Dechlorination for Swimming Pool

Prior to draining your pool, it is essential to dechlorinate the water. Maintaining the appropriate chlorine level in your swimming pool is crucial for water cleanliness and swimmer safety. However, chlorine can pose issues when emptying your pool into the street or on your property. To prevent soil and groundwater contamination in the drainage area, it's imperative to dechlorinate the water.

Here's how to dechlorinate pool water effectively:

Plan in advance: Dechlorination is a process that takes a few days, so ensure you have sufficient time to complete it.

Consider natural dechlorination: If possible, let sunlight gradually reduce the chlorine level of the water. Ensure no additional chlorine or chlorine-based chemicals are added to the pool or filtration system. Allow approximately four days of sunshine to pass before testing and proceeding with draining.

Explore chemical dechlorination: If natural dechlorination is not feasible or time is limited, consider using a chemical dechlorinating agent to neutralize the water before draining. Various dechlorinating chemicals are available at pool stores and other retailers, with sodium thiosulfate being a popular choice.

Follow chemical dechlorination instructions: Carefully read the instructions for the chosen dechlorinator. Determine the pool's water capacity in gallons and test the chlorine level. These factors will dictate the amount of dechlorinator required. For instance, if you have a 20,000-gallon pool with a chlorine level of 2 parts per million, you would need 450 grams of dechlorinator. Ensure you mix the dechlorinator in a bucket of warm water and evenly distribute it throughout the pool. Allow the water to cycle through the filtration system twice before re-testing and proceeding with the draining process.