Remember the old days when you could dump almost anything into the street sewers?  I remember growing up and seeing everything from paint to motor oil being dumped at the curb, right into the sewers.  Where it went from there wasn’t really our problem.  I mean how many actually thought about where it went and what happened to it?

To homeowners with swimming pools, water was always thought of as a safe and natural product easily disposed of anywhere.  Streets, drainage ditches, ravines, parks and valleys were common favorites.  We never had to consider things like: alkalinity, ph, chlorine and chloride levels, or trace metals.

Lowering the pool water, to proper levels, to winterize your pool and protect your investment is an essential part of pool closing. If you live in Southern Ontario, special precautions have to be taken before draining your pool water.  Municipalities now require you to dispose wastewater in an environmentally responsible way.

Salt water pools have been increasing in popularity over the years.   Their combined environmental impact on our lakes and rivers has been of great concern.  Leading the way, the city of Toronto has imposed strict guidelines for disposing of your wastewater.

• The first step is to balance all your chemicals ensuring all including ph are within acceptable limits.  Generally if you follow the guidelines on your test kit and make sure your water is swimmable you’ll be fine.
• Next you need to ensure chlorine levels are neutralized. This can be easily accomplished using de-chlorinating tablets with a de-chlorinator.  Your de-chlorinator can be permanently installed in-line with your backwash line or temporarily setup at closing time with sump pump used to lower your pool.
• Keeping your backyard oasis from going green all summer is traditionally accomplished by adding Algaecides and Fungicides to your pool water once per week.  These products require special concern as they may contain copper, Nonylphenols (NPs) and Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs).   Don’t sound like fun do they?  Check your label as they can be toxic to aquatic life.

An alternative this season instead of using harsh chemicals when closing your pool, consider using Eco-friendly products from manufacturers like Natural Chemistry.

Closing your pool properly and ensuring it’s done in an environmentally conscious way is every pool owner’s responsibility.  If you’re looking for some professional help, PoolBoy can prepare and close your pool when its time.