Best Management Practices for Pool and Spa Owners

LBWD is encouraging pool and spa owners to continue water conservation efforts with the tips below.


Pools

  • Pools covers significantly reduce water lost to evaporation. Pool covers not only conserve water but also reduce the need for chemicals and reduce energy costs for heated pools.
  • Shut off all water features including waterfalls and fountains to reduce water loss and evaporation.
  • Check the pool periodically for leaks.
  • Use a cartridge pool filter which does not require backwashing.
  • Incorporate a pre-filter into your system which can reduce the water needed to clean sand and cartridge filters.
  • Keep pools and pool filters clean to minimize the frequency of filter backwashing. Check automatic timers to adjust the frequency and duration. If possible, utilize filter backwash water on lawns or shrubs (if chlorine levels are acceptable at less than 3 mg/L).
  • Lower pool temperatures to reduce the water lost to evaporation and save energy.
  • Plug the overflow line when pool is in use.

Spas

  •  Spas should also be equipped with a cover.
  •  Maintain chemicals to extend water life.
  • Check the equipment for leaks.
  • Check with your pool service professional for new technology that helps keep the water clean and reduce the need to drain the spa.

Cost of Filling Your Pool

Please note that LBWD does not provide a discounted water rate or credit for pool filling. Water usage will be billed according to your metered consumption.

Below is a chart of an estimated cost of filling up the size of pool you have. This chart is for estimation purposes only, and the true amount billed will be based off actual water usage.

Gallons of Water # Billing Units Cost (not including daily water use)
8600 12 $42.60
11800 16 $67.67
13500 18 $81.28
15400 21 $101.70
19400 26 $135.72
21700 29 $156.14
24000 32 $176.55
29000 39 $224.19
33750 45 $265.02
37500 50 $299.04
45000 60 $367.09

Draining Your Pool

Please notify our Sewer Services Division of the street address and the date that you will be draining your pool. You can get in touch with our Sewer Services by emailing SewerService@lbwater.org or by calling 562.570.2441.

Best Practices for Draining Your Pool  

  • A permit is not required to discharge dechlorinated pool water into the sanitary sewer
  • Pool water may be dechlorinated by exposing it to direct sunlight for at least 4 days (while halting any addition of new chlorine)
  • Once the pool water has been dechlorinated, it may be discharged to the sanitary sewer using the pool’s direct piping/drain as long as it is plumbed to the sewer system
  • If there is no plumbing to the sewer system, pool water may also be discharged to a clean-out that is plumbed to the sewer system
  • Discharge the water slowly so as not to cause an overflow downstream
  • Pool owners should never discharge pool water into the street
  • Residents should never open City manholes
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Water & Sewer System Design Guidelines