Protect Our Waterways: Drain Your Pool the Right Way

As swimming season comes to a close, many residents prepare to drain their pools. While it may seem as simple as letting the water out, how you drain your pool matters a lot. Improper draining can harm local waterways, damage the environment, and violate stormwater regulations.

Pool water often contains chlorine, algaecides, salts, and other chemicals. If released directly into the storm drain system, this water flows untreated into streams, rivers, and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. Even low levels of chlorine and pool chemicals can be toxic to fish, insects, and aquatic plants.

To protect our waterways and comply with County stormwater requirements, residents should:

• Dechlorinate first: Stop adding chlorine or other sanitizers at least ten days before draining. Test the water to ensure chlorine is at zero before discharge.
• Drain slowly over grass or landscaped areas: This allows the water to soak into the ground and filter naturally, rather than entering the storm drain.
• Avoid direct discharge to storm drains, ditches, or streets: These flow straight to streams with no treatment.
• Saltwater pools should be drained into the sanitary sewer system, never onto the ground or into storm drains.

By taking a few extra steps, you can help protect Prince William County’s waterways, wildlife, and overall water quality. Proper pool draining is not just good practice, it’s part of being a responsible neighbor and environmental steward.

If you observe an illicit discharge or suspect improper draining, please contact the Environmental Management Division by emailing [email protected] or calling 703-792-7070.