Pool Maintenance

Protect Your Pool and Local Waterways

The average swimming pool holds about 19,000 gallons of water, along with chemicals such as biocides, algaecides and chlorine. When it is time to drain or clean your pool, that water needs to be handled carefully.

Proper pool maintenance, balanced water chemistry and safe draining practices can help protect your yard, your neighborhood and Hampton Roads waterways.

Why It Matters

Storm drains are designed to carry rainwater away from streets and neighborhoods, not pool water or chemicals. Unlike wastewater from your home, stormwater is not treated before it reaches local waterways.

When pool water enters a storm drain, chlorine, algaecides and other treatments can affect fish, wildlife and the environment. Draining pool water properly helps prevent pollution before it reaches the rivers, streams and bays we all share.

Maintain Your Pool Properly

Regular maintenance helps keep pool water balanced and safer to drain when needed.

Maintenance tips:

Maintain pool chemicals properly and avoid using copper sulfate
Keep water filtration and circulation systems working properly
Maintain proper chlorine levels
Make sure water is clear, not murky, before draining
Check that the pH level is between 6.5 and 8.5 before draining

Drain and Clean Safely

When cleaning or draining your pool or spa, make sure water is handled in a way that keeps chemicals out of storm drains and local waterways.

Cleaning and draining tips:

Let pool or spa water sit for several days without treatment before draining so chlorine can dissipate
Add sodium thiosulphate if needed to help break down chlorine faster
Always drain water to a grassy area instead of allowing it to flow into nearby storm drains
Clean pump filters over a grassy area so rinse water can soak into the ground