Can I Use Bore Water in My Pool? Pros, Cons and Warnings

With water restrictions and rising costs, many Aussie pool owners ask: can I use bore water in my pool? The answer is yes — but only if you understand the risks and treat the water properly.

This guide explains the benefits and downsides of using bore water, what to test for, and how to avoid damaging your pool.

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What Is Bore Water?

Bore water is groundwater pumped up from underground aquifers. It’s not treated like tap water and can vary in:

• Mineral content

• Salinity

• Iron, manganese, or calcium levels

• pH or acidity

• Hardness

Because it’s unregulated, it’s essential to test bore water before using it in your pool.

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Pros of Using Bore Water

✅ 1. Cost Savings

Bore water is free once you’ve installed the pump. You avoid costly water bills, especially for filling or topping up large pools.

✅ 2. Useful During Water Restrictions

During droughts or local bans on outdoor tap use, bore water gives you flexibility to keep your pool topped up legally.

✅ 3. Eco-Friendly (in the right conditions)

Reusing available natural water sources helps conserve drinking water — but only when done responsibly.

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Cons and Risks of Bore Water in Pools

❌ 1. Metal Staining

Bore water often contains iron and manganese, which can:

• Turn water brown or green

• Stain pool walls or floor

• Discolour hair and swimwear

❌ 2. High Mineral Content

High calcium, salts or magnesium can:

• Cause scale buildup on surfaces and inside equipment

• Affect chlorine efficiency

• Reduce pump and filter lifespan

❌ 3. Unbalanced pH and Alkalinity

Bore water may be:

• Too acidic or too alkaline

• Out of balance chemically

• Likely to cause corrosion or irritation if untreated

❌ 4. Unknown Contaminants

Bore water can contain:

• Organic matter

• Fertiliser runoff

• Pathogens or bacteria
  These must be neutralised before the pool is safe to swim in.

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Can I Just Pump It In?

No. Never add untreated bore water directly to a pool without first:

• Testing it

• Filtering it

• Adjusting chemical levels

If you’re unsure, our team can help test your bore water or recommend the right pre-treatment products from our pool products range.

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What to Test in Bore Water

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How to Make Bore Water Pool-Ready

✅ 1. Use a Pre-Filter

Connect a cartridge or sediment filter to your bore pump to reduce:

• Mud

• Sand

• Fine organic matter

✅ 2. Use a Metal Sequestrant

These bind iron and manganese to prevent staining. Add them before or during filling.

We stock trusted sequestrants in our pool products section.

✅ 3. Balance Your Water

After filling, test and adjust:

• pH

• Alkalinity

• Calcium hardness

• Chlorine or salt levels

Add chlorine gradually and monitor for colour changes or cloudiness.

✅ 4. Use Clarifier or Flocculant if Needed

If water is discoloured, use a clarifier to bind small particles. For stubborn metal staining, use a floc and vacuum to waste.

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Maintenance Tips After Using Bore Water

• Test water weekly

• Brush walls and vacuum regularly

• Monitor for staining or cloudy patches

• Backwash or clean filters more often

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Should You Avoid Bore Water Altogether?

Not necessarily. Bore water can be safe and cost-effective if treated and monitored properly.

But if you have:

• High iron or salt content

• Frequent staining issues

• Sensitive or high-end pool finishes

…you may be better using tap water or partially blending with bore water (e.g. 50/50).

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Conclusion

So, can you use bore water in your pool?
Yes — but only after proper filtration and chemical treatment.

• Always test for metals, pH, and hardness

• Add sequestrants to prevent stains

• Balance water before swimming

• Monitor closely for changes in clarity or colour

Need help testing or treating bore water? Explore our pool products or visit our store for expert advice.

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FAQ