Local Community Advertising
At last! The beautiful, inspiring Kelowna summer is on its way! The return of the Okanagan’s hot summer days invites the return of swimsuits, sunglasses, sunscreen and, of course, swimming pools.
Before lounging by the pool on a lazy summer's day, many Kelowna residents will need to consider draining their pools to both avoid putting a strain on the environment, and to avoid a hefty fine!
Dispose of Your Pool Water Properly!
While proper draining of pool water may seem like a time consuming process, it is an important step to kick off the pool season. That being said, the City of Kelowna advises pool owners to drain pool water in a sustainable manner. In doing so, we can protect our most beautiful and vital of water sources in the Okanagan. Therefore, when draining your pool please abide by these rules.
-
Do NOT drain your pool water containing disinfectants (such as chlorine, salt water or bromine) down the storm drains. This system directly connects with Okanagan Lake, home to many precious, native species and source of drinking water for over half of the Kelowna population.
-
Pools and hot tubs should be drained onto a dry area on your property at a low flow rate over a long period of time. Slow and steady is the way to go!
-
Residents can drain their pools onto their own property at a slow rate, so as not to impede their neighbours. If a resident does not have any yard space available, the second option is for the pool to be drained to the storm system, which connects directly into Okanagan Lake and other bodies of water. However, it is important to dechlorinate the water first. Aquatic species such as fish and invertebrates are very sensitive to chlorine and a small concentration could be very damaging to them. If draining to the storm system, the resident needs to inform the City’s Water Quality department, and provide their address and the day that they will be draining. The City’s Water Quality department then forwards this information to Bylaw, so that Bylaw knows that the resident has been approved to drain their pool.
- For a salt water pool, residents have the same option as for chlorinated pools – the water should be drained to the resident’s property. If the resident does not have property to drain onto, then they can use the sanitary sewer system. The sanitary sewer system is directed to the City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility and is treated before being released into the lake. Salt water pools should not be drained into the storm sewer system as an increase in salinity (salt levels) in the lake can have damaging physiological effects on the aquatic life that live in our lake, creeks, and streams.
-
Do NOT drain pools on to public parkland, natural areas or adjacent properties; you may be liable for damages.
-
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the City’s Water Quality Department before proceeding. Improper discharge of contaminated water can result in a fine of up to $2,000.
It is also important to note that ponds, fountains, and other water features should be drained according to the same procedure as a pool or hot tub.
If you’re considering draining your pool, please remember to be kind to our environment. Keep in mind the impact of overusing water when tending to your pool or hot tub as well. Be Water Smart and use water wisely!
Being Water Smart, as well as properly draining your pool water, will help to protect our water sources and natural environment, and it can save you money on your water bill in addition to allowing you to avoid a significant fine.
For any questions regarding proper pool draining etiquette, please contact the City’s Water Quality Department at 250-469-8887.
KelownaNow sponsored content is written and posted in partnership with participating businesses. While KelownaNow retains editorial control of sponsored content, the content is created in collaboration with the sponsor.
Local Community Advertising