Top up Pools with Rainwater, not Mains Water
Author: Marcus Bicknell

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 chemical dosage
needed will not be drastically effected by the relatively
small amount of rainwater entering the pool.

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. Enthusiastic gardeners are able to 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 which sets
targets for home construction aims to reduce the present
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 which
includes pump, siphon, filter as well as a 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.


About the Author:

Rainwater Harvesting Limited can supply rainwater
harvesting storage tanks, pumps, filters & management
systems for private and commercial use. Go to
http://www.rainwaterharvesting.co.uk for a resource
offering good technical information & advice as well as
lots of product specifications. Download the invaluable
rainwater harvesting tank size calculator at
http://www.rainwaterharveting.co.uk/tanksizecalculator.pdf