FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to everyday questionsSWIMMING POOL WATER DISPOSAL FAQ
Why is it necessary to periodically empty my swimming pool?
Residents will need to empty and refill their swimming pools periodically to maintain proper water chemistry due to the desert climate, with its extreme heat, dust, and dry conditions, which adds extra challenges to pool maintenance. The challenges involvewater evaporation and the hardness of Valley water, resulting in the need to change pool water more frequently than in other areas of southern California. In the Coachella Valley, pool professionals recommend changing pool water every four to six years. However, several factors can influence this timeline, including how often the pool is used, the quality of maintenance, and local environmental conditions.
What is the best time to empty and replace my swimming pool water?
The best times of year to change your pool water in the Coachella Valley are in Early Spring (March-April) and Late Fall (October-November) during cooler weather to reduce the potential for structural damage to your pool resulting from the expansion and contraction of the pool shell when exposed to the hot sun. The Coachella Valley Water District recommends fall.
Do I need to get a City Pool Water Disposal Permit before I empty my pool?
No, Montage has received a blanket pool water disposal permit from the City of Cathedral City’s Engineer Department, and the Montage Pool Water Disposal Rules comply with Section 2 of the Coachella Valley Water District Water Ordinance. No further permitting is required from either agency if the procedures described in the Montage Rules and Regulations are followed.
What is the proper process for disposing of my swimming pool water?
Pool Water must be disposed of in the following manner:
- Notify the Community Manager: Call or email the community manager and inform them of the date and time proposed to drain the pool. Leave enough time to dissipate the chemicals before draining. Wait to start emptying the pool until you receive a response from the community manager.
- Pre-treat or Rest the Water: Stop treating the water with chemicals for 5 to 10 days to ensure that the pool water’s chlorine level is below 0.1 parts per million (ppm) and that the pH level is between 6.5 and 8.5 before draining the pool to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the environment.
- Option 1 – Pump the Water into Streets and Storm Drains: Drain the pool water onto your driveway or directly down the street gutter in the natural direction flow.
- Option 2—Landscape Disposal: If the water is chemically neutral (no chlorine or other harsh chemicals), consider using it to irrigate your landscaping or clean paved areas. Be mindful of the pH level and salt content to avoid damaging plants.
- Do not dispose of Montage residential swimming pool water into the sanitary sewer clean out of your home or into the sanitary sewer in the street. To do so violates City, Water District, State, and Federal Law. Regulations may vary from location to location, even within a small geographic area. The best practices provided here are specific to the Montage at Mission Hills Homeowners Association.
Please keep your pool service aware of these requirements to avoid possible fines.