Can I Save the Water From Draining a Pool?

Water Conservation

• Most pool owners do not change all of their pool water each year. Experts typically suggest draining and replacing water every two to three years for inground pools, while smaller vinyl pools are generally drained and stored annually. Every time the water is changed or the filter backwashed, it can be recycled by storing it in a specially designed gray water tank system.

Gray Water (Sullage)

• Think of gray water as "dirty water." It's the water used to take a shower, do the dishes, run the laundry, or the water that fills the pool. Filled with soap and other contaminants, it's slightly dirty but not toxic like sewage from the toilet (which is called black water).

How It Works

• Once the swimming pool water is pumped into a holding tank, it's generally filtered and treated. If not treated with chemicals, aeration or UV, it has to be used within 24 hours. A gray water system then disburses the water as needed for plant irrigation, flushing toilets or other non-consumption uses.