ᐅ Using an Old Swimming Pool as a Rainwater Cistern?

Dear all,

On a property that we are likely to purchase, there is an old pool that would normally be removed during demolition and clearing. Now I have been thinking about whether it could instead be buried and used as a cistern with a cover on top (what material would be suitable?).

What are your thoughts? What else should be considered?

Best regards

Tolentino

What type of pool is it (construction method) and how large?
It's certainly possible, but if you don’t cover it with at least 70 to 100 cm (28 to 39 inches) of soil, not much will grow on it.

Lumpi_LE schrieb:

What type of pool is it (construction method) and how large?
It’s possible, but if you don’t cover it with at least 70 to 100 cm (28 to 39 inches) of soil, not much will grow on it.

I haven’t looked at it closely yet. I still need to find out some details (material, exact condition).
Basically, it’s a large tub-shaped structure (about 1.5 m by 3 m by 1 m, LxWxH), shaped like the outline of a figure eight.

I just wanted to check whether this is a crazy idea or if it’s worth considering.

So, I would have to dig about 2 m (6.5 ft) deep. But I would need to do that anyway if I wanted to install a new cistern, right?

Good luck

Tolentino

If it’s a concrete pool, I would consider converting it into a natural swimming pond.

fragg schrieb:

If it’s a concrete pool, I would consider converting it into a natural swimming pond.

It looked like metal, but I couldn’t tell for sure from 5 meters (16 feet) away without touching it. I need to take a closer look.

I’m always wary of ponds because of mosquitoes. On the other hand, we had thought about keeping running ducks. But I doubt that would be practical on 500 m² (5,382 sq ft).

I believe that the effort required to create a suitable, waterproof, and load-bearing cover is higher than simply purchasing a ready-made cistern instead.