Is It Ok To Discharge My Pool Over My Lawn?
Section 14-502 of The Town of Farragut's Stormwater Ordinance specifically excludes swimming pool discharges as an Illicit Discharge as long as the water is dechlorinated (typically 3 parts per million / ppm chlorine).

Some things to keep in mind before emptying your pool:
- chlorine should be allowed to dissipate for a few days prior to discharge
- discharge should be in a grassy area, as far away from waters of the state (Turkey Creek, Little Turkey Creek or Fort Loudoun Lake) as possible
- rate of discharge should be such as to maximize infiltration into soil without forming a point source and
- no soil erosion should occur.

This policy applies only to pools that use chlorine as a disinfectant. Other disinfection products are not covered by this policy. Discharges from pools that use other disinfection products must either be routed to a sanitary sewer, or obtain a no-discharge (land application) state operating permit or point source discharge (NPDES) permit.

So in short, yes, it is allowable to discharge your pool over your lawn. Just make sure you let the chlorine dissipate for several days before doing so and make sure the discharge is slow and steady to optimize infiltration.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Town's Level of Service Regarding Maintenance of The Drainage System?
2. How Do I Report Illegal Dumping Into The Storm Sewer System?
3. Who Needs A Grading Permit?
4. Who Needs An Aquatic Resource Alteration Permit (ARAP)?
5. How Do I Appeal A Notice of Violation (NOV) or Civil Penalty Assessment?
6. Is It Ok To Discharge My Pool Over My Lawn?