Chlorine is used to treat drinking water and disinfect pools. Chlorine is also used in the private sector, as it can be used to effectively and conveniently remove bacteria from swimming pools. However, because of its highly toxic properties, the element repeatedly comes into critical discussion. Pool water can still be used for irrigation in the garden, provided certain aspects are taken into account.
Chlorine in nature
Chlorine is a chemical element whose anion occurs relatively often in nature. This anion is also known as chloride and exists in compounds containing salts. Plants form such organochlorine compounds in small quantities. Some of these are absorbed through the roots. The concentration of chloride in healthy plants is on average between two and 20 milligrams. If it comes to oversaturation, it can lead to poisoning. Plants have different levels of sensitivity to chlorine:
- Chlorine tolerant: tulips, daffodils, roses, beetroot, rhubarb
- Conditionally chlorine-tolerant: tomatoes, kohlrabi, potatoes, cucumber, spinach
- not chlorine-tolerant: annuals, conifers, lettuce, berry bushes, fruit trees
Note: Tropical plants in conservatories and
Greenhouses do not tolerate water containing chlorine.It all depends on the salary
Pool water can certainly be used to water lawns or beds, provided the chlorine content does not exceed a certain limit. If you want to use the water straight from your pool, you should determine the chlorine content beforehand. There are special test devices for this, but they are expensive.
Tip: A rule of thumb is that it takes about 48 hours for the recommended amount of disinfectant to fall below the limit value. Chlorine breaks down completely in seven to ten days and can then be used for watering.
Statutory Regulations
In Germany there is an upper limit of 0.3 mg / l chlorine, which may be contained in the water. This limit value is set comparatively low and relates to both drinking water and service water in the pool. If the chlorine content is below this value, the water is considered harmless and can be used in the garden without any problems. Water with a higher concentration of chlorine must be disposed of via the sewer system. Depending on the region, there may be different regulations that you should find out about beforehand.
storage
You can get the water out
store temporarily in the pool before using it for watering the garden. Use caution when piping the water into a cistern. This is where the rainwater collects, so that bacteria can settle within a short time. A self-cleaning system is created, which is damaged by the introduction of chlorine-containing water. Chlorine kills the bacteria and affects the functioning of the cistern. You should therefore direct the water into a rain barrel that is only used for the pool water. After one to two weeks, the water should be free of chlorine compounds.Which chlorinated water is suitable
There are several ways to keep pool water free of bacteria. Each method works at different speeds. The times in which the chlorine has broken down in the water also vary accordingly. If you plan to use pool water for watering, you should prefer a fast-acting method.
Chlorine tablets
The tabs decompose evenly and take some time. Water movements speed up the process. Since the chlorine content cannot be precisely dosed with tablets, chlorine tablets are less suitable for small pools. It can quickly happen that the limit value is exceeded. If you want to use the pool water in the garden, you should refrain from adding tablets for about eight days.
Chlorine granulate
This loose form enables precise dosing so that the limit value can be adhered to exactly. Granules dissolve faster than tablets, so that the chlorine in the water breaks down more quickly.
Liquid chlorine
Like granules, chlorine in liquid form enables precise dosing. As soon as it gets into the water, it shows its antibacterial effects without
that it has to decompose beforehand. Degradation processes take place immediately, so that the water is ready for reuse in the garden more quickly.Shock chlorination
This designation hides a treatment of the water with a very high concentration of chlorine. Shock chlorination is carried out when the water is heavily polluted. This method should not be used in private as it can be harmful to health. The water also damages the environment and should only be used after a long storage period in the garden.
Pour properly
It sounds tempting to simply pull the plug out of the basin and let the water run free. But this method has some negative side effects that can quickly cause a lot of trouble:
- Neighboring properties can be flooded
- Risk of waterlogging in the substrate
- Slopes and compacted soils prevent seepage
- Water accumulation in the basement is possible
Basically, only as much pool water should be led directly into the garden as the surface area can accommodate. The process may take several days to complete. A submersible pump makes your work easier. Hang the device in the pool and lay the hose on the free area. In this way, small amounts of water are continuously pumped out, which are then distributed over the lawn. You can also use the water to water flower boxes and pots. A pool with stale water makes a great reservoir of water that you can dip the watering can into and take water out if necessary.
Tip: Depending on the pool type, you should never completely drain the water, because it protects the foundation of free-standing steel wall pools from frost damage and gives it stability. Plastic pools must be completely emptied before winter.