As summer heats up, so do backyard pool days across Sugar Land. But did you know that improperly draining your pool can harm our local creeks, rivers, and wildlife?
When pool water enters storm drains, it flows directly into our waterways, untreated. That means any chlorine, chemicals, or filter waste you send down the drain goes straight into the environment. To keep our community healthy and our ecosystems thriving, it’s important to know what is, and isn’t, allowed.
Some pool-related discharges are harmful to the environment and violate local stormwater regulations. Please do not discharge the following into storm drains:
- Filter backwash from any pool filter type
- Diatomaceous earth (DE) or other filter media
- Pool water with more than 5 parts per million (ppm) chlorine
- Algaecides, pool cleaning chemicals, or acid wash wastewater
The following discharges are generally safe:
- Dechlorinated pool water with chlorine levels at or below 5 ppm
- Water that is pH-balanced (typically between 6.5 and 8.5)
- Pool water free of chemicals and filter waste
Here’s how to dechlorinate safely:
- Stop chlorinating the pool 5–7 days before draining to allow chlorine to dissipate naturally.
- Use a dichlorination agent like sodium thiosulfate to speed up the process.
- Test the water to confirm chlorine is below 5 ppm using pool test strips or kits.
- Drain slowly onto landscaped areas (if permitted) or follow city-approved drainage guidelines to prevent erosion and runoff.
Not sure how to test your pool water? Home pool test kits are available at most pool supply stores and online. You can also reach out to a certified pool maintenance contractor for help with proper testing and safe drainage practices.
Storm drains are designed to prevent flooding—not to treat wastewater. That’s why protecting them from chemical pollutants is so important. Taking the time to properly manage your pool water helps safeguard Sugar Land’s natural resources and supports a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
For questions about pool drainage or storm water guidelines, visit https://www.sugarlandtx.gov/2214/Stormwater-Quality.