5

It's the same thing happening that happens to cemeteries when they get saturated with water. The coffin floats out of the grave. You pool is much larger but the principle is the same. A boat floats because it displaces more water than it weighs. Your pool is just a large boat that happens to sit in the ground. Best to keep it filled.

Answer 6

Such an occurance is possible depending on the type of soil your pool is in and the amount of mosture in it.

Answer 7

yes, the weight of the water holds it down.

Answer 8

If it freezes it could.