What could happen (if anything) by leaving your swimming pool empty? I've been hearing some "horror" stories!?

Our pool in our yard before the house we have - FLOATED UP!!! It was horrible and not repairable. We had to chip away and fill it in...definitely a NO NO

Moon woman - is this house where this pool is vacant? If so, I suggest you get a fake pool cover and put it over the hole hopefully to fool the neighbor kids, because THAT would be your worst nightmare. ANYTHING that disrupts the integrity of the cement (like weight of skateboards with kids on them) is your worst fear - that, and of course someone getting hurt and suing. LOCK THE GATES INSIDE AND OUT. I suggest you call a reputable pool contractor (any good one will give you references you can call) and ask them what could happen. I agree that if the pool was put in by reputable pool contractors, (not a bunch of beer drinking weekend warriors), you should not have to worry. DO NOT drill any holes or disrupt the integrity of the pool yourself - that could cost you thousands to repair later on.

When in doubt, call a professional and ask - they should be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

Yes, I heard that the water pressure in the ground (hydrostatic pressure) will heave it up.

Also, if you don't have a 5' fence and a self closing self latching gate in place, just as if it were full, someone could come into your yard and possible fall in and get hurt. That would be a liability lawsuit in the works.

I heard that someone had their pool drained and while the owners were gone at work or on vacation, the neighborhood kids would get in the backyard and skateboard in the empty pool. They knew the people were gone and when they would be getting back home. They were the neighbors, after all.

OK this hasn't been a warm summer so far but we still have August to get through yet.I'm not sure what type of pool you have above or in ground ,but if it's an above ground pool I believe it would be more susceptible to damage than a in ground pool. Reason being the water provides a certain rigidness due to it's sheer weight.A in ground pool on the other hand as long as it has been well maintained shouldn't have any problems being empty of water.These types of pools are usually installed by professional contractors and can take more wear and tear then the cheaper above ground pool models.