Understanding the new rules for swimming pool discharge

by Sally Bouorm | June 1, 2010 11:36 am

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By Erwin Just

We have all seen it happen; pool water pumped into the sewer under the cover of darkness. The reason? In most municipalities, including the city of Toronto, it is against the law to discharge untreated pool water into storm sewers.

In Toronto, the sewer use bylaw, a.k.a. City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 681, sets the allowable limits for swimming pool discharge entering storm sewers as follows:

• Chlorine, 0.01 mg/L (milligrams per litre)
• Bromine, 0.01 mg/L
• Copper, 0.04 mg/L
• Salt (sodium chloride), Nil
• pH, 6 to 9.5
• Acid wash must be neutralized to storm sewer pH limits.

(Note: 0.01 mg/L essentially means zero—no chlorine or bromine is allowed into the storm sewer. More information on discharge limits can be found at www.toronto.ca/water/protecting_quality/pollution_prevention/swimmingpools.htm.)

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To help pool professionals understand and comply with the city’s bylaw, it developed, in conjunction with the Pool and Hot Tub Council of Canada (PHTCC), the Environmental Best Management Practices (BMP) for Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs/Spas.

The BMP outlines why aquatic species must be protected from toxins found in pool water and specifically what is required of the industry in order to comply with regulations.

However, some confusion remains as to what is permitted under Toronto’s sewer use bylaw—and which maintenance practices, if any, need to be changed. Based on this author’s experience, the following are some of the key issues that need to be addressed by the pool industry.

Fact versus fiction

Issue: Pool water can be pumped into the storm sewer if left with no chlorine for one week.

In practice: Although this may be true in some cases, pools left for more than a week will still have a chlorine reading above the city’s storm sewer limit. The pool may even become cloudy or green, with only the slightest trace of chlorine. In order to pump pool water into the storm sewer, the discharged wastewater must be tested to ensure it is below 0.01 mg/L, while at the same time keeping all other parameters within city guidelines.

Issue: Algae treatment—The method used to clear a green pool is generally to shock it and add an algaecide. In doing so, pools frequently reach more than 20 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine. Once the algae is dead and has fallen to the bottom of the pool, the water is commonly vacuumed out into the street and the storm sewer. When it comes time to close the pool, owners will often drain the water immediately after treating it with large amounts of chlorine and algaecide, sending it straight into the storm sewer, unaware the discharge does not comply with the bylaw.

In practice: The treatment of algae in swimming pools may pose a greater risk to the aquatic environment than winterizing due to the extremely high chlorine and algaecide levels in the water. Granular chlorine neutralizer should be directly added to the water to reduce the chlorine level to zero, while wastewater discharge should be tested to ensure it meets all storm sewer limits.

Issue: There are currently no readily available kits allowing homeowners to test for algaecide.

In practice: Algaecides are not permitted to enter the storm sewer. Do not add algaecides to the pool two weeks prior to closing (even though this is recommended in the BMP).

Issue: Copper levels found in swimming pool, spa/hot tub or wading pool water is allowed to be discharged into the storm sewer provided it is at or below 0.04 mg/L.

In practice: There are currently no readily available kits for homeowners to test for copper. (Colourimetric copper test kits are available but in reality, no homeowner is going to be able to find such a test kit.)

Furthermore, some algaecides contain copper and as such, are not permitted to enter the storm sewer. Copper may also exist in pool water when alkalinity levels fall drastically, causing the water to become corrosive. If low alkalinity is not corrected, the copper pipes in swimming pool heaters may corrode and become suspended in the pool water.

Stabilized chlorine added to the pool water in puck or powder form lowers total alkalinity (TA) levels. New owners, or those purchasing chemicals from big box stores without first seeking professional advice, may not know how to properly balance their pool water and thus may not raise their pool water alkalinity until it is too late, i.e. the heater core corrodes causing a leak. Education on water balance and the various affects of chemicals is needed.

Issue: Salt from swimming pool water is banned from entering the storm sewer at all times.

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In practice: Water from pools treated by salt-chlorine generators can be discharged onto the homeowner’s property, but only if the water does not enter a neighbouring yard or storm sewer. Water from a salt water pool can also be discharged into the home’s sanitary sewer (e.g. laundry tub, toilet); however, care must be taken to not overwhelm the system and flood the basement. It can also be discharged into the sanitary sewer (through the sanitary connection), but a permit is needed. An (Ontario) Ministry of the Environment-approved carrier can also truck the water off-site for disposal.

Issue: Some pools’ discharges are connected to the eavestrough (downspout).

In practice: Eavestroughs usually lead directly to the storm sewer. Pool water containing high chlorine levels might be pumped into the storm sewer unnoticed. These connections should be disconnected or an inline dechlorinator should be installed to remove the chlorine.

Issue: At no time is swimming pool water allowed to be discharged into a ravine or valley.

In practice: Pumping pool water into a ravine or valley may cause extensive erosion to the slope and may also damage the owner’s property, which is a serious concern, particularly when using a trash pump. Untreated discharge may damage a receiving stream or creek, killing sensitive aquatic species. This issue is carefully monitored and enforced.

Issue: Pool opening—Rain water and melted snow that accumulates on a pool cover is allowed into the storm sewer provided it meets all storm sewer limits. It must be free of debris and run directly (or as close as possible) into the stormwater catch basin.

In practice: When opening a pool, chlorine levels are usually high, due to shocking performed during closing. This can present a problem when vacuuming the pool for the first time, as water is typically pumped out to waste or drain to eliminate fine silt from the pool bottom, which often enters the storm sewer. However, adding a granular chlorine neutralizer will bring the chlorine level in line with regulations. Placing a dechlorination tablet into the wastewater flow will also help remove chlorine.

Note: If discharging pool water onto the homeowner’s property, keep in mind very few yards can actually absorb the volume of water being emptied during pool opening, closing or weekly backwashing, even when the discharge hose is moved around the yard. One often-suggested solution is to discharge the water onto the property over several days, although this technique is often ineffective.

Issue: Pool closing—Some pool owners will add the balance of their chemicals to the pool prior to the arrival of the service technician or before lowering the water level themselves for fall pool closing.

In practice: This scenario can be avoided through education. Chemicals should only be added to the pool water after it has been drained. Algaecides should not be added to the pool two weeks prior to closing and chlorine should not be added for several days prior to closing.

Interestingly, the fine for discharging pool water that fails to meet storm sewer limits is issued to the homeowner, even if the work is performed by a pool service company.

Issue: Weekly backwashing—Backwash water being pumped onto the street must be filtered; the chlorine neutralized and must meet storm sewer use limits.

In practice: Placing a tablet(s) into the flow of the discharged water can neutralize chlorine. Neutralizing an entire pool for the purposes of backwashing is not recommended.

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Issue: Repairs—Adding granular chlorine to neutralize the pool and remove all chlorine.

In practice: This practice can also be used for repairs to pools requiring draining, i.e. painting, liner installation, etc.

Issue: Dechlorination safety—Sodium sulfite tablets and granular sodium sulfite are the most commonly used chemicals to neutralize chlorine.

In practice: When handling sodium sulfite tablets, one must wear a dust mask, rubber gloves and eye protection. Like most pool chemicals, it is important not to breathe in fumes or get into the eyes, skin or clothing. All pool chemicals must be kept away from children and pets. Dechlorination products should be kept away from oxidizers like chlorine or petroleum as fires or explosions may result.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES

In the event you or someone you work with comes in direct contact with a pool chemical, keep in mind the following basic first aid procedures. Eyes: Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, holding lids apart to ensure flushing of the entire eye surface. Seek medical attention. Skin: Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and footwear. Wash clothing before reuse. Footwear should be decontaminated before reuse. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Inhalation: Get the person out of the contaminated area to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, resuscitate and administer oxygen if readily available. Seek medical attention. Ingestion: Induce vomiting, seek medical attention. Never give anything by mouth or induce vomiting if a person is unconscious or having convulsions.

 

Erwin Just is co-owner of CanNova Industries. He is the Inventor of JUSTFLO™ Dechlorination Products for swimming pools. A 25-year veteran of the pool repair industry, he is certified in Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the safe handling of swimming pool discharge water, and a member of the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada (PHTCC). He can be reached via e-mail at ejust@cannovaindustries.com[5].

 

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/understanding-the-new-rules-for-swimming-pool-discharge/

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