A pool or inflatable pool is a welcome refreshment in summer. However, if it gets too cold for swimming, the question arises as to where to put the water. Read here what needs to be considered when draining the pool water in the garden.

In a nutshell

  • Pool water is dirty water
  • Draining swimming pool water is regulated differently in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
  • inconsistent regulations within Germany

Drain pool water in the garden

The following article briefly introduces the regulations applicable in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for draining pool water in the garden. He does not claim to be legal advice.

situation in Germany

In Germany, there is no uniform regulation for draining pool water into the garden. Some counties or municipalities allow water to seep away on their own property, while others prohibit it.

Pool water is waste water

In Germany, pool water is dirty water according to the Water Resources Act (WHG) because the (fresh) water has been changed. Whether the change is caused by a chemical treatment or purely by use ("bathing") is irrelevant. In addition, it is irrelevant whether it is a temporary "paddling pool" or a permanently installed swimming pool. Because it is essential for the consideration according to the WHG that the original quality of the fresh water is no longer given.

Caution is also required in some places when draining pool water from inflatable pools.

It is therefore forbidden to drain or seep into the garden soil, as this causes contamination into the subsoil and subsequently into the groundwater. It doesn't matter whether your pool is in or outside a water protection area.

Regional Exceptions

Exceptions can be children's paddling pools. They have to

  • filled with untreated water
  • only been used for a short time

Notice: But you should also find out about this exception from the responsible lower water authority, because this exceptional case is not valid everywhere.

seepage on the property

The seepage of the pool water on one's own property has to be checked in some regions if there is no possibility of a central connection to the public sewage system. The hygienic quality of the water must be ensured. This includes the following guidelines:

  • Content of free active chlorine: 0.3 to 1.5 milligrams per liter
  • Maximum bound chlorine: 0.5 milligrams per liter
  • Pool water pH: 6.8 to 7.5
Measure the pH in the pool with test strips

In addition, the pool water should not contain any biocides or other additives. In addition to the water quality, there are also requirements for infiltration. she

  • must be broad
  • over a busy ground zone

respectively. In addition, it must be ensured that the seepage does not harm neighboring properties, in particular it must be ensured that flooding or soaking of neighboring buildings on other properties is excluded. Furthermore, the pool water should seep away on your own property so that third parties are not affected.

Notice: Drinking water protection areas are excluded from this exception.

While in some districts the exception is based on the connection to the public sewage system, in others it is possible to apply for a water permit to seep away. However, since this involves treating the pool water, some municipalities or districts advise against submitting an application, as creating the required water quality represents a significant hurdle.

situation in Austria

Waste water that occurs when the pool is emptied is called pool drainage water in Austria. Since they are, so the assumption, only slightly contaminated, they should be disposed of via a wide-area trickling system on one's own green space. In contrast to Germany, it should only be discharged into the dirty or combined sewer system if it cannot seep into the garden. The following requirements must be met for the trickling:

  • Presence of a sufficiently large area for surface irrigation
  • with closed vegetation (lawn, meadow)

The trickle system is recommended for pool water that

  • has been disinfected with chlorine,
  • contains no other additives and
  • has an active chlorine content of less than 0.05 milligrams per liter
Chlorine tablet at pool

In addition, the rights of third parties must not be violated by draining the pool water in the garden. It is also forbidden to get wet on the neighboring property.

Notice: In groundwater protection areas, it should be clarified whether a permit under water law is required.

Pool water with other additives

Pool water, the winterizer or biocidal chemicals, especially

  • based on copper and silver salts or
  • more than 300 grams of salt per cubic meter,

contains must not be seeped away. This water is to be discharged into the public waste water network in coordination with the sewer authority.

situation in Switzerland

In Switzerland, water from private swimming pools is considered polluted waste water. It must therefore be discharged into the sewage treatment plant (Federal Water Protection Ordinance). To ensure this, permanently installed pools must be connected to the waste water pipe during construction. Before draining the pool water:

  • no more chemicals may be added for at least one week before draining (ideally two weeks)
  • the pH of the pool water must be between 6.5 and 9.0

above ground pool

The water from above-ground pools can be channeled into the same shaft that also contains the waste water from the washing machine. Exceptions are shafts that lead into a body of water. The flow rate of the water must not exceed two liters per second.

Percolate in the garden

The circumstances under which the pool water can be drained into the garden vary in Switzerland. This is possible, for example, if the pool cannot be connected to the sewage system or the water has not been treated with chemicals. In these cases, however, you should obtain information from the responsible directorate.

frequently asked Questions

Is watering plants with pool water allowed?

So that you do not come into conflict with the Federal Soil Protection Act, this irrigation water may contain a maximum of 0.05 milligrams of chlorine per liter.

Can I water my lawn with the water to be disposed of?

You should ask the responsible lower water authority whether this is permitted or not.

Is discharge into running water permitted?

Draining into running water is only permitted in certain cases. Therefore, you should definitely get information from the responsible authority.

Category:

Garden design