Pools and Spas

BASIX assesses the energy and water consumption of pools and spas based on:

• volume in kilolitres (kL)
• location (indoors or outdoors)
• if a cover is included
• if pool shading will be present
• heating system
• pump system, rating, and timer
• if rainwater will be used for water top-up (selection on the alternative water details page)

Note: If you have a combined pool and spa, enter the pool and spa capacity separately, as if they were built separately. When selecting an indoor pool or spa in a multi-residential development, you must first include a common area.

Contact a swimming pool manufacturer or pool technician for the most accurate advice on pool pump timers, heating systems, filtration times and temperature settings for the pool.

What is the most efficient way to run a pool?

• not installing heating, or if heating is required, selecting an efficient heating system such as solar
• installing a pool cover to reduce heat and water loss through evaporation
• installing a timer on the pump/filter
• operating the pump for no more than 4-6 hours a day during high-use periods (summer), and 2-3 hours a day during low-use periods (winter)
• shading the pool to reduce evaporation, which reduces the water used for topping up the pool

Pool or spa shading:

To be classified as shaded:

• at least 80% of the pool or spa must be covered by a shading device, and
• the shading device must be either opaque, or have a shade ratio of at least 80%, or have a shading coefficient less than 0.35.

For further information about shading devices, please refer to Shading Projections, Pergolas, Awnings, Louvres and Blinds.