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| Case Study: Swimming Pools and Water Restrictions |
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| The swimming pool and spa industry has not traditionally come to mind when talking about water conservation. However, with severe water restrictions in some areas the industry has had to adjust. |
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When Geelong went to stage 4 water restrictions in December 2006, pool owners were not permitted to fill a new pool with potable water and refilling could only be done by bucket. However, pool owners were confused and frustrated, as they didn’t know what was permitted. Can I fill up my new pool? Am I allowed to top my pool up? Do I have to use a bucket or a hose? Can I use mains water? Where else can I get water from? Some pool owners even considered draining their pool.
Such a scenario would cause many pool retailers to shut up shop, but Gillian Costa from Gordon Avenue Pools saw this as an opportunity. Hiring out the Sailor’s Rest Cafe, Gillian invited pool owners from the Geelong area as well as employees from the local water authority to participate in a seminar on facing Stage 4 water restrictions with a swimming pool. Around 90 people attended, which was a great response. During the seminar a range of discussion topics were addressed. Pool owners were given some great new ideas about how they can save water from using simple pool blankets, to innovative products such as the Pool Filter Wizard.
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The Pool Filter Wizard (right) is a bag that filters particles as small as one micron and can be attached to the return line. This device saves water by allowing you to re use water from backwashing your sand filter. Also, if your pool water has gone green over winter, the Pool Filter Wizard will allow you to clean the water once you have killed the algae with chlorine rather than emptying and refilling your pool.
During the evening, Gillian suggested that pool owners adopt a set of rules designed to keep water in the pool:
No bombing or getting out of the pool and jumping back in
Drip dry on the top step so the water goes back into the pool
Ask pool users top it up with a bucket after use so they are conscious of the amount of water they’ve used |
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The team at Gordon Avenue Pools also arranged for an alternative supply of water for new pool owners to keep the industry in business during Stage 4 restrictions. This involved contracting water carters to bring water in from other areas. Gillian’s ability to adjust her business to stage 4 has allowed Gordon Avenue Pools to survive even through periods of severe water restrictions. This initiative helped save a lot of pool water and kept the pool industry alive in Geelong.
For more information on water saving products and ideas for pools have a look at the pools section on savewater!® Products. |
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