Attention Pool and Spa Owners and Service Companies
This flyer was developed to provide recommendations for appropriate disposal of pool and spa water. It is also available in Adobe Acrobat format here: Pool And Spa Instructions 
. Two types of
discharges occur from pools and spas: filter backwash water, and high-volume discharges from completely or
partially emptying a pool or spa. The water released from each activity must be handled differently.
Backwash Water: Filter backwashing results in frequent, small quantity discharges of impure water from a pool or spa (Approx. 75 gallons). Backwash water commonly contains elevated levels of chlorine and other potential contaminants that may not be released off site. The City/County Uniform Pool and Spa Code requires that backwash water be contained within the property on which the pool or spa is located (Section 314). In most cases, the amount of backwash water generated by pools and spas can be readily contained on site. This water can be used to irrigate salt-tolerant plants (see the back of this flyer for further information). Remember to move the discharge hose frequently, because discharging backwash water to one location can create areas of stagnant water, resulting in mosquito infestations.
Pool and Spa Emptying: On occasion, a pool or spa may need to be partially or completely emptied to carry out repairs or to correct water chemistry. This water should be handled differently from backwash water because:
- Discharges of this type are infrequent (usually every 5-7 years for pools and every 2 years for spas)
- The chlorine level in the discharge water is generally lower than in backwash water (no chemical additions should be made for at least three days prior to emptying the pool or spa)
- The volume of discharge is significantly greater than backwashing and many pool and spa owners may not have sufficient land area to contain large volumes of water on site.
The pool or spa may be emptied only if the owner adheres to ALL of the following conditions:
- Prior to the discharge, the pool or spa must remain untreated for at least 72 hours (3 days) after the last chlorine addition. This will allow the chlorine level to drop prior to the discharge.
- The pH level of the water must be monitored by the owner and must fall between the range of 7-8 pH. The pH must be measured prior to the discharge and adjusted to the accepted range with standard pool chemicals. The pH must be monitored during the full duration of the discharge and adjusted as necessary. Easy to use pH kits are available at stores that sell pool chemicals.
- If a pool or spa has been acid washed, this highly acidic water may not be discharged off site.
- The discharge water must be clear (not cloudy or discolored) and free of algae or any other contaminants.
- The discharge should be directed by means of a temporary flexible hose, to a stormdrain, drainage channel, or along the curbline gutter of a paved street. Pool or Spa discharges may not drain into unpaved/strip paved alleys or unpaved/strip paved streets where it can cause erosion or lead to ruts when vehicles drive on the wet muddy surfaces.
- The discharge must be monitored and controlled to ensure that it does not cause erosion of the banks or bottoms of the affected drainage channels.
- At no time shall discharged water run onto any neighbors' property or across a sidewalk!!
ONLY when all of the above conditions are met, may the pool or spa be drained. Under no circumstances will a pool or spa be allowed to be permanently connected to a stormdrain, wash, street or alley.
If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact Dennis Ostmeyer of the City of Tucson, Department of Transportation, Stormwater Management Section at (520) 791-4251 or by email at Dennis.Ostmeyer@tucsonaz.gov.
Where should I use my backwash water?
Swimming pool and spa backwash water contains chemicals used to control microorganisms and the pH level of the water. Many species of plants are sensitive to these chemicals. However, water from swimming pools and spas can be used to irrigate several salt tolerant plants.
The following lists of sensitive, moderately sensitive, and salt tolerant plants provided below are derived from various publications provided by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service.
| Plants sensitive to salt | Moderately sensitive plants | Salt-tolerant plants |
|---|---|---|
| Do not use backwash water | Limited use of backwash water | Can use backwash water |
| Fruit Trees | Glossy Privet | Oleander |
| Star Jasmine | Pyracantha | Evergreen Euonymas |
| Roses | Lantana | Rosemary |
| Algerian Ivy | Xylosma | Bougainvillea |
| Fraser’s Photinia | Juniper | Natal Plum |
| Chinese Hibiscus | Bottlebrush | Texas Ranger |
| Willow | Most Acacia Species | Olive |
| Hopbush | Palo Verde | Native Mesquite |
| Jojoba | Yucca | Desert Broom |
| Others... | Others... | Saltbush |
| Aloe | ||
| Deer Grass | ||
| Bear Grass | ||
| Ice Plant | ||
| Japanese Honeysuckle | ||
| Others... |
When using backwash water, observe the plants and soil for symptoms of salt accumulation.
For the soil, watch for a dense, hard, cracked appearance or grayish-white color indicating a possible salt accumulation. A common symptom of salt accumulation is slower water infiltration.
For the plants, look for dry, dead areas on the edges and tips of the leaves or a blotched appearance, these may indicate salt accumulation in the soil. These symptoms can also be caused by a variety of other factors including: disease, herbicides, insects, etc.
To avoid these concerns, remember to move the discharge hose frequently.
A good source of further information on these and related issues is your local Cooperative Extension Agent (520) 626-5161. Feel free to contact the City of Tucson, Department of Transportation, Stormwater Management Section at (520) 791-4251.
