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Can You Use Pool Water for Garden? Safe Irrigation Guide

By Pool Repair Question • Updated February 26, 2026
Maintenance Medium 2-3 days for dechlorination 39 views

Is it safe to use pool water to irrigate my vegetable garden?

I'm really concerned about water waste and have been thinking about using our pool water to irrigate the family vegetable garden instead of just draining it. We grow tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs that my kids love to help harvest and eat.

I know pool water has chlorine and other chemicals, but I'm not sure what levels are safe for plants or if there's a way to make it garden-safe. Are there specific chemical levels I should test for before using it? I want to make sure we're not contaminating the soil or creating any health risks for my family when we eat the vegetables.

Dear Jim G.,

Quick Answer

Pool water can be used for garden irrigation, but chlorine levels must be below 0.1 ppm and salt levels under 1,000 ppm. Dechlorinate first and avoid watering sensitive plants directly.

Tools & Supplies Needed

pool test kit pH strips salt test strips sodium thiosulfate or vitamin C watering containers

Find on Amazon: Taylor K-2006 Pool Test Kit , Sodium Thiosulfate Dechlorinator , Digital Salt Water Test Kit

Is it Safe to Use Pool Water to Irrigate My Vegetable Garden?

Quick Answer

You can use swimming pool water for gardening, but it requires careful preparation and testing. Pool water must be dechlorinated and checked for chemical content before use.

Safety Guidelines

  • Free chlorine levels must be undetectable (0 ppm)
  • Salt levels should be under 200 ppm (many vegetables are sensitive to higher levels)
  • pH between 6.0-8.0 (values above 7.5 may cause nutrient lockout in some vegetables)
  • No recent algaecide treatments (especially copper-based algaecides which are toxic to plants)

Water Testing

Use a reliable pool water test kit to verify chemical levels. Check free chlorine, pH, salt content, and cyanuric acid levels (cyanuric acid should be minimal as it can inhibit plant growth and soil biology). Wait 48-72 hours after last chemical treatment before irrigation (longer for stabilized chlorine products - consult manufacturer specifications).

Dechlorination Methods

  • Natural Aeration: Allow water to sit in open containers for 24-48 hours (longer may be required for higher initial chlorine levels)
  • Chemical Neutralization: Consult water treatment professionals for precise sodium thiosulfate dosing
  • Dilution: Mix pool water with fresh water to reduce chemical concentration

Irrigation Precautions

  • Water soil around plants, not directly on leaves
  • Apply in early morning or evening
  • Rotate water sources to prevent chemical buildup

Plants to Avoid Watering

  • Acid-loving plants
  • Seedlings and young transplants
  • Herbs and leafy vegetables
  • Stressed or diseased plants

Warning

Always monitor plant health and discontinue pool water use if any negative symptoms appear. Consult local agricultural extension for specific regional guidance.

This article is for informational purposes only and may contain errors. Always verify technical specifications and safety procedures with your equipment manufacturer's documentation or consult a qualified professional before performing repairs. See our terms.
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Tags: #pool water #garden irrigation #dechlorination #water conservation #plant safety