Swimming Pool Water

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Swimming pool discharge is not allowed in Vallecitos' sanitary sewer per the District's ordinance, but may be released to the storm drain if certain conditions are met. If you live in the City of San Marcos, please refer to the City of San Marcos' stormwater requirements as listed below. (If you live in another jurisdiction, please contact the stormwater department for your area. If you live in the unincorporated areas within the County of San Diego, including Lake San Marcos, please call 1-888-846-0800 or email the County of San Diego.

Discharge regulations for pool water

Storm Drains: The City of San Marcos is a Co-Permittee of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board San Diego County Municipal Stormwater Permit (Stormwater Permit). Releasing pollutants, such as pool, spa, and fountain water, into the stormwater conveyance system is a violation of the City Municipal Code (14.15.010) and the Stormwater Permit if it DOES NOT MEET CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO DISCHARGE. Pool/Spa/Fountain water is non-prohibited, non-stormwater discharge, under Section B. 2. (q) if it is dechlorinated.

If pool water cannot be discharged into the sanitary sewer, the release of dechlorinated swimming pool water into the City of San Marcos’ storm drain system is allowed under the stormwater permit ONLY IF:

The residual chlorine does not exceed 0.1 mg/l (parts per million). Pools can be dechlorinated by letting the pool sit for 3-5 days prior to discharge and monitoring the pH and chlorine levels.
The pH is between 6.5 and 8.5. Testing kits can be purchased at local pool supply vendors.
The water is free of any unusual coloration, dirt or algae (no “green” present). The pool must be drained before it turns green.
There is no discharge of filter media.
There is no discharge of acid cleaning wastes.
Discharge is water only (cannot carry debris or vegetation with it).
Discharge contains no chemicals to counteract the chlorine.
Discharge contains no hydrogen peroxide based products.

Discharge flow should be controlled so it doesn't cause any erosion problems. Discharge into landscaping slowly. Backwashing or acid cleaning is not allowed into the storm drains. Please contact Reed Thornberry at the City of San Marcos if you have any further questions by calling (760) 744-1050 ext. 3217 or email the City of San Marcos.

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Pool water efficiency - To learn how to maintain your pool most efficiently, check out EPA WaterSense's pool water efficiency handout.

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Vallecitos Water District

Swimming Pool Water

Discharge regulations for pool water

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