The Right Way to Drain Your Pool

It’s summer time. That means DC’s kids will be living in their bathing suits for three months, eating popsicles for lunch and perpetually smelling like chlorine.

If you are an individual or a business with a pool, there are a few rules you need to follow to protect the environment from the chlorine and chemicals that keep turning your kids’ hair green.

Did you know you could be fined $1,000 if you discharge your pool’s water into public or park space? The city’s sewage system isn’t built to manage the types of chemicals you put into your pool. As a consequence, pool water disposed of improperly will pollute water bodies and hurt aquatic life.

To discharge your swimming pool’s water properly, you must use a sewer system that meets DC plumbing code standards and abides by the District’s pretreatment program.

Start by dechlorinating your pool water until the chlorine is undetectable. You can simply stop adding more chlorine and let the sun dissipate what is left. You can also chemically dechlorinate the pool with chemicals from your local pool supply store.

Next, make sure your pool is connected to the “sanitary sewer system” before you drain the water. This is the regular sewer system that goes to a wastewater treatment plant. If your pool isn’t connected to the system, consider using a connection somewhere else in or around your home.

Finally, use a pump and hose to drain pool water into the plumbing fixtures connected to the sanitary sewer system. If you are not aware of the proper flow rate for your plumbing, ask a plumber for assistance. Even if you try draining the pool properly and fail, you will still be fined if the water gets into a public or park space.

To read the full District Department of the Environment rules and tips on pool draining, click HERE.

Photo Credit: Flickr CC User samholland