Swimming pool conversion

Hi James Yep you are probably right about us not having the same burdens as regards safety, but I guess in a lot of ways we're a fairly hardy bunch out here. No offence intended but we've survived a lot.

My idea was to create a suspended grid of galvinised iron to support a structure of compressed concrete to create a lid (and a decent sized area to use as an entertainment area) allowing for an access point in case it has to be dredged for sludge.

Collecting water shouldn't be a problem so long as it rains, I already have ample points to gather from, the pool is currently ready to overflow from recent downfalls. And yes I have considered the fact that it could push the lid off, and have devised (in my head) a system to stop that happening. That was something that came to mind fairly early in the process.

Thanks for not dismissing the whole idea, I still think it has its merits regardless of those who have suggested otherwise. Cheers Wayne

Reply to
Wayne
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Its too bad theres not some way to have your cake and eat it too. a removable cover for occasional swimming use seasonally and rain water storage at off times?

dont know enough about your part of the world to know if thats feasible..

Reply to
hallerb

There is one word in your post that I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate.

That word is "should."

That "should" work.

When it comes to health issues, should is not acceptable.

Steve

Reply to
Steve B

"Wayne" wrote

You'll be using water that has to have sludge removed from it?

My, you ARE a hearty bunch.

Steve

Reply to
Steve B

Then substitute "does" as in "does work" since exactly what the OP is proposing is commonly done in many parts of the world, even in some areas of the US.

Pete C.

Reply to
Pete C.

That's basically a cistern you're contemplating making. Look it up on Google. Not advisable.

Pop

Reply to
Pop

That may be feasible, but I d> There is one word in your post that I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate. >

I couldn't agree more Steve, health is funnily enough at the top of the heap of my many questions in regard to this whole issue. But you are suggesting that the entire thing should be scrapped because you simply don't know whether or not it is going to be an issue, you feel it is, then it must be so.

For the last two hundred and some years, Australians (and funnily enough the rest of the world) have been living with tank water, dam water, creek water and so on. I'm sorry Steve but you strike me as a person who is living in an over regulated and closed minded society. If you can show me something to definitively deny the possibility this will work, I'll listen, otherwise allow other to give good rhetoric on the idea.

Reply to
Wayne

Ever looked in the bottom of a rainwater tank? Generally you will have a certain amount of silt from the roof. After a few years, you need to clean it out, in the interests of clean clear water, not health although I wouldn't want to drink the stuff.

Reply to
Wayne

Hi Pop Looked it up on Google, and got a huge amount of cistern manufacturers ads and how to fit one to a toilet etc. nothing definitive. Can you shine any light on your recomendation please.

I'm hearing a lot of people here saying it can't be done, but so far not one convincing reason it isn't a reasonable idea.

Try a google search on "underground rainwater tank" and you will find there are literally hundreds of companies selling them.

I have the tank, I need a top, and some good advice on what CAN be done to make it work, I'd rather not hear any more on how it CAN"T be done. It's pretty obvious it will work.

So please those of you who are dedicated to making things happen please keep posting.

Reply to
Wayne

Hi Pop Looked it up on Google, and got a huge amount of cistern manufacturers ads and how to fit one to a toilet etc. nothing definitive. Can you shine any light on your recomendation please.

I'm hearing a lot of people here saying it can't be done, but so far not one convincing reason it isn't a reasonable idea.

Try a google search on "underground rainwater tank" and you will find there are literally hundreds of companies selling them.

I have the tank, I need a top, and some good advice on what CAN be done to make it work, I'd rather not hear any more on how it CAN"T be done. It's pretty obvious it will work.

So please those of you who are dedicated to making things happen please keep posting.

Reply to
Wayne

Just as a idea, a roll away cover, true you cant dance on it, but no one could fall in. Add a really good filter and chlorinate or otherwise treat the water.

Someone mentioned peeing in the water.

Everyone should realize all water has been used befoire:( It just gets reprocessed!

For toilets no trouble

for clothes washing who cares as long as the water doesnt soil the clothes

showering is akin to drinking the water, of course ever go swimming in a lake? drink well water? etc etc.

how much $ are you willing to spend on filtration?

Reply to
hallerb

"Wayne" wrote

It's a simple thing, Wayne. Make it. Spend some money on it. See if it will work. I could be wrong.

I own properties in three states in the United States. On two of the properties, the need for temporary water is an issue. One two acre parcel is between Dolan Springs, AZ, and Meadview AZ. The only way to get water is to haul it yourself.

Our cabin is in rural Utah in the Wasatch Mountains. It has a spring fed system in the summer, and that is monitored by a licensed M.D. who has one of the lots. We have a relatively expensive filtration system on it. For about five months a year, the system is shut off due to sub freezing temperatures. When we go up there during the winter, we have to haul our own water in. We never leave any extra water there because "things" start to grow in standing water.

I am not totally inexperienced to living on "wild water."

What you are proposing is not outlandish. BUT, when you get to the 55,000 liter size that you are contemplating, housing it in a holding device that is not designed for the purpose, and not being able to totally seal the thing from elements, I begin to find some reasons that would make a reasonable man conclude that you might have problems.

You yourself have already proffered the idea for a way to remove "sludge". You must anticipate the water degrading.

You may be able to do this, and it may work for you. IF IT WERE ME, I would use a container designed to hold water for long periods of time, and I would learn and understand the downsides of unsanitary water. And by unsanitary water, I mean any water that comes from a source not regulated by health department laws.

I know that Indians used to drink out of creeks and rivers and lakes. In your land, the Aborigines probably still drink "wild water" and don't have ill effects. Maybe even you have a tolerance to it after years of rural living.

What you are considering is costly. If you are not right, you will be throwing a lot of money away, and you may get very sick. And if you are right, you will have the satisfaction of a job well done.

Enough rhetoric?

Steve

Reply to
Steve B

"Wayne" wrote

I don't know if you noticed, but those tanks are not made of porous plaster.

Steve

Reply to
Steve B

Hi Hallerb That would probably be an answer if we were'nt also looking to get back a large piece of our backyard.

You're right about the need to make sure it is well filtered, and according to at least on tank specialist, he's pretty much sure that the sand filter already installed will be fine, although I may need to give it a good backflush regularly. No problem I do that now. As to drinking lake, creek, tank and well water, I have done many times over the years when out camping, but usually after confirming the source was okay. When you get right down to it, what is a dam other than a large lake. Yes they do treat the water prior to delivery, but I reckon it tastes like crap which is why we have bottled water on hand.

We're getting there, I think it's just a matter of working out the numerous details. Wayne

Reply to
Wayne

If your showering in it or using it for other purposes like washing dishes you MUST chlorinate or otherwise disenfect it properly.

You might check with your local weater service about the quality of rain water in your area. Around here coal fired power plants put way too much of ??? dont remember but it made the news recently....

anyhow chemical power plants etc might be a issue espically if the stuff will tend to accumulate in your tank over time?

before you do this get some professional advice!!! from your local area.

bermuda and this old house has been mentioned here. do realize they are in the middle of the ocean so less chance of downwind stuff poisioning the water.

look at the energy and chemical costs to do what your planning...

Reply to
hallerb

UV light is a very effective sterilizer. One solution is to have an intermediate holding tank sized to your personal water consumption and sterilize only that tank's water.

As for the pool water there is a lot of research already done, and published material available, that will maintain clarity in relatively large (aquarium) tanks of water and yet be biologically benign. Maybe that's the way to go. Establish an ecologically balanced dark cave (minimal sized) community. That will keep in check the microorganisms. Any life threatening contamination or conditions will be immediately obvious should that community fail to thrive.

Reply to
PPP

Hi Hallerb I'm waiting for reports from both the Water Board, and the local meteorological service on water quality, that should be back to me this week.

Also from a couple of irrigation/storage services.

I'll let you know what comes of that. Cheers Wayne

Reply to
Wayne

Hi Steve Wonderful rhetoric mate, much appreciated. I have mentioned elsewhere on here that I'm waiting for information from the local water authority, and I will let you know what the result of that is. I've worked out that I can fairly easily seal the top, although it will be costly, so a lot is going to ride on the answers I get back as to what is neccessary to assure water quality, and also the ability of the existing pump to get it up to the top floor.

The bottom line on this might end up with me emptying it punching some holes in it to avoid it lifting out of the ground, and filling it in, but I won't make that decision until I've worked out if it may be worth it. Cheers Wayne

Reply to
Wayne

I wonder what a human-rated water storage bladder that size would cost?

I think maybe I'd consider such a converted pool for storage of outside-use water and include a drafting standpipe for fire department use, but I'd be real hesitant to use it for potable water.

aem sends...

Reply to
ameijers

An interesting idea, might be worth looking into. If I can't use this for potable water in the end, I'll be hooking it for at least the toilets and washing machine I think.

Reply to
Wayne

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