MSD encourages residents to drain pools in a safe, environmentally friendly way
DO NOT DRAIN YOUR POOL DURING OR UP TO 48 HOURS AFTER A RAIN EVENT
Homeowners may soon begin to drain their pools as summer days come to a close. Properly draining swimming pools is crucial for the health of local waterways and good relations with neighbors.
“Water containing chlorine can kill fish and other aquatic life in creeks and streams,” states MSD MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) Program Manager Colette Easter. The average pool has a chlorine concentration 10 times higher than some aquatic life can withstand. MSD recommends letting a pool sit for at least 10 days after chemical treatment before draining any water.
Improper draining can also become a nuisance for residents and their neighbors by causing a backup or basement or yard flooding. Homeowners may slowly drain chlorine-free water to a grassy area in their yard if it is large enough to absorb the water. Or they can drain into a sanitary sewer cleanout if one is available on their property.
Please follow these guidelines when draining a swimming pool:
- Timing: Do not drain your pool during or within 48 hours after a rain event.
- Dechlorination: Dechlorinate your swimming pool water before draining. The pool should sit for at least 10 days after chemical treatment before any water is drained.
- Testing: Test the pool water to ensure it is essentially chlorine-free (approximately 0.1 parts per million of total chlorine). Methods such as bubbling or cascading will help remove chlorine from the water.
- pH Level: Ensure the pool’s pH is within the normal range of 6 to 8 before draining.
- Discharge Location: If possible, drain the water into a grassy area of your yard that can absorb it. Alternatively, you may drain it into a sanitary sewer cleanout if one is available on the property.
- Flow Rate: Discharge the water slowly, at no more than 30 gallons per minute, to prevent soil erosion, flooding, or damage to adjacent properties. Also, avoid draining water toward neighboring properties to prevent backups into homes and businesses.
For more information, visit LouisvilleMSD.org/WaterQuality or call MSD Customer Relations at 502.540.6000 with your questions about draining a pool.
