Swimming Pool Draining

The supply of clean and safe drinking water begins with the protection of our water sources and surrounding watersheds. Chemicals used to disinfect swimming pools and hot tubs are toxic to aquatic organisms and can be harmful to the natural environment, impacting the ecological balance and health of watersheds.

Properly drain swimming pools and hot tubs

• Dechlorinate prior to draining. Avoid adding disinfection chemicals for 1 to 2 weeks prior to draining to allow the pool chemicals to naturally dissipate. Adding a de-chlorination tablet can speed up the process.
• Use a pool test kit. If chemical levels remain high, delay draining the pool until the levels are low.
• Drain onto your lawn. The grass and soil acts as a natural filter. 

Never drain pools…

• when chemicals remain present in the water; give more time for the chemicals to dissipate
• on a rainy day or when the lawn is already saturated with water
• into a catch basin storm sewer (grates near curbs on roadways) as it drains untreated into nearby streams and brooks that run into natural water courses
• onto a neighbouring property, including into brooks, streams or undeveloped or forested areas