Safely Releasing Pool Water

In Warren County, Ohio storm drains and yard drains lead directly to creeks and drinking water reservoirs with no treatment. Water conditioners, chlorine, bromine, algaecides, biocides, stabilizers, salts, and other chemicals used in pool and spa water are toxic to fish and other aquatic life and disrupt the natural balance within waterways.

Pool chemicals are prohibited by law from being discharged into storm drains or waterways. Allowable discharges include dechlorinated pool water that has no trace of chemicals. Pool filter backwash or saltwater pool discharges are prohibited in storm drains and drainage channels leading to streams.

How to Properly Drain Pool/Spa Water

• Before draining, let pool water sit for a week (7-10 days) with no addition of chemicals. The pH range should be between 6.5 and 8.0 and total residual chlorine or bromine needs to be less than 1.0mg/l (ppm) before discharging. Use a testing kit to verify levels.
• When pool water is free of all chemicals, drain pool water to landscaped areas, lawns or woods. Control the flow of the draining pool water to prevent soil erosion. Drain the pool slowly over a period of a few days to allow vegetation to absorb most of the water. You can also devise a pool drain “fountain” to spread water in your yard and avoid erosion.
• Consider using sanitary sewer connections in or around the home.
• Drain pool water slowly enough to avoid flooding of your neighbor’s property or any other property nearby.
• DO NOT drain swimming pool or spa water to your septic system as system failures may occur!
• If draining a saltwater pool, water needs to be hauled away, drained through the sanitary or must be desalinated prior to discharge. Freshwater is less than 1,000 ppm while saltwater pools are around 3,200 ppm. Dilute with freshwater to an acceptable concentration (less than 1000 ppm) or use a commercial treatment process.
  
  

The community you live in may have more stringent requirements under local laws for swimming pool discharges. Therefore, it is important that you also check with your community (Wastewater treatments plant, municipalities, villages, and/or county) to determine what requirements they may have in place. Also consider consulting with your pool manufacturer for recommendations.

For questions regarding Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District programs and/or technical assistance on water or soil questions,  call our offices at 513-695-1337.

Additional Resources:
Ohio EPA: https://ohioepa.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2295/~/discharging-swimming-pool-water-into-storm-sewers