When swimming season is over, pool owners need to be careful of how and where they discharge swimming pool water when they lower the level of their pool. The discharge of chlorinated swimming pool water directly into a waterway or into a storm drain is prohibited. The storm drainage system (which includes catch basins, ditches and pipes) was designed to handle runoff from rain and snow only. The water is not treated before it is discharged into area brooks and rivers. If the water contains chlorine, it can be very toxic to fish and other aquatic plants and animals. Therefore, residential swimming pool water must be dechlorinated before being discharged.
This can be accomplished two ways: Dechlorinate naturally; allow the water to sit in the sun for 5-10 days without adding chlorine; or use a chemical dechlorination additive (contact your local pool supply store for options).
Drain dechlorinated water to the grass/turf/or other area on your property that will allow the water to percolate into the ground.