Draining pools without impacting water sources

Sep 20, 2023 | 5:05 PM

As summer winds down, many homeowners are preparing to drain their backyard pools.

The following tips on proper drainage procedures to protect drinking water sources, are provided by the City of Kelowna.

When draining pools, hot tubs or backyard water features at any time of the year, residents should:

Drain onto a dry area on their property over a long period of time, ensuring water stays on the property
Discharge the water at a low flow rate
Stop draining if it starts raining or the ground becomes saturated
Dechlorinate water before draining to ensure that no chlorine remains
Never drain water directly into Okanagan Lake or any lake
Always drain saltwater pool water directly into the sanitary sewer system, and never into the storm water collection system

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