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Pools and Spas
Be waterwise!
A fitted cover greatly reduces evaporation, chemical use, algal growth and debris in the water. It can even increase water temperature by up to 8oC ! Savings: stops the loss of over 100 litres/day or half your pool volume per year.
Water level: Keep it to half way up the skimmer box – it will work much better and you will lose less water. Discourage ‘bombing’ to reduce overflows.
Check for leaks by looking for damp spots below the pool or spa. Check valves, pipes and joiners. Savings: Fix a leak and save around 7,000 litres per year.
Chemical balance: Keep it right to save water. But don't superchlorinate while the cover is on!
Filters: To reduce loads on the filter and the need for backwashing, clean the pool/spa, skimmer box and collection points. For sand/DE filters check the manual for minimum backwashing levels and stop as soon as the sight glass is clear. For cartridge filters, clean with a chemical cartridge cleaner instead of using the hose.
Sun & wind: A shade cover over the pool reduces evaporation and sunburn! Position your pool, spa or trees to reduce wind-borne evaporation.
Choose smaller rather than larger pools and spas.
Filling: If filling a new or renovated pool with tapwater, you will need a permit from Sydney Water for volumes over 10,000 litres. Better still, use rainwater from your tank to fill up or top up.
For more information see the Pool and Spa Association Fact sheets
Updated: 22 Dec 2011