City Of Marion: Marion's Stormwater Coordinator Offers Guidance For Safely Draining Pools & Spas

Press release from the City of Marion:

09/30/2021 11:56 AM

With summer coming to a close, it is important to make plans to safely drain pools or spas. Marion’s stormwater coordinator, Steve Cooper, offers the following guidance about safe draining options and how to avoid an illicit discharge fine.

First, discontinue chemical treatments and let the water sit for several days until the chlorine level tests below .1mg/L and the pH is between 6.5 and 8.5. At that point, there are two options for non-saltwater discharges. Homeowners can run a hose from the pool to a floor drain in the home or let the water drain gradually into the ground around it, ensuring there is at least 15 feet of grassy landscape between the pool and paved surfaces.

“You could even hook a sprinkler up to the end of the hose and use it to water your lawn,” Cooper said.

It is important to let the water drain slowly, so it doesn’t overload the sanitary sewer system or saturate a neighbor’s lawn. About 12 gallons per minute is a good flow rate that will prevent the erosion of soil and vegetation.

Wastewater from backwash filter systems should be directed to the sanitary sewer through a drain in the home.

Avoid draining pool or spa water directly into the storm drain, which could result in an illicit discharge fine. Draining any water other than stormwater into storm drains is considered an illicit discharge under City code and could cause harm to wildlife and human health.

If you have a saltwater pool or spa, or if you have any questions, contact Steve Cooper at 319-743-4736 or scooper@cityofmarion.org.

This press release was produced by the City of Marion. The views expressed here are the author’s own.