Pool and Hot Tub Cleaning - What You Need to Know

Only Rain Down the Drain

When it comes to draining your pool, hot tub, or other water features, proper disposal is essential to protect our environment.

Where Should the Water Go?

Never drain pool or hot tub water into storm drains catch basins, the road, your neighbor, or directly out to another body of water. Stormwater catch basins lead directly to local streams like Springbrook and Nettle Creek, where chlorine, bromine, and copper can seriously harm aquatic life.

If you're planning to drain your pool, it's important to do so responsibly by directing the water into the sanitary sewer system—not the storm drain. The sanitary sewer system is designed to treat wastewater, while storm drains flow directly into local waterways without treatment.

To drain your pool into the sanitary sewer:

• Locate your sanitary sewer cleanout: This is usually a white or black capped pipe located outside your home, often in the front or side yard near the house or property line. It connects directly to the sanitary sewer system and is the appropriate access point for draining water.
• Use a hose or pump to direct the pool water into the cleanout. Ensure the flow rate is slow enough to avoid overwhelming the system—generally no more than 12 gallons per minute.
• If you're unsure where your cleanout is located, you can come into City Hall, where staff can help you identify the location of your sanitary sewer line and answer any questions about proper pool drainage.

Please remember that draining into the storm drain is not allowed, as it can harm the environment and violate local regulations.

Safe Draining Options

If no other options are available, dechlorinated and cooled pool water may be allowed to enter the stormwater system—but only if the following conditions are strictly met:

• Cool the Water: Let the water sit for at least 12 hours or until it reaches a temperature similar to nearby natural water bodies.
• Dechlorinate Properly: Allow water to sit out for at least two weeks, or chemically treat it to reach 0.1 mg/L or less of total residual chlorine. Use a test kit to confirm.
• Check the pH: Ensure the water has a neutral pH before discharging.
• Control the Flow: Discharge the water slowly—no more than 50 gallons per minute.

Important: Failure to follow these guidelines may result in fines or enforcement action.

Need help finding your sanitary sewer or have questions about proper draining? Contact the City’s Building or Engineering staff at City Hall – 2nd Floor.

For more details check out DEQ's Fact Sheet.