August 27, 2025, Press Release from Allen Soil and Water Conservation District:
LIMA, Ohio - As summer winds down, many pool owners prepare to drain their pools. But before you let that water go, it’s important to consider where it’s headed. Chlorine and other pool chemicals may be safe for people in a swimming pool, but they are harmful to fish, insects, and other wildlife in our waterways.
Always wait at least one week after your last chemical treatment before draining your pool. This allows chlorine levels to break down naturally. During this waiting period, don’t worry about mosquitoes; chlorine concentrations are still too high for larvae to survive.
When it’s time to empty your pool, never let the water flow into a storm drain. Many storm drains flow directly into our rivers and streams, including the Ottawa River. Instead, drain pool water slowly into a grassy area, where soil and plants can help absorb and filter out leftover chemicals.
“You may like to swim in a chlorine pool… our river friends do not,” says Lydia Archambo, Stormwater Coordinator from Allen SWCD. “Taking a few simple steps helps protect our waterways and keep them healthy for everyone.”
