Can I Use The Pool Water For Watering My Garden Instead Of Draining It?
Yes, you can reuse pool water in your garden, but only if it is treated or allowed to naturally dissipate so that chlorine, salt, and other chemicals are at safe levels. Untreated water can harm plants, stress soil, and create long-term damage to lawns. With careful preparation, testing, and proper application, pool water can become a sustainable irrigation source, helping you save water, reduce waste, and support a healthy backyard garden.
- Last Modified On January 12, 2026
Is Pool Water Safe for the Garden?
In its untreated state, pool water is generally not safe for most garden plants or lawns. Chemicals added to the pool water to maintain clarity and hygiene can persist long after swimming has ended. Chlorine, in particular, is highly reactive and can burn tender roots or leaves. Salt from inground fibreglass pools can accumulate in the soil and disrupt water uptake, while imbalanced pH levels can stress plants and reduce nutrient availability.
The risks vary depending on your pool type, chemical concentration, and how often the water is applied. For example, a small fibreglass pool used occasionally will likely pose fewer risks than a large lap pool with heavily chlorinated water.
So, before using pool water on your garden, always test it for chlorine, salt, and pH.
Can Pool Water Affect or Harm Grass?
Grass can tolerate small amounts of pool water similarly to rain, but there are important differences. Unlike rainfall, pool water may contain concentrated chemicals that do not naturally wash away. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to
- Yellowing patches
- Uneven growth
- Nutrient imbalance in the soil
- Root burn
To protect your lawn, allow chlorine to dissipate naturally for 24 to 72 hours, depending on temperature, or use a plant-safe neutraliser if immediate use is required.
Testing the water with a pool kit ensures safe chlorine and salt levels. Applying pool water sparingly and rotating the areas you water prevents chemical build-up and keeps your lawn healthy.
In hot summer months, chlorine breaks down more quickly, making treated water safer for use sooner, while cooler weather may require a longer waiting period.
What About Plants? Is Chlorinated Water Safe?
Most garden plants are more sensitive to chemicals in pool water than lawns. Chlorinated water can burn roots, stunt growth, cause leaf browning or wilting, and disrupt the soil organisms that support plant health. Even trace amounts of chlorine, if applied repeatedly, can cause stress in sensitive species.
Some plants tolerate occasional treated pool water better than others:
More tolerant: citrus trees, avocado trees, corn, cucumbers
Highly sensitive: herbs, seedlings, acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, leafy greens
How to Make Pool Water Safe for Plants
Making pool water safe for irrigation involves a combination of waiting, neutralisation, filtration, and testing.
1. Let It Sit (Evaporation & Sunlight)
Storing water in an open container for 24 to 72 hours allows sunlight and air to naturally break down chlorine. Warmer weather accelerates this process. It is important not to cover the container, as air exposure is key to reducing chemical concentration. Stirring the water occasionally also speeds up dissipation.
2. Use a Chlorine Neutraliser
Plant-safe neutralisers such as sodium thiosulfate work quickly to remove residual chlorine. These products are available at garden or pool stores, and it is essential to follow the instructions carefully, adjusting dosage based on water volume. Neutralisers provide a reliable option if you need to use the water sooner than natural dissipation allows.
3. Get a Filtration System
Activated carbon or inline filters can remove chlorine and other chemicals, improving water quality for irrigation. While filtration can be more costly, it is highly effective for regular reuse of pool water, particularly for larger in-ground fibreglass pools or saltwater pools.
4. Test and Adjust the Water
Always test the water before applying it to plants. Pool test kits can check chlorine, salt, and pH. Aim for chlorine near 0 ppm, pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and minimal salt. Diluting with fresh water can also help reduce chemical concentration, particularly if test results are borderline.
4. Consider Water Delivery Methods
Use hoses or drip irrigation to apply water at the base of plants rather than spraying leaves. This reduces foliar damage and ensures roots receive water without direct chemical exposure. Apply pool water as a supplement rather than the primary irrigation source, and rotate watering areas to prevent chemical accumulation in the soil.
What About Saltwater Pools?
Saltwater pools are often perceived as safer, but dissolved salts can accumulate in soil over time, reduce water uptake by roots, scorch leaves, and degrade soil structure. For safe use:
- Dilute pool water with fresh water before application
- Avoid using it on sensitive crops such as herbs, seedlings, or acid-loving plants
- Consider Reverse Osmosis filtration if you plan to reuse water regularly
Even small amounts of salt can accumulate with repeated use, so monitoring soil health is important.
How to Remove Salt From Pool Water
To use salt pool water safely, you’ll need to reduce the salt concentration. Here’s how:
Use Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filtration
This is the most effective method for removing salt and other dissolved solids. RO filters are more expensive but ideal if you plan to reuse pool water regularly.
✅ Dilute With Fresh Water
Mix pool water with rainwater or mains water to lower the salt concentration. This is a basic option, though not foolproof.
✅ Avoid Using Salt Pool Water on Sensitive Plants
Even with treatment, avoid using salt pool water on:
- Herbs
- Seedlings
- Native species
- Acid-loving plants like azaleas or blueberries
Tips for Watering Plants With Pool Water
If you’re ready to reuse your pool water in the garden, follow these final tips for best results:
- Test the Water First: Use a pool test kit to ensure chlorine and salt levels are low or non-existent.
- Avoid Direct Application on Leaves: Water at the base of plants to reduce the risk of foliar damage.
- Use on Lawns, Not Veggies: Avoid using treated pool water on edible crops unless you’re 100% certain it’s chemical-free.
- Apply Sparingly: Don’t overwater. Let the soil dry out between applications to avoid chemical buildup.
Note: Local regulations may restrict pool water discharge, particularly for larger pools, so check with your local council before draining significant volumes into your yard.
Conclusion
Reusing pool water can be safe, practical, and economical if done correctly. Treat the water, test it carefully, apply it at the base of plants, and monitor both plants and soil over time. Using these methods, you can reduce water waste without damaging your garden.
For professional guidance, including design and maintenance of backyard inground fibreglass pools, you can find a pool builder through Barrier Reef Pools.
For those planning a backyard upgrade, explore fibreglass pools or inground fibreglass pools from the Barrier Reef Pool Range and start your project with a free pool quote.
A Quick Summary For You
Chlorinated water can be harmful to plants, particularly if used consistently. Chlorine, which is often added to municipal water supplies as a disinfectant, can disrupt the beneficial microorganisms in the soil that are essential for healthy plant growth.
While small amounts of chlorine are generally not lethal to plants, higher concentrations can indeed kill them. Chlorine can cause leaf burn, stunted growth, and even plant death if the levels exceed what the plants can tolerate.
Using pool water to water plants is not recommended, especially if the water contains chlorine and other chemicals. The high chemical concentrations can be detrimental to plant health, leading to adverse effects on their growth and vitality.
The effects of chlorinated water on plants can vary depending on the concentration of chlorine and the type of plants. Symptoms may include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and poor root development. Over time, regular exposure to chlorinated water can lead to a decline in plant health and reduced yields. It is advisable to let tap water sit for 24 hours before using it on plants, allowing some chlorine to dissipate.
No — not immediately.
Even if your pool has been unused for a few days, the chlorine and salt levels may still be too high. Always test and treat the water first.