Pools and Spas
Pools and spas questions and answers are available below.
For more specific information visit :
- Storage trigger levels
- Dripper systems
- Watering days for gardens
- Vehicle washing
- Sports grounds/clubs
- Industry and small businesses
- Penalties and exemptions
- Other stage 3A questions
- Stage 4 restrictions
- Further information
Why are there swimming pool exemptions?
Swimming pool exemptions are designed to:
- prevent ongoing water loss; and
- protect the pool infrastructure.
Without water, pools can crack and rise out of the ground. The Drought Response Plan allows a pool to be filled to protect the pool’s infrastructure.
No new pool exemptions are allowed under stage 3a and as of 18 December 2008 the water utilities will no longer continue to honour pool exemptions granted prior to the introduction of stage 3 in January 2007. Customers with signed contracts from before 18 December 2006 were previously allowed to fill their pool, however it has been exactly two years since these customers signed a contract and we believe that ample time has gone by in which to build a pool.
Under stage 3a:
- A new pool or spa of any size cannot be filled with drinking water, however they may be filled with alternative sources of water such as bore water.
- Existing* pools or spas with a capacity of less than 2,000 litres can only be topped up using a bucket or watering can, filled directly from a tap (not by means of a hose).
- Existing* pools with a capacity greater than 2,000 litres that require repairs may only be refilled where a customer can provide both a Water Conservation Plan and a structural report from an independent contractor.
- In the case of an owner/occupier, an approved building permit from their local council is required.
- If you need to perform maintenance or repairs, please contact your local retailer before initiating works.
* Please note: Existing means the pool was set-up permanently and at least 75% full at the time when the prevailing stage of restrictions was declared.
Under Stage 3a water restrictions can I fill my pool?
A new pool or spa of any size capacity cannot be filled from the drinking water supply. However it may be filled from alternative sources of water.
An existing pool or spa of less than 2,000 litres may be filled with a bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose).
An existing pool or spa of greater than 2,000 litres must not be filled except in accordance with a water conservation plan (contact your local water business for more information).
An existing pool or spa must not be topped up except by means of a watering can or bucket, filled directly from a tap (not by means of a hose).
Why do I have to use a bucket to top up my pool and not a hose?
We understand that this requires more effort, but encourage pool owners to avoid the need to top up regularly by:
- Installing a pool cover to minimise evaporation
- Managing chemical balance to minimise backwash and dumping requirements
- Managing play activities in the pool to minimise splash
What is required if I need to top up or fill a municipal pool?
Written approval from the local water retailer is required. You must submit a written application, signed by the council CEO, explaining why the top up or fill is necessary.
During Stage 3a – Why can my neighbour still top up his pool with a bucket yet I cannot water my lawn?
Without water pools can break and rise up out of the ground. Pools can be topped up (using buckets only) to protect the pool’s structure and filtration system. To avoid the need to fill the pool, owners can maintain proper chemical balance and minimise evaporative losses and also water loss from excessive splashing.