Concrete Tank Pools Vs. Plunge Pools
July 9, 2019
One question that we constantly get asked about at Plunge Pools Direct is how to convert an existing concrete water tank into a Plunge Pool. It may be the case where there is an old tank sitting at the property that there is no use for anymore, or it may be the fact that the client has researched and found that converting a water tank is cheaper than buying a Plunge Pool. Whatever the case, there are several things to consider if considering converting a concrete water tank into a Plunge Pool.
- Structural support- What is the structural support of your concrete water tank? It must comply to the uniform building regulations of Australia and must have a bearing load of 150 KPA. This will be required on your permit for a Plunge Pool (This applies Plunge Pools Direct but will vary between manufacturers).
- All Plunge Pools require a skimmer and returns. Without these, filtration will be almost impossible. If you have a water tank, is this something that can be added? And if so, how. Plunge Pools are designed in manufacturing to be able to take these, the skimmer in particular (especially in round Plunge Pools).
- For all inground and semi inground Plunge Pools, a hydrostatic valve is required. This will reduce the changes of the Pool popping out of the ground if the water is removed from the vessel and there is an underground water course under the tank.
- In addition to the above, an Engineering Certificate of Compliance is required. This is a document provided to the building surveyor that states that your Plunge Pool, or Tank converted Plunge Pool meets the Australian standards. Without doing this, you legally can not have your Plunge Pool wired, or therefore use your Plunge Pool for human use.
- Tanks are designed as a static water supply. This means that the water has no movement so the structural integrity can be less than a Plunge Pool (which is designed for water movement). A good example is someone may jump into the Pool which results in massive water movement and puts stress on the outer structure. A Pool is designed with this in mind, whereas a tank is not as this is not its intended purpose.
In addition to this, equipment will be required for your Tank Plunge Pool. Depending on what you require, items such as a filtration system, pump and filter are a necessary, with items such as heating a recommended upgrade.
Lastly, a chemical system will be required to ensure healthy, bacteria free water in your Plunge Pool.
As you can see from the above, anything is possible but at what price? Before committing to converting your tank into a Plunge Pool, it is important to do your research and go through costings. Anything can be done with enough money, but you may find it is cheaper to buy a Plunge Pool before trying to convert your tank into a Plunge Pool.
In our experience we have had clients purchase tanks and do their own conversion to a Plunge Pool and have never been able to obtain the compliance for their permit. This is why re recommend to do your research tossing up all the factors before committing.
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