When disposing of swimming pool waste water, care should always be taken to ensure its done in an environmentally responsible way.  Most swimming pool owners will require draining of their pools at time of pool opening and in the fall during their pool closing.  Depending on what type of filter the pool has configured, they may also require disposal of additional waste water through the season when backwashing their sand or DE filters.  The City of Mississauga, has set out specific guidelines on how to discharge your pools waste water for chlorine or bromine sanitized pools and saltwater pools.

Chlorine and Bromine sanitized pools:

• Cease any chemical addition 10 days before discharge and remove leaves and other debris.
• Direct a hose to a sanitary drain inside your home or discharge the water on your own property, being careful that the water flows away slowly and does not damage any neighbouring property.  Never open sanitary manholes on roads.
• Direct the water, with the use of a hose of sufficient length, directly to the street or ditch in front of your home that flow into the municipal storm drainage system.  Do not discharge pool water into ravines.

The City of Mississauga does not currently have any regulations for discharge of water from saltwater pools.  It does however suggest that you:

• Direct the discharge from the pool to your nearest sanitary drain inside your house. Never open sanitary manholes on roads.
• Limit the size of the discharge hose from the pool to 5 cm (2 inches) or less in diameter.
• Discharge the water at a non-peak time such as evenings after 8 pm or weekends after 10 am.

For more up to date information visit the City’s website at City of Mississauga.  Draining and backwashing swimming pools in an environmentally responsible way is every pool owners responsibility.  To ensure your pool is managed properly this season contact the team at PoolBoy and schedule your Mississauga Pool Opening.

PoolBoy is Ontario’s first Green Pool Service Company.