What Are The BASIX Requirements For Rainwater Tanks of Swimming Pools?

What Are The BASIX Requirements For Rainwater Tanks of Swimming Pools?

One of the strongest initiatives taken up by the NSW government is the implementation of the BASIX certificate​. It aims to reduce energy and water consumption, thereby giving financial benefit to the New South Wales government.

Compliance with BASIX will not only benefit the government, but it will ensure a sustainable and healthy environment for the future. Along with the compliances related to the energy and resource, if you are planning to add a swimming pool or an outdoor spa, you need to comply with the BASIX requirements. These compliances are implemented to reduce water usage across New South Wales. This article will guide you with what and when you need to comply with the BASIX certification for pools and spas.

When does BASIX apply?

If you plan to include a swimming pool having volume more than 40,000 litres, then you need to resort to BASIX certification. However, the requirement also depends on the water target zone, size of the pool and the type of heating you are planning to install. The pool shades and the covers also play a major role in deciding the pool requirements.

Why is it required?

The amount of water a swimming pool can hold or the volume of water that can be filled inside a swimming pool upto the expected level is defined as the capacity of a swimming pool to hold the water. The NSW government has listed down the water capacity volume to be 45,000 litres which are beyond the 40,000 threshold capacity listed in the BASIX certification.

Additionally, you need to replace the water inside the swimming pool regularly which results in water lost because of splashing, backwashing or evaporation. In this process, the swimming pool loses almost half of its water volume filled inside each year. Which means 20,000 litres of water wastage.

This causes an increase in water consumption by almost 10 % excluding the cost of electricity for running filters and chlorinators.

What do the pool owners need to do?

There are three main criteria that as a swimming pool owner you need to focus upon and these are.

Ensure that you have a dedicated rainwater tank with a tap: As per the BASIX certificate requirements, a separate rainwater tank has to be installed where you can ​store the water for the swimming pool and spa​. However, if you already have a

rainwater tank in place, you have to make sure that the water storage is dedicated to maintaining a desired level of water in the swimming pool.

Additionally, it should be located in the proximity of 10 metres from the edge of the swimming pool. Hoses to be placed in the line so that the pool can be easily filled up or, you can also have auto-filling valves which shall help you in maintaining the water level.

Swimming pool shelter:

Exposed swimming pools have a high level of water evaporation due to the sun. Hence, a swimming pool located outdoors without shade suffers from water loss. Hence to comply with the BASIX certificate, you need to ensure that water is not lost due to evaporation. For this, you can create solid fencing, or grow dense vegetation that helps in shielding water evaporation.

Additionally, at least 80% of the pool or spa should be covered with a shading device whose material is either opaque or has a shade ratio of 80% or higher.

Invest in a swimming pool cover: You would be surprised to know how a swimming pool cover can save upto 10,000 litres of water every month. Also, they can help you in reducing the chemical requirement that is required to balance the pool. It can keep the swimming pool safe for pets and animals and prevent leaves and debris from falling in.

For more details, you can contact a ​BASIX certificate ​compliance handling company and apply for the same.

Contact Us

Company Name: ​Eco Certificates Address: ​Suite 413, 33 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista, NSW 2153 , Australia Phone:​ 1300 162436 Email id: ​info@ecocertificates.com.au Website:​ http://ecocertificates.com.au/