Pool care - Keep our water supply safe
Filling the Pool
When filling your pool, you must have a backflow prevention device fitted to prevent contamination of our water supply.
Backflow preventers fit into the pipe or hose system used to fill the pool, to stop water from the pool being sucked back into the pipe or hose and contaminating the water supply with pool water.
There are four basic types of devices that can be used:
- Air gaps
- Vacuum breakers, both atmospheric and pressure type
- Double check valve assemblies
- Reduced pressure zone devices.
For hose-filled pools, the most commonly used is the hose connection vacuum breaker, which fit between your hose tap and hose.
You can get more information about what is best for you from your pool supplier or local plumbing merchant.
Emptying your pool
It is very important to empty your swimming pool into the foul drain system rather than into the gutter. The gutter will take your pool's water into the stormwater system which goes directly to the nearest natural water body. The chlorine and other chemicals in your pool can have a potentially devestating and cumulative effect on our water supply, flora and fauna.
If you have an inground pool, you may need to take precautionary measures before you empty the pool if the groundwater table is high or of concern in your area.
If you have questions about any of these matters, contact us and we can talk you through them.
Last reviewed: 25 Sep 2008 5:12pm
Phone us on 477 4000
