Pool Water
 Need to drain your pool?
If you have a swimming pool, fountain or spa, you can help be a part of Rocklin’s Pollution Solution by properly discharging the water.
Improper disposal of pool water into a storm drain is harmful to the environment because it enters the storm drain system untreated. Pool water may contain chlorine, copper and filter backwash that can harm local creeks, ponds and streams and the wildlife that live there.
Following are some dos and don’ts for proper pool water discharge.
DO: 
- Dechlorinate your pool water prior to discharge to the storm drain by adding a chemical dechlorinator (available from pool supply stores) or by letting the chlorine decrease on its own. If possible, let the water filter over a grassy area on it’s way to the storm drain.
- Discharge pool water to the storm drain only if you know it doesn’t contain harmful concentrations of chlorine and copper. A pool maintenance company or local analytical laboratory can help you determine the concentration of chlorine and copper in your pool.
 | - Maintain the proper chemical balance and filtration in your pool. This will minimize the need to drain the pool and prevent unnecessary corrosion of copper pipes and equipment.
- Use copper algaecides only when necessary, such as when less toxic algae control products are ineffective.
- Dispose of wastewater from washing cartridge filters in a dirt area.
- Make sure your pool maintenance service follows all discharge requirements.
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DON’T: - Discharge pool or spa water to the sanitary sewer system.
- Discharge swimming pool water containing chlorine at levels higher than 0.01 parts per million (ppm) to the storm drain. Chlorine levels higher than 0.01 ppm are harmful to aquatic organisms. The typical chlorine level maintained in a swimming pool is 2 – 4 ppm.
- Discharge pool water containing copper to the storm drain. Copper in your pool can come from some algae control products and copper plumbing and equipment, particularly heaters. Typical recommended dosages for copper algaecides are about 100 times higher than other concentrations that are toxic to many aquatic organisms.
Keep in mind that many pool chemicals are hazardous waste when discarded. Contact Western Placer Waste Management Authority at 916.645.5230 for more information on how to dispose of these chemicals properly.
Report Illegal Dumping
Our inspectors and maintenance crews are on the look-out for possible illegal dumping into the city storm drain system. Click here to report an incident of illegal dumping into a storm drain or call the Department of Public Works at 916.625.5500.
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