Ensuring a responsible and green pool water supply for your swimming pool

Ensuring a responsible and green pool water supply poses strong challenges for new swimming pool owners, but with some water sense you can have your pool and swim in it too.

If you're thinking of installing a new swimming pool, you may wonder how you're going to find a green pool water supply without breaking the strict water restrictions in place across much of Australia.

Managing your pool’s water supply

Currently in Victoria and much of Queensland new pools or spas cannot be filled with drinking water. Unless you have your own water tank or bore water handy, that means you'll have to purchase your pool water from licensed water supply retailers. According to Lisa Llewellyn from the Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA), this can cost thousands of dollars.

"In Victoria, SPASA has tapped into an underwater aquifer in the western suburbs of Melbourne, which will allow new and renovated swimming pools to be filled with bore water, however the further the tanker has to carry the water, the more it will cost."

Recycled, green pool water supply for your swimming pool

A cheaper option may be to buy recycled water from pool demolitions or renovations. SPASA Victoria currently has a pool water recycling program underway. 

Green pool water supplies for swimming pools in Sydney

In the Sydney region, to fill a swimming pool larger than 10,000 litres, you'll need a permit, which will only be granted if you install a water saving device such as a dual-flushing toilet or low-flow showerhead.

Green pool water supplies for swimming pools in South Australia and the ACT

In other states such as South Australia and the ACT, owners must apply in writing for permission when filling pools that are newly installed. Topping up and filling are often conditional on factors such as purchasing a pool cover.

Green pool water supplies for swimming pools in Tasmania

Tasmania has no restrictions on top-ups, but written permission is required for a fill.

Green pool water supplies for swimming pools in WA

In WA there are no restrictions in place, but households are encouraged to devise a conservation strategy with water devices that save.

Water restrictions across Australia

Lisa suggests new pool owners contact the SPASA in their state for more information specific to their area, and check with their local water authority for water restriction changes and updates.

No matter where you live or the water restrictions in place, it pays to be wise about your pool water - both for the planet and your hip pocket. According to Lisa, there are plenty of things you can do to keep top-ups to a minimum and save water.

"Check the plumbing around valves and pipe joiners for leaks, especially in older pools," she says. "To reduce evaporation and the need for filtering, install a pool cover and siphon off excess water after rain to use on the garden."

Contact a water supplier to discuss filling your swimming pool: