I’ve actually tried the big tote thing before, mostly because I didn’t want to flood a patch of my lawn that always turns swampy. It worked okay, but emptying them was kind of a pain—had to tip them over or use a pump, which felt like just trading one problem for another. As for chlorine, I’ve read that letting it sit out does help, but I’m never sure how long is “long enough.” Has anyone tested the water after a few days to see if the chlorine’s really gone? Or maybe there’s a cheap test kit for that?
Dealing with totes is definitely a hassle, especially when you’re trying not to make a bigger mess than you started with. I’ve run into the same issue—pumping out water from those things can be more work than it’s worth, and tipping them over isn’t always practical if they’re full. Sometimes I wonder if it’s just easier to set up a temporary drainage line and let the water trickle out slowly over a few days, but then you’re still stuck monitoring it.
On the chlorine front, you’re right—letting it sit does help, but the actual time depends on sunlight, temperature, and how much chlorine was in there to begin with. I’ve used basic pool test strips before (the kind you get at any hardware store), and they’ll give you a ballpark idea if there’s any chlorine left. They’re not super precise, but for this purpose, they do the trick. Ever tried using one of those dechlorinator products? I’ve heard mixed reviews—some folks swear by them, others say it’s overkill for draining a pool. Curious if anyone here has had luck with that approach...
I’ve dealt with this a bunch—totes, pools, you name it. Here’s what’s worked for me: I run a garden hose from the bottom of the pool using a siphon (just fill the hose with water, cap one end, and drop it lower than the pool). It drains slow, but you can direct it wherever you want, and it won’t flood the yard if you move the end around every few hours. As for dechlorinators, I’ve used them when I’m in a hurry, but honestly, letting the water sit for a week or so usually does the trick unless you just shocked the pool. Test strips are fine for peace of mind, but I wouldn’t overthink it unless you’re dumping into a sensitive area.
Yeah, that’s pretty much how I’ve always done it too. Siphon with a hose is slow but way less hassle than messing with pumps or buckets. I’ve never bothered with dechlorinators unless I’m in a rush—letting the water sit works fine for me, just like you said. Only time I had issues was when I dumped right after shocking the pool and my grass got a little crispy... lesson learned. Your method’s solid.
Only time I had issues was when I dumped right after shocking the pool and my grass got a little crispy... lesson learned.
Been there—fried a patch of lawn so bad my wife thought I’d tried to torch weeds. Ever tried digging a shallow trench to direct the water further away? Curious if anyone’s managed that without turning the yard into a mud pit.