FACT SHEET FOR POOL OWNERS
A message from our Mayor
In Australia we enjoy an outdoor lifestyle that not many countries in the world can compare to. For many, a backyard pool is the ultimate way to take advantage of our sunny climate. In fact, Australia has the highest number of pool owners, per capita, in the world. However this ‘sunny’ climate has also seen our country drought stricken in many parts. It’s important that our community is aware of what we can do to help reduce the impact and severity of this drought. Although it is not the sole responsibility of pool owners, every little bit counts. This fact sheet is designed to give pool owners information about ways they can conserve energy and water, whilst still enjoying the benefits that owning a pool provides. There are many simple but effective ways to do this. It also provides information on ways to keep your children safe around pools.
Despite water restrictions, the number of pools installed in the City of Canterbury has increased in recent years. All home owners can save water around their pools by using the simple tips below. The average domestic pool holds around 30,000 litres of water, but importantly, should only require occasional topping-up.
Number of Pool Applications Per Year
80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Unfortunately every summer there are tragic announcements that children have drowned in backyard swimming pools. Level 1 Water restrictions were introduced on October 1 2003, Level 2 water restrictions were introduced on 1 June 2004 and Level 3 water restrictions These incidents could have been prevented by ensuring were introduced on 1 June 2005. that adequate safety measures have been put in place. I urge all residents to ensure their backyard swimming pool is safe and secure at all times, especially in the lead up to Tips for reducing your pool water and energy use summer. A non-heating pool cover can: If pool owners can put even a little of this information into practice, they will not only benefit themselves but the • cut evaporation by 97% – saving between 8 and 10,000 litres of water a month in summer; community and environment as well. If you have any comments or questions about this fact sheet or your backyard pool requirements please contact Council on 9789 9300. • help keep out leaves and dirt out of your pool; and • reduce salt and chemical use by up to 50%. Check for leaks regularly by looking for damp spots downstream of the pool and for leaking pipes, valves and joiners. Before going to bed, turn off all your taps and water using appliances and write down your water meter reading. The next morning take another reading and see if the meter has moved.
Cr Robert Furolo Mayor
cont. on back page
2007
0
Council recommends you conduct an audit on your home and replace any inefficient showerheads with Triple A water saving showerheads. For a family of four this can save an estimated 30,000 litres annually - the same amount it takes to fill an average pool! You can have a free environmental audit through Council’s ‘Kilowatt Kutters’ program.
Help save children’s lives
Each year ten Australian children under five drown in backyard pools and many more suffer serious injuries from near-drowning experiences.
A few simple safety measures could help save a life, including: • fencing pools with a secure magnetic self latching gate and never leave it propped open; Carefully select plants for around the pool to protect your • ensuring the gate self closes and latches in any pool from wind. Wind increases the amount of water lost by position; evaporation. • check nothing leans against the fence that a child could climb over to get into the water. Place a shade cloth over the entire pool area. This will • ensure that an adult is always present to supervise reduce evaporation. young children. Keep the water level of your pool halfway up the skimmer The NSW Water Safety Taskforce and local councils have opening. Overfilling the pool stops the skimmer working developed checklists on fencing requirements depending efficiently and wastes water. on when and where pools have been installed. The checklists can help pool owners determine whether their Install a rainwater tank to top up your pool. Sydney Water fences comply with legislation. For further information on offer rebates for installing rainwater tanks. swimming pool safety and the checklists go to www.safewaters.nsw.gov.au . When purchasing your pool or spa consider a cartridge filter. This does not need backwashing and can save up to For more information contact: 8000L of water every year. Ensure that the pool is kept free of any dust, leaves or debris which can cause problems with filtration. Check the pool after any storms and clear debris. Liquid pool covers are a new alternative available if you don’t want to hide your pool water with a cover or blanket. The chemical forms a barrier on the water’s surface which inhibits evaporation by up to 40%.
Kilowatt Kutters - 9789 9488 Pool safety barriers/fences - 9789 9300 Sydney Water - 13 20 92 Emergency - 000