Emptying Pools & Hot Tubs

If you own a swimming pool, hot tub, or spa, you have a responsibility and legal obligation to safely maintain and operate it. Improper disposal of swimming pool or hot tub water can violate Hamilton’s Sewer Use By-law No. 14-090, which regulates the discharge of harmful substances into the City’s sanitary, combined, and storm sewer systems.

Under Section 4 of By-law No. 14-090, it is prohibited to discharge any matter containing harmful substances, including chemicals like chlorine, salt, or other pool and hot tub additives, into the sanitary, combined, or storm sewer systems. This is because:

• Direct discharge of chemically treated pool water (containing substances like chlorine, salt, or bromine) into storm drains can contaminate waterways. These chemicals are harmful to fish and aquatic organisms in Hamilton's creeks, rivers, and Lake Ontario.
• Environmental Impact: With thousands of residential pools across Hamilton, improper disposal practices can collectively cause significant harm to the environment.

How to empty your pool

Do not add chemicals to your pool, hot tub or spa for two weeks before emptying it.

Both chlorine and salt water pools can be emptied onto your property, as long as the water absorbs into the ground. Consider the slope and surface of your property and the rate of which the water is discharged. This water should not be running towards your home or your neighbour’s property.

Here are some tips for emptying water from chlorine and salt water pools: