Will Chlorinated Pool Water Hurt Plants?

Swimming pools are a great way to stay active, cool off in the summer and spend quality time with family and friends. However, if you're a pool owner with a garden or landscaping, you may be wondering whether chlorine from your pool water can harm your precious plants.

The Effects of Chlorine on Plants

Chlorine is a chemical commonly used in swimming pools as a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria and algae. While it's undoubtedly useful to keep pool water clean and safe, it can also have a negative impact on plants. When excess chlorine is present in soil or water, it can cause plant stress, stunted growth, leaf burn, and even death.

How to Minimize Chlorine Exposure to Plants

If you're worried about the effects of chlorine on your plants from your pool water, you can take a few steps to minimize their exposure. Here are some things you can try:

Distance plants from the pool area: If possible, keep plants at least 10-20 feet away from the pool area to reduce their exposure to chlorine and other pool chemicals.

Use a pool cover: Using a pool cover when the pool is not in use can help prevent the evaporation of pool water and reduce the amount of chlorine that enters the surrounding soil.

Water plants frequently: Regularly watering your plants with fresh water can help flush out excess chlorine from the soil and reduce its negative effects.

Consider alternative water sources: Using alternative water sources, such as rainwater or well water, to irrigate plants can help minimize their exposure to chlorine.

The Bottom Line

While chlorine is an excellent disinfectant for pool water, its presence can be harmful to plants. However, with a little care, you can minimize your plants' exposure to chlorine and keep them healthy and thriving. If you have any concerns about pool water and your plants, it's always wise to seek advice from a qualified professional.