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Draining your swimming pool, wading pool, hot tub or spa

What is my responsibility as the pool owner?
As the owner of a private swimming pool, hot tub, wading pool or spa, you (and any pool service providers you hire) are responsible for complying with the Sewer By-law 7070/97 when draining your pool.

What is your responsibility as the City of Winnipeg?
We are responsible for ensuring pool owners and service providers comply with the Sewer By-law. This includes:

• education,
• inspections, and
• corrective measures such as issuing By-law violation notices and orders, and if needed, taking matters to court.

What should I do with my pool water?
You may only drain pool water in one of the following ways:

• Drain the water to the wastewater sewer (not the sump pit) in your home.
• Recycle the water by draining it onto your lawn.
• Hire a licensed wastewater hauler to remove the water.

Can I drain the water into the catch basin (storm drain) on the street?

• No. Any water from swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs or spas is considered wastewater.
• Nor can you drain the water:
  • onto the street, lane, sidewalk or neighbouring properties,
  • into a manhole, ditch or waterway (e.g., creek, river, retention pond).

Why can't I drain the water into the catch basin?

• Draining wastewater into catch basins is against the Sewer By-law.
• Pool water usually contains chemicals (e.g., chlorine, bromine, algaecides, biocides, water conditioners, stabilizers).
• Catch basins often drain into our land drainage system which leads directly into rivers, streams and other waterways, bypassing our wastewater treatment plants.
• Chemicals in the pool water can be harmful to plants, fish and other aquatic life.

How should I drain the water onto my lawn?

• Before draining, let your pool sit for a week or longer without adding chemicals. This allows the chlorine in the water to break down to a less harmful level.
• Drain the water slowly so that it is absorbed and does not pond.
• If you have limited yard space, drain the water over time, allowing the area to dry before continuing.
• Ensure the water does not drain onto the street, lane, sidewalk or neighbouring properties.

What should I do with the water collected on my pool cover when opening my pool for the season?
Even though it is clean water, drain pool cover water onto your lawn. Draining it onto the street may cause ponding or algae growth.

Where can I get more information?

• Contact 311

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