Recovering from the fires
October 20th, 2010
In response to the devastating summer bushfires, the Victorian Government has introduced a new residential building standard, which came into effect in March 2009.
Of particular interest to pool builders is the changes to the way decks can be built. For example, in the most fire-prone areas decks must have fully enclosed sub floor spaces made from non-combustible material, with no gaps in the decking.
Click here for the Guide to Building after Bushfires or here for information on the free seminars conducted by SPLASH! Environmental Awards judge, David Hallet of Archicentre.
Of particular interest to pool builders is the changes to the way decks can be built. For example, in the most fire-prone areas decks must have fully enclosed sub floor spaces made from non-combustible material, with no gaps in the decking.
Click here for the Guide to Building after Bushfires or here for information on the free seminars conducted by SPLASH! Environmental Awards judge, David Hallet of Archicentre.
Meanwhile, the NSPF in the US has sent information to SPLASH! which they believe may help pool owners and technicians in the aftermath of the bushfires. The County of San Diego’s Department of Environmental Health released this document after the California fires a few years ago. They recommended the following maintenance procedures be carried out for any pool which had been affected by smoke or ash contamination or fire damage, and say the pool should not be used until the following steps have been completed.
1. Clean skimmer baskets of debris and skim water surface of pool with pool net to remove floating debris.
2. Brush sides and bottom of pool to loosen contaminants, then vacuum pool.
3. Backwash and clean filter.
4. Check and adjust pH.
5. Check and adjust free chlorine level.
6. Ensure the recirculation system is operating properly by checking filter pressure and/or flow meter.
7. Reopen pool to bathers when pH levels and free chlorine levels are within the prescribed range.
8. Due to the amount of smoke and ash in the air, these steps may need to be repeated after cleaning the filters.
9. Clean the pool deck and dispose of the debris with the rest of the solid waste. Don’t hose down the deck to storm drains. You may spray lightly first to minimize dust and ash from becoming airborne, then use a stiff brush or broom to sweep up and put in the rubbish.
10. Draining pools is not recommended, if it can be avoided.
1. Clean skimmer baskets of debris and skim water surface of pool with pool net to remove floating debris.
2. Brush sides and bottom of pool to loosen contaminants, then vacuum pool.
3. Backwash and clean filter.
4. Check and adjust pH.
5. Check and adjust free chlorine level.
6. Ensure the recirculation system is operating properly by checking filter pressure and/or flow meter.
7. Reopen pool to bathers when pH levels and free chlorine levels are within the prescribed range.
8. Due to the amount of smoke and ash in the air, these steps may need to be repeated after cleaning the filters.
9. Clean the pool deck and dispose of the debris with the rest of the solid waste. Don’t hose down the deck to storm drains. You may spray lightly first to minimize dust and ash from becoming airborne, then use a stiff brush or broom to sweep up and put in the rubbish.
10. Draining pools is not recommended, if it can be avoided.
By The Splash Team
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