WATER – Tropical Patterns

CONSIDER PART OR FULLY SHADED POOLS TO KEEP WATER TEMPERATURE LOW AND PROVIDE SHADE FOR USERS
Allowing shade above pools in the tropics can be of great benefit for longer time use. Full sunshine all over the pool is not as inviting for pool use.

PLAN IN POOL FENCES FOR CHILD SAFE POOL
If the pool is not in a restricted or fenced area it may attract children, so make sure it is isolated from them.

SMALL PLUNGE POOL MAY BE ALL NEEDED FOR TROPICAL CLIMATES. THIS CAN BE CLOSE TO HOUSE TO PROVIDE COOLING BREEZE
Large pools are costly to maintain. Consider a small plunge pool close to the living area and part of the landscaping for keeping cool.

CONSIDER WATER FEATURES IN OR CLOSE TO HOUSE TO ENCOURAGE EVAPORATIVE COOLING IN LOW HUMIDITY TIMES
A water feature will have little effect in high humidity times, but when humidity goes low, it will draw heat from the air.

USE LARGE WIDE AND DEEP GUTTERS FOR SAVING HEAVY RAINWATER
With the long dry periods, it is very beneficial if you can save rainwater in above or below ground tanks. Large gutters divert the heavy rain.

CONSIDER UNDERGROUND TANKS FOR LONG TIME RESERVOIR
To make use of the heavy tropical rains, large tanks below the gutter level can be used to store water. Tanks can also be made under raised blockwork houses with minimal cost and the ability to store over 30 000 litres.

PROVIDE GRAVITY TANKS FOR REDUCED ENERGY REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER
Small tanks on the roof or on towers provide gravity pressure water and can be trickle fed from larger lower tanks that have trapped the rain or fed by pumping from wells or bores.

REDUCE LAWN COVER IN FAVOUR OF NATIVE PLANTS
Lawns need year round water in the tropics, so reduce or avoid their use.

CONSIDER COMPOSTING AND LOW FLUSH TOILETS TO REDUCE WATER USE
With flush toilets using up to 40% of total water use, reducing or eliminating this waste is economically beneficial.

RE­USE GREY­WATER IN PLANTED AREAS, PARTICULARLY FOR FRUIT PRODUCTION
If poisonous chemicals are kept out of greywater, it can be used to water fruit and landscape trees using underground trickle irrigation.