Non-potable water?

[grumpiebk]

Crazy question - can you fill a new pool with non potable water? Would the pool chemicals and salt get it to balance out appropriately? We have a ton of new construction in the area and water trucks everywhere. I was wondering if I could have them fill the pool as a side job. It might save me money and will definitely speed up time to fill.


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[JoyfulNoise]

Around here, the non-potable water used for construction and irrigation purposes is distributed through a special water distribution system (bright purple colored boxes and hydrants) because it is derived from grey water at the treatment plant. Grey water is not fully treated and processed therefore it would be hazardous to consume or bath in.

I'd think, at the very least, non-potable water would be a problem for balancing the full chemistry with too many unknowns that could damage a new pool surface.

Is water that expensive? It is here in the desert but I can't imagine it's that expensive in FL...

 

[grumpiebk]

Thanks. That's what I thought but figured I'd ask. I don't think our water is too incredibly expensive, but it's a cost nonetheless. It will run me about $500 to fill 17k gallons. It's definitely worth doing the right way just wanted to understand other options.


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[JoeGolan]

Around here, the non-potable water used for construction and irrigation purposes is distributed through a special water distribution system (bright purple colored boxes and hydrants) because it is derived from grey water at the treatment plant. Grey water is not fully treated and processed therefore it would be hazardous to consume or bath in.

I'd think, at the very least, non-potable water would be a problem for balancing the full chemistry with too many unknowns that could damage a new pool surface.

Is water that expensive? It is here in the desert but I can't imagine it's that expensive in FL...

Actually water in Florida is fairly expensive compared to other areas of the country. Thank god my spa is only 750 gal

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Does your water company offer a break on sewerage fees? Around here, for new pool fills, one simply calls up the water company after a new fill and they send you papers to fill out which you return with proof of a pool build (passed inspection papers usually work fine). Then they waive the sewer fee which can be just under half the cost of the water.

It's different everywhere so you have to call and check.

 

[grumpiebk]

Does your water company offer a break on sewerage fees? Around here, for new pool fills, one simply calls up the water company after a new fill and they send you papers to fill out which you return with proof of a pool build (passed inspection papers usually work fine). Then they waive the sewer fee which can be just under half the cost of the water.

It's different everywhere so you have to call and check.

Ok. Worth a call. Thanks for the advice.


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[Hot6]

You can also start the fill the day before the meter reading and finish the day after. This way you divide the cost of the fill over two months. As JoyfulNoise pointed out the water company will probably work with on the sewage fee.

 

[BigEinAZ]

You won't find anyone with a water truck that will bring you 17K gallons for less than $500. You may be able to make a "donation" to the local fire department though . . .

 

[Teald024]

Crazy question - can you fill a new pool with non potable water? Would the pool chemicals and salt get it to balance out appropriately? We have a ton of new construction in the area and water trucks everywhere. I was wondering if I could have them fill the pool as a side job. It might save me money and will definitely speed up time to fill.

I suppose it depends on their source of non-potable water. If it is a local stream or river, then you will be introducing any contaminates from that source water. Critters are one thing that can be killed with Cl, but pesticides, mfg contaminates, dissolved metals (Fe, Cu, Hg...), pharmaceutical residues (kinda scary!), last weeks oil spill, etc will all be in your pool to stay. On the other hand, if its a known good source it may not be a big deal. It may seem tempting but you will need to decide if you want to live with the risks.

As others have said, check to see if the local water company will cut you a break on the sewer fees. Our sewer fees are triple the water fees. My local gives one allowance per year, others will differ.


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[Clubhouse]

I can't believe how much some of you need to spend to fill a pool. I'm in Central California, in midst of all of our water problems, my 20k gallon pool cost $22 to fill.

I guess its unique to California, but by law Municipalities can't charge more than it cost to produce the service. I.E. my pool was so affordable to fill.

 

[grumpiebk]

For the record, I'm not taking any chances with non-potable water if there are ANY risks or potential concerns. But for the $500 it's going to cost me from the hose, it was worth asking the question.


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[JamesW]

The term “Non-potable” does not tell you much. Basically, it just means not suitable for drinking. It could be almost anything that’s in the water that makes it unsuitable.

Really not worth the risk. You probably don’t want to have to try to figure out why people are getting sick from swimming in the pool. Or, why the water smells funny or why people are itching like crazy and turning purple.

You have already spent a ton of money, don’t risk the entire thing using some unknown water.