Pool Water and Plants – are they Compatible?

IS POOL WATER SAFE FOR PLANTS?

Source: http://www.mesaaz.gov/residents/environmental/drain-or-backwash-your-pool

Pool water can be safely used to irrigate salt-tolerant plants. But, since it does contain more salt and chlorine than tap water, you should use caution when using pool water on certain areas of your landscape. Avoid spraying pool water directly onto leaves or watering the same area repeatedly. Injury symptoms to look for include yellowing or browning of leaf edges, or of the entire leaf, and/or extensive leaf drop. For best results, wait 3-7 days after treatments before draining to allow chlorine to dissipate. The pH should be in the range of 7-8. Drain the water slowly to avoid runoff and over-saturation of the soil. See Table 2 for relative salt tolerance levels of common landscape plants:

Plants Sensitive to Salt: Do Not Use Pool Water Fruit Trees Star Jasmine Roses Algerian Ivy Photinia Hibiscus Vegetables Annual Flowers

Moderately Sensitive to Salt: Limited Use of Pool Water Glossy Privet Pyracantha Lantana Xylosma Juniper Bottlebrush

Salt Tolerant Plants: Can Use Pool Water Bermuda Grass Oleander Euonymus Rosemary Bougainvillea Natal Plum Texas Ranger Olive Mesquite Ice Plant

Table 2. Shows the salt sensitivity of common landscape plants. This list is adapted from a publication provided by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

Native to coastal areas, Natal Plum is very salt tolerant and pool water can be applied.

Plants like Bougainvillea are also very salt tolerant and can be watered with pool backwash.