Originally posted on 09.13.16 by Genevieve Vander Velden, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

It’s almost fall!  This means many residents are preparing their pools and spas for winter.  Taking the time to follow the proper procedures when discharging water from your pool or spa will help keep our local waters a healthy place for fish and other aquatic life.

Dechlorinate the water!
Water from swimming pools and spas must be dechlorinated prior to discharging water.  Let the water in the pool sit for at least one week to reduce the chlorine or bromine level to an undetectable amount.

Discharge water to grass or landscaping!
Discharging pool and spa water onto grass or landscaping will allow water to soak into the earth, where the water will be naturally cleansed prior to entering local waterways.  If this is not possible, water may be discharged off your property – provided it is directed through a grassed surface prior to entering a curbline gutter or a paved street.
Remember!
It is illegal in all communities to discharge pollutants, including chlorinated pool water, into a storm drain.  As a pool or spa owner, you are responsible for following your municipality’s ordinance for pool and spa discharge. Contact your municipality for regulations.
Untreated runoff is the biggest threat to our nation’s water quality– let’s make small, important changes that will reduce that threat and improve water quality!
For more information about what you can do as a resident, please visit renewourwaters.org!