Washington City Public Works

Summer Time Pool Time

As the weather is heating up many are anxious to get into their pools; however, we need to remember that the water in pools and spas are treated with a variety of chemicals, and this water cannot be discharged into a storm drain.  Keep the following in mind when maintaining your pool or spa:

• It is illegal to discharge chlorinated swimming pool water or pool water that contains biocides or other chemicals to the storm drain system.
• It is illegal to discharge sediment-polluted water from your pool excavation to the storm drain or waterway. During pool construction, contain all waste material and dispose of them properly.
• If you discharge or hire someone to discharge your pool or spa water to the storm drain, you may be subject to enforcement action if the discharge causes toxicity, discoloration, turbidity, erosion, or other environmental harm in the downstream water body. If you hire a pool maintenance company, protect yourself by making sure they follow all discharge requirements.

You are legally responsible for any harmful or toxic effects caused by a release of your pool or spa water, even if you believed in good faith that the discharge was safe.  Furthermore, you could be in violation of ordinance number 2009-15.  

For more information on Pools and Spas please go to washingtoncity.org/stormwater to download the brochure regarding Pools and Spas, or contact the Stormwater Coordinator at (435) 656-6317.