Alternative Technology Assn Forums

1. 

   Cosmos
   Member

   I am interested in closing/converting my inground pool to water tank.
   I live in Victoria. Anyone have any suggestions or experience?

   Posted Friday 18 Apr 2014 @ 12:12:37 am from IP #
2. 

   Chip
   Member

   Should work okay but would need a top which was designed so it couldn't blow off, would keep frogs etc out and had a childproof access lid if you were planning to remove the current fence. Probably not a good idea to use the water for drinking.

   Is it concrete or fibreglass? If it is fibreglass you might need a few braces from opposite sides to make sure it doesn't bow inwards when empty. Main thing you will need is failsafe method of draining behind it so it can't float out of the ground when it's empty. There is probably something in place already but it would need to be checked and enhanced maybe - either trench in a drain to a downhill point or to a sump with an automatic sump pump.

   Posted Friday 18 Apr 2014 @ 4:05:07 am from IP #
3. 

   Cosmos
   Member

   Thanks for your prompt and detailed response.
   My 28600 ltr pool is fiberglass, are you working in this industry or did you have you pool converted?
   I obtained a quote of $17000, I am trying to find a better price or other cheaper, better alternatives.

   Posted Friday 18 Apr 2014 @ 6:47:52 am from IP #
4. 

   Chip
   Member

   I don't work in the industry but I did install a 60,000 litre fibreglass pool and "decommissioned" a smaller one elsewhere a few years ago. It was left in situ with top foot cut off, several holes cut in it, ag drain installed vertically through holes and filled in with dirt slightly mounded. Planted a tree and some lawn - all good.

   We are about to have a 110,000 tank supplied and installed for about $10,000 so your quoted storage cost per litre is huge! A 28,000 litre poly tank would probably only cost about $4,000 delivered. You could fill the pool in and sit the tank on top. Less cost, less trouble, less hassle if selling house later.

   A local builder could probably find you some cheap or free fill and recommend a plumber who could organise the tank and installation.

   Posted Friday 18 Apr 2014 @ 1:01:50 pm from IP #
5. 

   Cosmos
   Member

   Thanks Chip, your idea makes more sense. I'll start looking into buying inground water tank soon. Thanks again

   Posted Monday 21 Apr 2014 @ 6:19:49 am from IP #
6. 

   Chip
   Member

   My guesses at cost and complexity were for an above ground poly tank on top of filled in pool. If you want inground tank you may need a concrete one and if access is difficult then it will need to be built in situ. Pool may need to be removed for an inground tank. If inground is required then maybe using the pool would be cheaper tho $17k seems excessive. A concreter could quote for a cover for the pool and an engineer could design top and internal bracing. Might need council approval.

   Posted Monday 21 Apr 2014 @ 8:18:47 am from IP #
7. 

   axess
   Member

   Hi Cosmos,

   I remember going to a house in Beaumaris (Melb) during Sustainable House Day, where they had a swimming pool that was covered and either partially or completely turned into a water tank by covering it with a concrete cover supported by steel beams. It would have been 2 or 3 years ago so if you searched for the Beaumaris House in the archive it might still be there.

   Good luck.

   Posted Wednesday 23 Apr 2014 @ 10:38:03 am from IP #
8. 

   Cosmos
   Member

   Yes, that's exactly what I thought if initially, but everyone I speak to says that I need to reinforce the walls with different material and that's when it becomes expensive

   Posted Thursday 24 Apr 2014 @ 12:18:48 am from IP #

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