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Maintain Your Pools & Spa
What Is Stormwater Pollution?
Maitland has 21 scenic lakes in a 6.5-square-mile area. Many of these lakes are surrounded by development, which contributes to large amounts of rain runoff and sometimes other discharges into stormwater collection systems. Improper disposal of water from swimming pools and spas into public stormwater collection systems can harm the environment and reduce the water quality in our lakes.
Pools and spas use various chemicals, including:
- Algaecides
- Biocides
- Bromine
- Chlorine
- Water conditioners and stabilizers
The filters might use diatomaceous earth (DE), cellulose fiber, or sand.
Improper Disposal
Improper disposal of wastewater from swimming pools and spas into stormwater collection systems can harm the environment and reduce water quality in our lakes.
- Backwash pipes: Never direct to:
- Canals
- Lakes
- Retention ponds
- Sidewalks
- Storm drains
- Streets
- Neglected/derelict pools: Hire a sanitary disposal service to pump and dispose of water contaminated with algae, debris, and/or other materials. Never discharge to streets, storm drains or surface waters.
- Pool repair and maintenance: Store pool chemicals in a clean, dry, and covered area to avoid contact with stormwater. Spills should be cleaned immediately per the manufacturer’s directions. When constructing or resurfacing pools, or repairing areas of concrete and masonry, never discharge to stormwater systems or surface waters.
- Saltwater pools: High concentrations of salts can kill lawn vegetation. A pump truck may be needed to draw down large volumes of water. Small amounts likely can be diluted, but never directed into:
- Ditches
- Drains
- Sidewalks
- Stormwater ponds
- Streets
Construction Materials
Store construction materials on-site, away from stormwater conveyances. Install silt fences or inlet protection to contain soil on site. Swimming pool or spa water may not be drained to the sanitary sewer without permission from the city.
Illegal Discharges
Never drain water to a septic system - this may cause a system failure. Call 407-539-2843 to report illegal discharges to the public stormwater system.
Do not discharge anything into storm drainage systems that is not composed entirely of uncontaminated stormwater. This includes chlorinated water, salinated water, or filter backwash from your swimming pools or spas to the stormwater system, which includes components such as:
- Ditches
- Gutters
- Inlets
- Stormwater ponds
- Streets
Step One
Ensure pool and spa discharge is free from chlorine and contaminants:
- Use your pool test kit to check chlorine level. If the chlorine level is 0.01 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or less, you are ready to begin draining. If the chlorine level is not zero, wait at least 48 hours and test again. You may use a chemical dechlorinating additive if you choose.
- Check to ensure that water is clear and free of debris and algae. The pH of your discharge must be between 6.5 and 8.0. Do not discharge immediately after use of algaecides. Follow manufacturer instructions.
Steps Two & Three
- Keep discharge water on your property. Slowly pump water to allow it to seep into the soil and to prevent erosion. Keep discharges out of neighbors’ yards, water bodies or streets.
- Manage filter media properly. Do not rinse filters on pavement (including driveways), into storm drains, ponds, etc. Dispose of excess materials in the trash. Diatomaceous earth (DE) powder and sand media must never reach waterways or water bodies. Collect DE powder for disposal as solid waste or rinse filters over a vegetated area.