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Top up Pools with Rainwater, not Mains Water

By Marcus Bicknell

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 10Nov2009 Word count: 582 Viewed: 27 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Water boards may soon have the right to impose stricter rules during hosepipe bans. Currently bans cover irrigation and washing private cars, but will extend to include amongst others, topping up pools, hot tubs, ornamental ponds and fountains whether with hosepipes or permanent plumbing. This legislation may not come into force this year but it will come in at some point. A drought order prohibiting topping up can be imposed at any time. However, there is no need to panic. With a relatively small additional investment in a rainwater storage system (in comparison with the overall cost of installing a pool), pool and hot tub owners can protect themselves against the risk of not being able to use their facility just when they most want to.

Topping up in safety.

A typical 10 x 5 metre pool kept covered will lose @ 30 litres a day through evaporation. In a two month drought that is @ 2000 litres. This figure could well be much more, bearing in mind continual use of a pool in a long dry spell. A 2700 litre GRAF tank at under £2000 including accessories would cover this basic shortfall, and any larger tank would give even greater protection for a relatively small additional investment. A digger would be on site to construct a pool, so an underground rainwater system can easily be installed as part of the ground works. Or the tanks can be surface mounted. Fitted with suitable filters and siphons, the storage tanks will provide clear enough water for a pool and hot tub. The relatively small amount of rainwater entering the pool will not drastically effect the chemical dosage required.

Reduce mains water use, reduce water bills: it's common sense!

But even without a hosepipe ban, it makes sense to use rainwater instead of drinking quality water to top up water features. In fact, rainwater should and can be used for all outdoor use. Keen gardeners can use rainwater which plants will prefer to mains water. Gardens and vegetable plots can be safeguarded during dry spells in the event of hosepipe bans. Rainwater can be used for outdoor cleaning (eg vehicles and patios). The pressure is on to reduce drinking water consumption. The Code for Sustainable Homes, introduced in April 2007,(setting targets for home construction) aims to reduce the current average per day of 150 litres to 80 litres. An obvious way to achieve this is to use rainwater instead of mains water whenever possible. Most swimming pool owners are on meters already, all new homes must have meters, and now meters will have to be installed in old homes in most southern counties. Using rainwater will in the long run reduce water costs, particularly if large storage tanks are used when a property has a pool and extensive land. A 6500 litre GRAF tank usually costs just over £2700 including filter, pump, siphon and simple mains back up. Larger tank sizes are available.

A worthwhile investment in a sustainable option.

So often when we mention rainwater harvesting, people nod their heads and say, "Ah, that's the way the trend is going: sustainable options". We want people to be ahead of the trend and invest now. Properties with sustainable options such as rainwater harvesting gain in value for resale. It is often said that sustainable options are easier for those who have more money. People who have pools can afford and give value to "green" options, particularly if it will allow them to use their pool when it is boiling hot and there is a hosepipe ban.

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