Page 5 - PGA Community News - July '20

July 2020 July 2020 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 5

Northern Notes

Draining Swimming Pools Here are some odors, mosquito breeding conditions, or flooding can occur
things to remember when water is ponded for a prolonged period.
By Katie Roundtree, about draining pools: 5) If your pool contains algae or other organic matter
Finance Director, 1) Only drain (a black film), collect the algae and dispose of it in your
Northern Palm Beach your pool when normal trash. Decaying organic matter lowers the oxygen
County Improvement absolutely necessary. content in the water and should not go into the storm drain
District Avoid draining/ or any wetland area.
If you live in South backwashing your Please keep in mind that there is a direct link between
Florida, odds are you have pool during periods what we do around our home and the water quality of our
a swimming pool. One of of drought and canals, ponds, lakes and wetlands.
the reasons we live here is during significant NPDES tip: Dirt, oil, and debris that collect in parking
the great climate where you rainfall events. Do lots and paved areas can be washed into the storm sewer
can enjoy swimming year- not drain your pool when watering restrictions are in place. system and eventually enter local waterbodies. Sweep up
round. If you have a pool, 2) Leave the water in the pool for at least one week litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking
it is also critical that you maintain the structure and treat without adding chlorine or other chemicals before draining. lots, especially around storm drains.
the water to keep you and your family healthy and safe. If you can’t wait that long, use a chlorine neutralizing
From time to time, it may be necessary to drain your pool chemical found at most pool supply stores. Please consult
for repairs. Whether the reason is cleaning, water changes, your pool supply company for further information.
or just lowering water levels, pool draining is a common 3) Test the water before discharging to ensure that the Drainage Information
activity. chlorine levels are safe. Also ensure that the pH levels are
Disposal of pool water into a storm drain is harmful to normal (6.5 to 7.8). From Northern
the environment. Pool water enters the storm drain system 4) Drain the pool slowly over a large pervious area, such
untreated and may contain chemicals that can harm canals, as your lawn, before letting the water drain into a storm
ponds, lakes and wetlands, as well as the wildlife living in drain. The water will filter slowly and evenly through the Palm Beach County
and around them. Chlorine, bromine, algaecides, biocides, soil. Control the rate of discharge across your property
water conditioners, stabilizers and other chemicals in pool to avoid erosion and nuisance conditions for neighboring Improvement District
water are toxic to fish and other aquatic life. properties. Nuisance conditions such as the creation of
Why do some yards flood after large
quantities of rain? The simple answer is
“Service is our number one priority” according to most approved drainage designs,
561-743-0070 some water is meant to be temporarily
stored in public recreational areas, yard
www.palmspoolservices.com swale and streets. The excess surface water
slowly drains to community lakes or on-site
ponds via street and yard drainage grates
and/or via swales, ditches and canals. The
more complex answer is that each yard is
different. Some yards have drainage swale
areas. These are areas that are sloped to catch
water and filter out pollutants as water is
absorbed into the ground. Some yards direct
water to the community drainage system as
run-off with very little water retained in the
yard. Familiarize yourself with how your

Expires 7/31/20. yard was built to determine how water drains
from your home.

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