Swimming Pools
Before installing a new swimming pool consult specialist
swimming pool manufacturers, designers or suppliers. They
will advise you on how to dispose of the water and how regularly
the pool will require emptying.
Under no circumstances should the water from swimming pools be
discharged into cesspools or septic tanks this is because:
- Residual chlorine from the pool will purge or kill off the
necessary bacteria in the tanks and stop them operating
effectively
- They cannot take that capacity of water in quick
succession
- For treatment plants discharging to a ditch or watercourse you
will pollute the natural environment and threaten wildlife
with chlorinated water, risking legal action by the Environment
Agency
- A soakaway from a septic tank or treatment plant would be
flooded and secondary treatment ineffective
What you could do (This is dependent
on the area and soil type)
- Leave the water to stand for at least 4 days allowing it to
dechlorinate.
- Then allow it to discharge at a slow rate onto your own
ground
- Avoid run off onto neighbouring property.
- If you are in an area with ditches or watercourses you
should consult the Environment Agency. Ask if they will allow
you to discharge water which has been standing for at
least 4 days to dechlorinate. There are likely to be
conditions eg. You will have to discharge to a specific watercourse
and they will limit the number of times you can do this in a
year. Call 08708 506506 for details of your local Environment
Agency Office who can advise on the discharge.
This webpage was updated on
2/25/2008