INFORMATION PERTAINING TO FLOOD WATER INUNDATION WITH SWIMMING POOLS.

In-ground pools should NOT be drained until such time as the following occurs:

Contact with pool builder who was contracted to build the pool (for pools still under warranty). Failure to do this would void the contractual warranty.

Do NOT operate the pool pump, salt chlorinator power pack or other electrical equipment associated with pool. An electrician should check the pump motor, salt water chlorinator power pack & any other associated electrical pool equipment before turning such equipment on.

Add 20 – 30 litres liquid chlorine to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Keep pool sanitary until such time as the pool can be attended to by a pool industry professional.

It is recommended pool owners affected should contact SPASA on 3252 6777 for a list of members who are appropriately licensed and qualified pool professionals, or alternatively contact a local pool shop operator or pool service technician.

The pool may only require internal cleaning & at worst may require the internal lining to be replaced.

Draining a pool whilst the surrounding soil is saturated is fraught with danger as the hydrostatic earth and/or water pressure under the concrete, fibreglass and/or above ground-in-ground pool structures can cause the pool to ‘pop’ out of the ground and cause the shell to float like a boat.

Pool fencing may have been damaged and subsequently become non-compliant due to the flood event. Many of the affected pools may have NON-COMPLIANT pool fencing and therefore one should consult with an appropriately licensed inspector to ascertain what action may be required to obtain such compliancy to the new pool fencing legislation which came into effect on 1 December 2010.

Check with Insurance Company to ascertain whether the pool is covered by the pool owner’s insurance policy with respect to restoring the pool, fencing & surrounds due to flood damage.