Legislative Council Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3) 51 3 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Answers to Questions Swimming Pools SWIMMING POOLS The Hon. SANDRA KANCK Legislative Council SWIMMING POOLS In reply to the Hon. SANDRA KANCK (26 September 2007). The Hon. G.E. GAGO Legislative Council Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy SWIMMING POOLS The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy): The Minister for Water Security has provided the following information: 1.	All new swimming pools installed after 1 January 2007 require written authorisation from SA Water to fill the pool with mains water, via a water restriction exemption permit. New swimming pool permit applicants must supply SA Water with proof of purchase of a cover before a permit will be granted. This initiative was introduced to reduce the water loss from swimming pools through evaporation, whilst also saving on energy costs. Applicants must also be prepared to make a commitment to other water conservation practices, that is, explain how they will reduce water usage inside and outside their home. The level of water in a swimming pool or spa that has been previously filled with water may only be topped up or maintained with water from a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or bucket. 2.	The government and SA Water strongly promote the purchase and use of swimming pool covers although; there is no rebate available, SA Water is continuously reviewing rebate schemes. 3.	The government’s relaxation of the temporary tougher water restrictions from 1 October 2007 has assisted householders by allowing the use of drippers and hand-held hoses fitted with trigger nozzles for three hours on weekends for garden watering on an even and odd basis.