August 21, 2023, 12:12 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
A kiddie pool or a backyard pool is the perfect spot for cooling off in the summer—especially for children. But what should you do with the water once the fun is over? Can you simply use the pool water to water your vegetable garden?
It might seem logical to use pool water for garden irrigation when disposing of it. After all, the kiddie pool contains several liters of water that you wouldn’t want to waste. However, this option isn’t always advisable.
Can You Dispose of Pool Water in the Garden?
Before simply dumping the pool water to irrigate the garden, ensure that the water is not contaminated with chemicals like chlorine. “When disposing of this water, legal requirements and wastewater technology standards must be observed: If the pool water comes from the drinking water supply and is unused, such as through bathing, and free of additives, it can be safely discharged into surface waters or allowed to seep into the lawn,” explains the NABU.
Note: Stricter rules apply in Berlin. Here, seepage is not permitted even outside of water protection areas. The Berlin Waterworks and the Senate Department for Urban Development and the Environment state: According to Section 54 of the Water Resources Act, pool water is considered wastewater because it is water altered by domestic or other use. Therefore, pool water must generally be disposed of through the sewage or combined sewer system, such as the toilet or bathtub drain. If no public disposal route is available, wastewater disposal services must pump out the pool water with a vehicle and dispose of it properly.
Related: When to Change the Water in the Kiddie Pool
12 Tips to Save Water in the Garden
How to Save Water in a Garden Pool
How Do I Water the Garden with Pool Water?
When disposing of water in the garden, it is referred to as broad-area sprinkling. This essentially means pouring the water out and allowing it to seep in slowly. The prerequisite for this process: The garden must have enough space to prevent flooding neighboring properties. In any case, it is advisable to empty the pool gradually over several days.
How Can Contaminated Pool Water Be Disposed Of?
If the water is mixed with additives like chlorine or biocides, it must be disposed of in a wastewater sewer or through the combined sewer system, according to NABU. Alternatively, the sewer system or a wastewater disposal service can be used. “Unused pool chemicals should be disposed of as hazardous waste at designated collection points. Gardeners and pool owners should act sustainably and responsibly, ideally avoiding chemical bath additives. This way, the vegetables grown can be safely consumed next year, at least from this perspective. Our plea: Stop, don’t just pull the plug!” emphasizes NABU.