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As the days of beating the heat in backyard swimming pools and spas draw to a close, the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is providing tips for proper draining of pools and spas that will help minimize any negative effects on the environment.
Most swimming pool chemicals, sanitizers, algaecides and de-foamers, may have an impact on fish, plants and other aquatic life. For example, the concentration of chlorine in a pool may kill certain types of small fish or plankton (microscopic aquatic plant and animal life). Chemicals can also alter the behavior, reproduction and growth of plants and animals. To maintain the integrity of streams, ponds, lakes and yards, it’s important to deal with these chemicals responsibly.
Before draining your pool, check with your municipality for local regulations. Depending on where you live in Lake County, you may be required to drain your pool or spa into a storm (street) or sanitary (household) sewer.
The Illinois Department of Public Health Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Code states that pool wastewater “may be discharged directly to storm sewers, natural drainage areas, or the ground surface. Such drainage shall not result in nuisance conditions that create an offensive odor, produce a stagnant wet area, or create an environment for the breeding of insects.”
When draining a pool, follow these steps:
• First use a de-chlorinating product (i.e., sodium thiosulfate, calcium thiosulfate), which can be purchased where pool supplies are sold. Always follow the product label for instructions on how much to use for your pool volume.
• Discontinue adding pool chemicals for at least 3 days before draining a pool, but continue to run the filtration system. This will allow some of the chemicals to degrade or evaporate before draining.
• Test for the chlorine or other sanitizer level before draining. The test should indicate no chlorine or other sanitizer in the drainage water.
If you have questions on pool or spa drainage, please call the Health Department at (847) 377- 8030.
