As local residents prepare their swimming pools for the upcoming summer season, city officials have issued a reminder about the important rules for draining pools in the UC area. Given the fact that pool water contains chlorine, which classifies it as a regulated discharge, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) mandate specific dechlorination levels that must be adhered to.
Homeowners are required to dechlorinate their pool water and ensure the pH level is below 7.0 before draining, according to the guidelines. Knowing that not everyone is a chemist, the city suggests picking up dechlorination tablets from a local pool supply store to manage the process. If your pool water is already low on chlorine, there's a catch; you can drain your pool following these rules. A photo of your chlorine test results showing the required pH level should be emailed to [email protected] prior to draining, Universal City officials advised. The city must confirm receipt and give the go-ahead before the pool can be legally drained.
Additionally, drained water must not result in any hazardous, unsanitary, or nuisance conditions. The responsibility for keeping the drained water confined to their own property squarely falls on the shoulders of homeowners. In a move to prevent disputes, it's strictly forbidden to drain onto adjacent property unless you've secured the prior consent of your neighbor, the city's announcement specifies. However, when used for irrigation purposes, homeowners are allowed some leeway, as the city permits excess dechlorinated water to flow into the street, eventually making its way into the storm sewer system.
