How to convert your pool

how to convert your pool

 

1. Turn off your pool filter and stop adding chemicals

If you have a standard chlorinated pool this is all you need do, the chlorine will dissipate within a few weeks. Saltwater pools will need to be drained and refilled with freshwater. The pool must be drained into the sewer and not enter any local water bodies. Contact Sydney Water before emptying your pool and be aware of any current water restrictions.

2. Construction – create different levels 

This might sound laborious but does not have to be anything dramatic. Build or place platforms for aquatic plants to sit on. These can be made out of anything you have handy but good options are:

  • An island made of besser blocks.
  • A floating foam island wrapped in shade cloth – try foam ‘noodles’ tied together.
  • A plastic table.
  • Be creative! It’s a great way to reuse old things in your garden.

Many plants cannot survive in the depth of water present in a pool; place aquatic plants in pots on the steps of the pool and create platforms of various heights to help your pond support a diverse plant community. For more photos and guidance click here.(PDF, 409KB)

3. Added extras

An island can be incorporated into your pond. It’s not only attractive but can also make a great refuge for certain wildlife. These can be solid constructs or simpler version can be made out of floating polystyrene boxes.

Make sure you also create some escape points for wildlife that might get trapped in the pool, such as rope or logs.

4. Native plants and fish

plant zone map

Add some local aquatic plants, then some native fish. Now sit back and enjoy your own backyard billabong. The conversion process will take about two summers as your new pond environment becomes established. Refer to our Plant and fish guide for more information.

The big questions

Are aquatic plants necessary?

Yes, they are vital. Aquatic plants act as filters and utilise nutrients in the water that would otherwise feed algae. Ideally, you should aim for between about 25-50% vegetation coverage. You always want to keep at least half of your pool surface free of plant cover.

Does this natural cleaning really do as good a job as chlorine?

As good if not better. In Europe, many thousands of ponds have been subjected to rigorous testing and have exceeded all EU standards for both health and water standards.

Once your pool has gone through the establishment phase the water quality should be well within the Australian recreation standards.

Do I need a filter?

No. Once your pool is a pond you stop all cleaning, allowing leaves etc. to collect on the pool bottom. A filter removes the accumulation of physical material but does not actually improve water quality and is not necessary for a natural pond.

BUT – a water feature is advised to oxygenate the water – this will improve the quality of the water and help keep the algae to a minimum. A solar powered water feature/pump is an inexpensive addition. 

How long will it all take?

Converting your pool into a pond is not a weekend quick fix and will take time to transition from the pool to a mature pond. During the initial stages your water will turn green and this period can last for a number of months. However, be patient and the water will clear. To have a truly mature pond will take a couple of years.

My pool turned green. Will it stay that way?

No. When you stop applying chemicals the water is colonised by a particular type of algae that turns the water green. This is a natural phenomenon and will naturally clear over time.

What if my water smells?

This is not a common issue and is not something we have had a problem with in Ku-ring-gai. However, if your water does smell it is due to a lack of oxygen in the water. You can easily fix this by using a small solar powered water pump to oxygenate the water.

Can I dump the pool scoop?

No, keep it! It’s really useful for removing things such as algae, especially in the early stages.

When can I add plants and fish?

The best time to add fish is when you discover wrigglers in your pond. If the water can support wrigglers, it can also support plants and fish. Start with plants, and then add fish later. The plants will help to further clear the water and the fish will feed on the wrigglers.

How will I select suitable plants and fish?

Refer to our Plant and fish guide for more information.

Will my fish breed?

Many fish species may breed in your pond. Fish love the temperature gradation a pool provides and if there is sufficient habitat to protect the baby fish then it’s quite possible that your pond will be home to the next generation.

Is the water healthy?

Yes, frogs and fish will not live in polluted water. It is not advisable to drink the water however.

Are mosquitoes a problem?

Mosquitoes should not be a problem. There are approximately 60 mosquito species in Sydney, only 3-4 of these bite humans and they dislike breeding in water deeper than 30cm. Native fish will also eat larvae that do happen to establish in your pond and so will keep the numbers down. Irritating mosquitoes are more likely to be found breeding in the saucers of water under plant pots.

  • Maintain water levels consistently deep levels.
  • Prevent overgrowth of vegetation (no more than 50% water surface coverage).
  • Introduce Native fish to prey on potential mosquito larvae.
  • Install a water feature – keep the water aerated and moving.

More information on managing mosquitoes(PDF, 1MB)

Will it be noisy?

Birds and frogs will visit and breed amongst the plants in your pond so just be sure that your neighbours bedroom windows aren’t too close. However, breeding seasons tend to be seasonal, frigs for example call the most during the warmest, wettest times.

Are there any safety concerns?

Your pond must be fenced and meet all safety regulations for private swimming pools (Swimming Pools Regulation 2018 & Swimming Pools Act 1992). Children must not be left unattended by a pond or pool. The water is not suitable for drinking.

Can I swim in the pool?

Yes, you can! Once mature, a ponds water is well within government-mandated recreational standards. 

Will a pond damage my pump and filter?

Pumps and filters are manufactured to last for approximately eight years and may need to be replaced if the pond is converted back into a swimming pool.  Algae will not cause any problems for your pool equipment.  

Is pool to pond legal?

Swimming pools are regulated in NSW through a number of Sate Government Acts. These include the Swimming Pools Act 1992, Swimming Pools regulation 2008.

Please visit the Pool to Pond page on our website for detailed information on these Acts to ensure you follow the correct procedures for creating your pond.

View recent report by Macquarie University on this topic(PDF, 218KB).

*Please note converting to a pond does not negate your obligations under The Swimming Pools Act 1992 which requires private swimming pool owners to ensure that their pool is at all times, surrounded by a child resistant barrier that separates the swimming pool from the dwelling on the property as well as any public or private place adjoining the property.

Back to top