Homeowner guide · Pools and drains
Draining a pool in Tredyffrin: the pool discharge permit
In Tredyffrin, you cannot drain pool water into a storm drain, stream or the ground. To send it to the sanitary sewer, you need the Township’s permission first through a Pool Discharge Permit, and the Township charges $6.51 per 1,000 gallons. Here is how it works.
Key takeaways
The short version
- Pool water cannot be discarded into the storm sewer, groundwater, a stream or another natural water source.
- Discharging to the sanitary sewer requires Township permission first.
- Apply with the Township’s Pool Discharge Permit.
- The Township charges $6.51 per 1,000 gallons discharged.
- Questions go to Public Works at 610-408-3620.
Where pool water can and cannot go
Tredyffrin’s sewer page quotes state regulations: pool water “cannot be discarded into the storm sewer, groundwater, stream or other natural water source.” To discard pool water into the sanitary sewer, you must get Township permission first (Tredyffrin Public Works).
Not allowed
Storm drains and street inlets, the ground, streams and other natural water sources.
Allowed with a permit
The sanitary sewer, after the Township approves your Pool Discharge Permit.
How approval works
- Fill out the Township’s Pool Discharge Permit and submit it.
- Public Works approves discharges when DEP guidelines are followed.
- The water must meet the treatment plant’s requirements.
- A public sewer must be close to the discharge point.
Source: Tredyffrin Public Works. The Township page does not list chlorine limits or how to treat the water first, so ask Public Works when you apply.
What it costs
The Township says the cost for the discharge is $6.51 per thousand gallons (Tredyffrin Public Works). To estimate yours, take your pool’s volume in gallons, divide by 1,000, and multiply by $6.51.
| Pool volume | Discharge fee at $6.51 per 1,000 gallons |
|---|---|
| 10,000 gallons | $65.10 |
| 20,000 gallons | $130.20 |
| 30,000 gallons | $195.30 |
The volumes are examples for the arithmetic, not typical pool sizes. Confirm the current rate with the Township before you drain.
Why the Township charges for it
Tredyffrin says it pays for sewage treatment by the gallon, and that reducing the water entering the system helps reduce treatment costs (Tredyffrin Public Works). A full pool sent to the sewer is treated like any other wastewater.
Where a plumber fits in
Most pool draining does not need a plumber. A plumber can help when the closest sewer access is a cleanout that is buried, damaged or missing, since the Township asks that cleanouts be at least 6 inches above ground and capped. Our sewer lateral guide covers the cleanout.
When to call
Cleanout buried or damaged?
We repair and raise sewer cleanouts for homes in Wayne, Strafford, Paoli, Chesterbrook, Berwyn and Devon. Call (610) 788-0042.
Frequently asked questions
Pool draining questions
Answers by John, Tredyffrin Easttown Plumber.
Do I need a permit to drain my pool in Tredyffrin?
Yes, to drain it to the sanitary sewer. Tredyffrin says you must get Township permission first through its Pool Discharge Permit.
Can I drain my pool into the storm drain?
No. Tredyffrin’s sewer page quotes state regulations that pool water cannot be discarded into the storm sewer, groundwater, stream or other natural water source.
How much does Tredyffrin charge to discharge pool water?
The Township lists $6.51 per thousand gallons.
Who approves the pool discharge permit?
Tredyffrin Public Works, when DEP guidelines are followed, the water meets treatment plant requirements, and a public sewer is close to the discharge point.
Do I need to dechlorinate before draining?
Not found. The Township page does not state chlorine limits. Ask Public Works at 610-408-3620 when you apply.
Sources
Where these facts come from
Every figure and rule in this guide comes from the public sources below. Rules and fees can change, so confirm with the source before you act.
Keep reading
Related services and guides
Sewer laterals in Tredyffrin
Cleanouts and who to call.
Sump pump guide
Keep clean water out of the sewer.
Drain and sewer
Cleanouts and laterals.
Connecting to sewer
Tapping fee and steps.
Our service area
Plumbing across Tredyffrin Township, PA
Tredyffrin Easttown Plumber serves every neighborhood in Tredyffrin Township, including Wayne, Strafford, Chesterbrook, Paoli, Berwyn, Devon, Daylesford, and Howellville, plus neighboring Easttown Township. Our office is at 217 Conestoga Rd, Suite 10, Wayne, PA 19087.
