Summer Pool Care Do’s & Don’ts

June 2024. Summer is here and that means long days cooling off at the pool! Enjoying the pool requires proper care and maintenance. Here are some tips on maintaining your pool and keeping your cool all while being environmentally responsible.

Keep it Covered

Although not required under the City’s current Level 1 Water Conservation measures, it is highly recommended that you cover your pool or spa when not in use. Why? Uncovered pools use as much water (through evaporation) as lawns. Pool covers reduce evaporation by more than 50% so cover your pool and/or spa at night, while on vacation, and when it is not in use. Added bonus: you will save money on both water costs and heating the pool as the cover will help retain the pool’s heat.

Pool and Spa Filling

Under the current Level 1 Water Conservation requirements, draining and re-filling of pools and spas, whether to fix a leak, re-plastering, chemical treatment, or other emergency repair, is allowed, and now is a good time to do it. If we enter another drought period and the City is forced to move to a more restrictive water conservation level, you may or may not be able to drain or refill your pool. However, if you decide to drain and refill your pool there are some considerations and procedures to follow below.

Pool & Spa Maintenance Can Affect the Watershed

Improperly disposed of pool water, filter materials, and chemicals can enter the watershed and cause damage to plant and animal life. What is the watershed? The system of gutters, storm drains, and storm channels that direct stormwater and other water runoff to larger bodies of water like lakes, and ultimately the ocean. Be aware that whoever drains or maintains a pool or spa is responsible for preventing debris (e.g., leaves, algae), chemicals and filter material from entering the watershed. The City of Thousand Oaks can levy fines for infractions.

Proper Disposal of Chlorinated Pool/Spa Water:

• The City of Thousand Oaks does not require a permit to drain a pool/spa, but the pool/spa owner is responsible for using proper methods and best management practices (see below).
• Maintain your pool properly; it should require draining no more than once every 5 to 10 years if properly maintained.
• For discharge into the sanitary sewer system prior notification to the Public Works Department at 805-449-2499 is required:
• Pump water into a sewer cleanout or other sewer connection located on the property, while carefully monitoring the flow to avoid flooding.
• For discharge into the storm drain system:
• Reduce the chlorine level to a maximum of 0.1 ppm (parts per million) and the pH reading should be between 6-8 prior to draining your pool.
• Ensure your water is free from algae, debris and mosquitoes before draining.
• Make certain that the water draining from your pool will not push over trash carts, flood streets, or pick up dirt, lawn clippings, leaves or other debris as it makes its way to the storm drain.

Proper Disposal of Pool Filter Backwash/Cleaning:

• Never dispose of diatomaceous earth (DE) filter material in the street, gutter, or storm drain system. It is harmful to plants and animals.
• DE filter waste should be bagged wet and disposed of in the trash.
• If the DE filter requires rinsing, it should be rinsed to a landscaped area on the pool/spa owner’s property through a filter bag to catch sediment and then the bag should be disposed of in the trash.

Discharges from Saltwater Pools & Spas are Prohibited

Saltwater pools & spas must be hauled for disposal via truck to a proper ocean discharging disposal facility.

Pool Chemicals

If you have unwanted pool chemicals you can make an appointment to properly dispose of those materials at the City’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility. And if you need pool chemicals, consider visiting the HHW Material Reuse store first, located at the HHW facility. This community resource offers free chemicals and materials, providing a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new products and avoiding unnecessary disposal of perfectly good materials. For more information on the HHW facility or to schedule a drop-off, visit www.toaks.co/hhw.

Happy swimming!