Swimming Pools

STORMWATER IS IMPORTANT TO ALL OF US

Throughout Carrboro, storm drains flow directly into our creeks and streams.  That means anything dumped down a storm drain goes directly to our creeks and eventually our water system, which can negatively affect water quality. The Stormwater Division has programs to protect water quality.  They include enhancement and restoration of waterways, maintenance of the storm drainage system, enforcement of pollution control regulations, and education.

SWIMMING POOL AND SPA PROBLEMS

Homeowners and businesses that work with swimming pools and spas have the potential to contaminate our creeks and streams.  Wastewater from the draining and maintenance of swimming pools and spas can be a significant source of pollution that is harmful to the environment, hazardous to public health, and against the law.  Common pollutants associated with pool and spa draining include chlorine, bromine, copper, salt, hydrogen peroxide, and acids.  Maintenance can generate pollutants such as sediment, concrete, plaster, and gunite.

POOL AND SPA MAINTENANCE

Wastewater generated from plastering, grouting, guniting, acid washing and other activities may not be discharged into the storm drain system.  Contact OWASA regarding their rules for disposal into the sanitary sewer system.  You may also collect and store the wastewater and contact an environmental waste company regarding treatment and disposal. Do not wash out equipment and tools used for maintenance work in an area that discharges to the storm drain system.

FILTERING BACKWASH

Do not discharge filter backwash to the storm drain system, but rather to a landscaped area. Dispose of filter material and collected debris in the trash.  Rinse filters over your lawn or landscaped area. This allows for clean, dechlorinated water to re-enter our local water systems without damaging our drinking water supply or impacting the ecosystem surrounding Carrboro.

POOL AND SPA DRAINING

Clean, dechlorinated water may be drained to your yard or landscaped area. Drain water to a wooded or landscaped area if and only if you do not cause flooding or other nuisance conditions on adjacent properties (notify your neighbors first) and if you drain at a rate slow enough to prevent erosion to an area that allows the water to percolate into the ground and not discharge into the storm drain system, ditch or creek.  This may be difficult to do because most properties are designed to drain off site.  If discharge into a storm drain or water conveyance is needed, contact the Carrboro Stormwater Division for guidance.