Proper pool closing can prevent water pollution

Labor Day weekend for many signals the end of summer and backyard barbecues, but for those responsible for public and private pools, it also is a time when many are closing those pools for the year. Indiana American Water is encouraging pool owners and managers to take the proper precautions when draining their pools and storing or disposing of pool chemicals.

“As pools begin to close after Labor Day weekend, we want to ensure our waterways aren’t contaminated with chemically treated water and untreated combinations of potentially harmful and dangerous pool chemicals,” said Deborah Dewey, Indiana American Water president. “All Indiana residents who have a pool or managers of public pools must properly use, store and eventually dispose of chemicals to keep Indiana’s waterways and drinking water supply clean and to protect the aquatic ecosystem.”

Indiana American Water is urging everyone to follow a few simple steps to help prevent water pollution when closing their pools:

  • Only rain down the drain: when draining a pool full of water treated by chemicals, the water should be drained directly into a sanitary sewer system (sewer clean out port) to ensure the water makes its way to a treatment plant and not local waterways
  • Septic system overflows: Do not drain your pool water into a septic tank as it may overflow causing backups or malfunctions
  • Keep it clean: dechlorinate your pool to undetectable levels, less than 0.1mg/L before draining
  • Know where to go: visit Recycle Indiana to find a location nearest you to dispose of hazardous pool chemicals