Sustainable Swimming The hub of many summer social activities, swimming pools and plunge pools feature frequently in South African gardens. While pools not only offer a welcome respite from the scorching sun, they often form the focal point in carefully land- scaped grounds. When successfully conceptualised and designed, an effective pool can integrate strategically placed water features, plants and lighting to provide a dynamic space suitable for both entertainment and relaxation.

How to make your pool Water Wise

Historically speaking... Pools are predominantly constructed out of concrete, plastic or fibreglass and are normally filled with tap or borehole water. However, the history behind the swimming pool goes back millennia. The first swimming pool was supposedly constructed during the 3rd millenium BC in Mohenjo-Daro, which is modern- day Pakistan. This ‘Great Bath’ is thought to have been used for ritual bathing, religious ceremonies or cleansing of the soul. In Ancient Rome, public baths were a part of everyday-life, where people cleansed themselves, relaxed and used the time to catch up on local gossip.

However, while long, lazy days around the pool epitomise our summers, it must be remembered that water is a scarce and precious commodity in our country. South Africa receives less than half the average rainfall received annually by the rest of the world. Consequently, we are defined as a water-scarce country. Combined with an ever-increasing population that needs water to survive, as well as an increase in water pollution, it is evident that South Africa is facing a potentially serious water crisis. Although pools are sought-after amenities that offer many benefits, they can also be extensive water-wasters.

Estimated monthly evaporation loss from pools

Pool size 10 mm evaporation /week

25 mm evaporation /week

50 mm evaporation /week

4 x 3 m 518 litres 1299 litres 2600 litres

5 x 3 m 648 litres 1625 litres 3251 litres

8 x 4 m 1380 litres 3467 litres 6933 litres

10 x 5 m 2166 litres 5416 litres 10833 litres

There are approximately 168 000 swimming pools situated throughout South Africa. A typical residential swimming pool can hold anything from 20 000 to 80 000 litres of water. In a semi-arid country like South Africa, the average evaporation rate during the summer season is between 6 and 8 mm daily. For a 4 x 3 m pool, that translates to around 2 600 litres of water evaporated per month, which is 31 200 litres lost every year. In hotter, more arid regions such as Namibia, up to 42 000 litres of water can be lost to evaporation from a 4 x 3 m pool every year. In Namibia, it is law that if a pool is not in use, it must be covered.

Natural pools are eco-friendly and do not

require the use of chemicals. Integrated into

the surrounding environment, natural pools

act as mini-ecosystems and can provide a habitat for a number of aquatic plants

and animals. Natural pools thereby utilize the concept

of wetland or river ecosystems. Indigenous aquatic vegetation and a

simple filtration system are used to cleanse the water. By using harvested water and solar- powered filter

systems a natural pool can literally be taken ‘off the

grid’!

Natural Pools

The Great Bath

Pool covers In many dry countries such as Namibia and Australia, pool covers are highly encouraged and widely used. Pool covers can reduce water loss through evaporation by up to 97%. Covering your pool is one of the best ways to prevent excess evaporation, while also keeping the pool clean from debris and reducing the amount of chlorine and chemicals required. The amount of algal growth is also reduced in covered pools. Only fill your pool when necessary and if your pool requires topping-up due to loss of water, use a timer to monitor the amount of time the hose-pipe is left on. A forgotten hose can waste up to 1000 litres of tap water per hour. A water wise alternative is to top up your pool with harvested rainwater.

For further information on Water Wise® please contact us on 0860 10 10 60 or visit www.randwater.co.za and click on the Water Wise logo.

Water Wise hints and tips

Water features Incorrectly designed and placed water features can also become significant water guzzlers. To minimise the water lost with a water feature, consider placing the feature in the shade. Opt for water features that require the minimum size but provide the maximum effect. A water wise feature is one whereby the water falls into a pool below that is 1.5 times wider than the height of the fall of the water. This will prevent water from being splashed out of the catching pool and being wasted. A softly rippling stream into your pool can have a greater and more relaxing effect than a high gusher. Install a timer onto your water feature so that it operates only when necessary.

Backwashing your pool Backwashing can account for up to 30% of your pool’s water use. Some people allow their pool’s backwash to flow into their gardens. Unfortunately, chemicals in pool water can be harmful to your garden and chlorine can burn and kill plants. To be water wise, a worthwhile investment is a system that is able to cleanse the backwash so that it can be diverted back into your pool or onto your garden. Luckily, chlorine does not persist in air, water or soil. Try running your pool’s backwash over large pebbles to create a ‘bubbling rapids’ effect. The exposure of the chlorinated water to sunlight and aeration will cause the structure of the chlorine to breakdown, leaving it harmless to your garden plants.