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Steps for Draining Your Swimming Pool
Try to use your lawn or the sanitary sewer when draining your pool . Use a dechlorinator such as Sodium Thiosulphate ( available at pool or hardware stores , or online ) to remove all traces of chlorine before discharge . Pool overflow water should be discharged onto land or other surface where there is no chance of it running off into streets or adjacent properties . If this is not possible , use the sanitary sewer system . The sewer system is designed to remove many pollutants from water . Draining should be done via pool plumbing , a gully trap , or sink . Do not discharge pool water when it is raining . Filtered backwash water must not be discharged into the stormwater system .
Follow these steps to properly drain your swimming pool . 1 . Shut off the power to the circulation system at the circuit breaker .
2 . Locate the clean-out port for the sanitary sewer line . The port is usually located in the ground and close to the home in the front yard . It may be near a water spigot . The port should have a rubber or threaded cap with a square wrench fitting and should be three to four inches in diameter . If you can ’ t locate the port , contact a plumber . CAUTION : Using a clean-out in the wall creates greater potential for water to back up into the house .
3 . Run a hose from the sewer clean-out port to the pool and connect it to a submersible pump . Lower the pump into the deepest part of the pool near the drain . As you drain , monitor the water ’ s flow to ensure that the water does not backup . If the water begins to back up , stop draining and contact a professional plumber . The maximum recommended discharge rate is 12-20 gallons per minute .
4 . After draining your pool , refill it as soon as possible . Direct sunlight can damage the plaster in your pool if it is left exposed . It may take a few days for the fresh water to reach the proper chemical levels , so check the levels every day for a week and add chemicals as needed .
5 . If you are unsure about draining your pool , or you ’ d like assistance , contact a professionally licensed pool service company or plumber . By following these guidelines you can ensure your drained pool water is properly treated and recycled .
It is a violation of the City of Arlington ’ s Code of Ordinances to drain chlorinated water or filter backwash from your swimming pools or spas to the storm sewer system .
KNOW THE LAW :
Remember , you are responsible for the actions of your pool maintenance service . Be sure you know how your service is disposing of your pool or spa water and the filter backwash . They must follow all discharge requirements set forth by the City .