Convert swimming pool to rainwater tank

15 years ago

Hi all,

I want to get some ideas on converting an existing swimming pool to a rainwater tank. It is an above ground pool with concrete walls. The interior is plaster. It holds water fine. The whole structure is above ground and all the pipes are visible under a deck. The deep end is about 8 feet.

There are a few requirements.

1. animal and mosquitoes proof

2. Algae proof

3. The old pool area should become a usable space. Deck or paver stones.

I have come up with a few solutions. Sugguestions are welcome.

1. Use VersiTank, RainTank, or similar products to fill the space. Then cover the rest space with gravel or soil. Disadvantages: The tanks are quite expensive.

2. Build a deck inside the pool. Place a heavy fabic under the deck board to cover the pool. Disadvantages: water evaporation. Algae may still grow even under the fabric. Deck posts are submerged in the water all the time.

Comments or suggestions?

Thanks.

Scott

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Comments (4)

renovxpt
15 years ago
A combination of 1 and 2 would work. You could probably get a bunch of plant pots from a landscaper at no cost and turn them upside down to fill in the space between the gravel. Algea won't grow without light and evaporation will be nominal. Having the deckposts in the water will make them last longer, just like a dock.
Rack Etear
15 years ago
Why not just cover it with a solid pool safety cover? We have a few reclamantion tanks with these on them that work great. If you are using it strictly for irrigation its a horrible idea to treat it with an herbacide like copper.

Algae needs sunlight for to grow, so that really shoudln't be a factor.
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scott_home
Original Author
15 years ago
A solid pool cover cannot sustain too much weight. One of my requirements is to reclaim the pool surface area for other uses. Plus, the rainwater tank should not need any filtering or circulating and it should be insect proof.

The conversion is actually not uncommon in Australia because of their water restriction. With increasing water demand in US, we will see more and more residential rainwater harvesting.
Sunita Shah
5 years ago
Were you able to convert pool to cistern and whom did you use?