is it safe to drain a swimming pool through a home water heater?
We have a tenet that thinks it is safe to drain the pool through the home water heater in the house that is used to heat the water that is used throughout the house. Is this safe? Will it cause harm to the plumbing? Are there health concerns? Will it affect appliances like dishwashers, garbage disposables, etc?
If I read this correctly, you’re saying that the water from the pool is going directly into your hot water heater, and then from there into your pipes and all through your home.
If that is the case, this is definitely not safe. Any chemicals (including chlorine, pee, etc.) / debris (sticks, hair, animal poop) / bugs (small and large) that are in the pool will be coming unfiltered through your pipes. Damage these things can cause to your plumbing and appliances aside, I’m sure you can see the health risks this poses.
My advice would be to have your tenant cease this behaviour immediately – evict them if you have to, since the money they’re paying you in rent likely isn’t worth replacing all your plumbing and appliances. If you can afford it, get an inspector to come check things out, or see if you can’t get someone to come flush your pipes out.
Good luck!
NO, it is NOT safe! You are pretty much bringing unfiltered water through your pipes/plumbing, not to mention the chlorine and/or chemicals in that water will eventually DAMAGE your pipes/plumbing.