BLOOMINGTON – With summer’s end, the City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) advises residents draining swimming pools, spas, and water features that treated water can pollute our ecosystem. The treated water may contain chemicals such as chlorine, bromine, salt, and more which are harmful to waterways, wildlife and plants, pets, and humans.
All types of chemicals used in pool and spa maintenance must be neutralized before being released into the environment. It is against the law to drain chlorinated pool water into the City of Bloomington storm drains.
Residents should follow these steps to ensure that they do not cause environmental damage when draining pools and other water features:
- Dechlorinate pool water by letting it stand untreated for at least seven (7) days to help allow chlorine or bromine to dissipate.
- Test the pH of the pool water to ensure it is close to neutral, near pH 7 (best would be between 6.5 and 8.5) before draining; adjust the pH if necessary.
- Remove excess sediment, leaves, and other debris from the water.
- Drain pool water over a well-vegetated area on your own property to slow it down and aerate it.
- Pool water should not be drained directly into a storm drain or a stream.
- Avoid draining pool water across neighboring properties.
- Drain water at a slow rate so it does not erode stream banks downstream of the pool.
For more information on draining pools and/or other water features, please visit www.bloomington.in.gov/utilities/stormwater.
