Pool and Hot Tub Discharging
Why is water from chlorine and salt water pools a concern?
The water from pools and hot tubs are filled with chemicals you need to keep your pool clean and safe for swimming. The main chemicals found in pools are chlorine/bromine, salt, copper-based algaecides, nonylphenols and nonylphenol ethoxylates. These chemicals are harmful to the fish and organisms that live in the creeks, rivers and lakes. The copper in algaecides is particularly poisonous to trout.
Water entering storm sewers does not get treated and discharges to our local watercourses and ultimately the Detroit River. However, water discharged to the sanitary sewer goes to the waste water treatment facilities.
Rain water or melted snow collected on your pool cover can be discharged to the storm sewer system as long as you remove leaves and other debris first.