Citizens Stormwater Guide | Page 36

DO NOT drain swimming pool or spa water to your SEPTIC SYSTEM as it may cause system failure .
It is not advisable to connect a hose to your indoor toilet to drain your swimming pool or spa . In most cases , water being pumped from your pool will drain faster than the time needed for flushing and refilling of the commode .
If you are unsure whether or not the discharge from your pool will create a problem in the sanitary sewer system or wastewater treatment plant , contact the City of Arlington Water Utilities Department at 817.459.6600 .
Option 3 : The Storm Drain
Swimming pool water may be discharged to the storm drain only after all of the following conditions are met :
�� Other disposal methods ( i . e . sanitary sewer or landscaping ) are not possible .
�� The pool or spa is completely dechlorinated .
�� The pH of the water is between 6 and 9 .
�� There is no discharge of filter media .
�� There is no discharge of acid cleaning wastes .
�� Discharge water will not pond or flow to neighboring properties .
REMEMBER : discharges into the City ’ s Storm Drain System should be via pump and hose directly to the storm drain inlet or catch basin . DO NOT allow effluent to run down the street .
Filter Backwash
NEVER discharge filter backwash to the storm sewer system . It is a violation of the City of Arlington Code of Ordinances . This practice is illegal and you can be fined .
Disposing of filter rinse water and backwash :
��
Filter backwash must be collected , contained , and discharged to the sanitary sewer .
��
Cartridge filters should be rinsed in a sink , bathtub , or over a lawn or other vegetated area .
��
Use a separation tank for diatomaceous earth ( DE ) and cellulose fiber filters to capture the DE
or fibers .
��
For water conservation , direct the clean water back into the pool .
See Page 37 for specific steps to drain your pool or spa .

36