Swimming pool maintenance can be a little difficult during water restrictions.

Topping up of pools to full operational level via the reticulated domestic water supply is prohibited under the toughest water restrictions which are Level 5 water restrictions (we are currently at Level 1). However, maintenance level not above 300 millimetres below the skimmer box is permitted to maintain the structural integrity of the pool.

So is there an answer to maintaining a usable water level in your pool?

The answer in most cases is yes and without relying on the precious reserves of the town water supply.

Most of the population of the Hastings area lives on the coastal fringe. During summer, even during drought periods, we will still get some rainfall. You can harvest some of that rainwater to fill your pool by diverting one or more of the down pipes from your roof to allow water to flow into your pool.

Does this really work? Les Fillipeck of Express Plumbing says 'yes it does'. He has had just such an arrangement in place for around three years, albeit a temporary arrangement that he can remove as it is a little unsightly.

Les says that the only time in the last three years he has had to top-up his pool was when he forgot to hook up the down-pipe diversion. Even the dew from your roof will be of some benefit to water levels in your pool.

So if you're a DIY person you should be able to come up with an appropriate arrangement to help keep your pool in usable shape during our tougher levels of water restrictions. If you're not the 'hands-on' type, contact a plumber who should be able to help.

Down-pipe diversion may not be possible for all pools but for those that can manage do arrange it will discover it is a real bonus.

If you not able to avail yourself of what falls from the sky, you should remember to keep your pool covered to prevent water loss from evaporation, even some black plastic from a hardware store will do the job quite nicely.

Running your pool's filter will become a problem when the water level falls below the skimmer box intake. Your local swimming pool builder or maintenance man will be able to offer some advice on how to arrange temporary plumbing to assist with running your filter.