Pool Draining

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Pool Draining for Residential and Commercial Facilities

The Town of Gilbert allows three options to drain your pool.

Note: If you live in a community managed by an HOA, please refer to your HOA’s policy regarding pool draining in addition to this resource.

Click image to enlarge.

Option 1: Your Yard or Property (Preferred)

Drain your pool or spa water onto your landscaping or any area on your property that will allow the water to percolate into the ground, if and only if:

The land area is sufficient to absorb the water without causing run off into a ditch, street, or other conveyance (i.e. storm drain or retention area).
You do not cause any flooding to any neighboring properties.

If only a portion of your pool water can be drained onto your property, then option #2 or #3 can be used for the remainder of the water that needs to be drained.

Option 2: The Sanitary Sewer Cleanout

The sanitary sewer cleanout may be used for pool draining or backwashing if you do not have the space on your property for the discharge. This method may also be used for water with a high chemical level or saltwater pools.

Tips for Locating Sewer Cleanout

Locating a sewer cleanout can be tricky. These tips can be helpful but may not directly apply to your home. You may need to consult a plumber if you cannot locate your cleanout.

Most cleanouts are at ground level, 3 to 4 inches in diameter, and have a black cap with a raised square nut, as pictured.
Typically, a cleanout is located close to the foundation of your home. Often outside of the frontmost bathroom or kitchen.
Sewer cleanouts are often located under landscaping features. Check under bushes and gravel.
Look at the other homes in your neighborhood, especially those with the same floor plan. Builders often keep the location consistent throughout a subdivision.
Consult a plumber if you are unable to locate on your own.

Cleanout Examples

Utilizing Your Sewer Cleanout

If there are two, use the one closest to the home.
Remove the cap and insert the drain hose a few inches into the pipe.
Secure the drain hose to prevent it from moving when the flow begins.
Turn on the pump.
Immediately check to make sure no water is backing up into the house. Drains for showers and tubs are the first places to check.
If the water backs up, turn off the pump immediately. You may have a blockage or need to lower the flow rate.

Newer homes Older homes In wall type

Diagrams courtesy of City of Phoenix

Option 3: Curb and Gutter

This method is for CLEAN de-chlorinated water only.

Do not drain a saltwater pool in the street.
Do not practice this method in lake communities.
Do not practice this method if your street has issues with flooding.
The discharge hose should reach the curb to prevent erosion of any soil or damage to landscaping.
Monitor flow to ensure you are not causing flooding or other damages.
Do not backwash into street. Water contaminated with sediment must go onto your yard or into the sewer cleanout.

Never plumb a permanent connection from your pool pump directly to the sewer cleanout or to the curb, as this is a violation of Town Code.

Pool Maintenance Tips and Best Practices

Pool Draining Alternatives

Maintaining chemical levels and performing routine maintenance is the best way to avoid the need to drain a pool. Use at-home chemical tests to monitor your pool water health and consult a professional if you have concerns.
Services are available that will purify and recycle your pool water on site. Consult a professional pool service company for more information.
Explore more information about pool chemical management from Water – Use It Wisely

Cleaning Pool Filters

Pool filters must be washed in a manner that does not enter the gutter or roadway. Two options include:

Wash onto a permeable surface such as grass or gravel on your personal property.
Utilize a device (bucket, wash tub, etc.) to collect rinse water to dispose of into the sanitary sewer. Allow solids to settle out before dumping water into the drain. Dry any solid waste, bag, and dispose of into your garbage.

Which Plants Can Safely Handle Pool Water?

Pool water has a higher salinity level than tap water. When draining onto your property, it is a good idea to select the most salt-tolerant plants to irrigate.

Plants Sensitive to Salt	Moderately Sensitive to Salt	Salt Tolerant Plants
Do not use pool water	Limited use of pool water	Can use pool water
Annual Flowers Vegetables Algerian Ivy Star Jasmine Salvia Verbena Yellow Lantana Rose Photinia Hibiscus Tecoma Fruit Trees Desert Willow	Purple Lantana Deer Grass Fairy Duster Glossy Privet Pyracantha Xylosma Juniper Bottlebrush	Bermuda Grass Ice Plant Rosemary Oleander Euonymus Bougainvillea Natal Plum Texas Sage Eremophylla Mangle Dulce Olive Mesquite Palo Verde Acacia
Table courtesy of the City of Mesa

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to drain my pool?
No, the Town of Gilbert does not require a permit, however you must follow the guidelines above.

Can I receive a utility bill credit when refilling my pool?
The Town of Gilbert does not offer a utility bill credit for your pool refill or draining.

What can I do if I suspect my pool is leaking?
Visit Water Conservation to learn how to read your meter to check for leaks and schedule a landscape water use audit of your home.

If you have any further questions contact Environmental Compliance at: 480-503-6243 or Environmental.Compliance@gilbertaz.gov

Gilbert, Arizona

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