With the region set to move into level four-five water restrictions next Monday, a local pool maintenance expert has called for Bathurst Regional Council to provide more clarity around the management of residential pools.
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The restrictions will prohibit residents from filling new pools using Bathurst's water supply as well as topping up of existing pools without a council permit.
But Poolwerx Bathurst franchise partner Rod Thornberry has quizzed council about their management plan for residential pools in the event water levels drop.
"If a pool level gets too low, the pump can't suck water, which prevents circulation and causes a dam of stagnant green water in the backyard," Mr Thornberry said.
"Once the water goes green, you've then got a microbiological hazard attracting mosquitoes, algae, cryptosporidium, E-coli and various other forms of bacteria."
Council's restrictions have also stated that residential pools must be covered at all times, which Mr Thornberry said could lead to further concerns.
"If you leave a solar blanket on a pool for an extended period of time, the increase in water temperature [four to eight degrees] will cause a greater buildup of chlorine," he said.
"When consistently trapped by a blanket, the chlorine can't dissipate from the water into the air, which can have a bleaching effect on fibreglass, painted concrete and vinyl liner pools and void manufacturer warranty.
"Furthermore, a pool with a high concentration of chlorine can bring about asthma attacks so if you have an asthmatic family member, it creates another health concern."
Mr Thornberry has operated under the Poolwerx name in Bathurst for much of the last decade, and was awarded Employer of the Year at the 2019 Poolwerx Gala Awards in Adelaide, recognising franchise partners across Australasia.
At a recent information session for businesses using the town's water supply, Mr Thornberry suggested council should formulate a 'best practice' policy to help residents concerned about the hygiene of their pool.
"When I raised the issue, council said residents using town water would be able to top up their pools for hygienic reasons, but would be unable to swim in it without a tank or bore water supply."
"I raised these concerns three weeks ago, and no one has gotten back to me yet."
Mr Thornberry said he has been fielding calls from both regular and occasional clients about pool management during stricter water restrictions.
"All we can do is refer them to council's permit forms," he said
"It's hard to give professional advice while trying to work within council's policies and procedures."
With water restrictions fast approaching, Mr Thornberry said council need to act quickly to prevent these issues from arising.
"My advice for residents is to raise health, safety and hygienic concerns to council regarding their pools," he said.
"Alternatively, there's the option to switch to a tank or bore water supply if it's within the family budget."
For more information on water restrictions, visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/waterrestrictions.html/.