Swimming Pool Cover - Manufacturers, Suppliers & Exporters

Many people consider using pool covers for their inground or above ground pool (or spa) as it increases the value and return on your investment. When your pool cover is fitted, make sure the pool size is measured properly and the cover cut in properly so there are no gaps. It is common to make a pool cover up to 75 mm larger on each side so it forms a lip around the entire edge. Gaps in the edging will reduce the overall efficiency that the pool cover can offer.

When using the pool, make sure the pool cover is stored away from sunlight and rolled up properly. The added expense of a pool roller will not onlyhelp your pool blanket last longer, but it also makes removal and refitting a lot easier.

Lastly make sure your chemical levels are not allowed to go too high, as prolonged exposed to high chemical levels will shorten the life of all pool covers. Chlorine levels should not exceed 1.5 to 2.0 ppm for unstabilised pools and 3.0 ppm for stabilised pools (source SPASA pool cover fact sheet,http://www.spasa.org.au/images/stories/SPASA/factsheets/2014facts/FS6.pdf) . Also never super chlorinate with the pool cover on, leave the cover off until level return to normal. Automatic chlorine dosers should also be run at a reduced rate.

Clean Your Tank Regularly - Your Rain Water Tank

Fix Leaks : As rain water tank get older they can to form cracks and leak. This can arise from ground movements or structural defects like rust (in the case of steel tanks). When fixing a tank, there are only a few methods that can be considered:


Application of a sealant

pros – inexpensive for concrete tanks if done properly and is some cases the water won’t need to be drained before application.

cons – will not generally work on poly tanks, and needs to be flexible to accommodate tank movement.

Welding (plastic or steel)

pros – This is an effective way to repair poly tanks, as done properly the weld is about as strong as the original plastic.

cons – need to remove water to make repairs, and join strength is dependent on the skill of the operator.

Use of a tank liner

pros – very flexible and will move accommodate ground movements easily. Custom made to fit any tank. Usually comes with a 10yr guarantee. Will fit any almost any tank that is still structurally sound. Does not usually need the same level of preparation as applied coatings do. Also if you can get inside the tank, you can usually install the liner yourself.

cons – you will have to empty the tank. Must be careful with abrasive surfaces as it is possible to puncture lining.

For More Detail Visit:-  Water Tank

Portable spill bunds are easy to use

When a spill bunds or leak happens, its not just the inconvenience and cost of the cleanup that a company or individual will have to face. The EPA will also investigate and can impose additional fines, conditions and other restrictions that are deemed appropriate to the scale of the offence. So any spill is not only damaging to the environment, but can be a costly exercise that will waste much productive time.

 

Because the EPA covers such a broad range of areas, they have at their disposal and number of regulatory tools to help the enforce the law, including:

• Formal warnings
• Licence conditions
• Notices and directions
• Mandatory audits
• Enforceable undertakings
• Legally binding pollution reduction programs
• Prosecutions

Fabric Solutions Australia is a provider of portal spill bunds. These are used in variety of areas where the potential for contamination may occur. Uses include:

• Wash down applications
• Servicing or storing plant and equipment
• Drive on and off fuel transfers
• Storage of drum and containers

Portable spill bunds are particularly useful as they are re-usable and easy to re-locate. They can be bought “off the shelf” or readily customized to suit individual applications as required. So don’t chance the costly expense that a spill will incur (and likely fine), make sure your site is properly protected.

For More Detail About Pool Visit:- Pool Care

Tank Liners for Water and Other Liquid Storage

Tank liner a such as PVC, Polyethylene and Polypropylene are designed to be used in tanks where the primary application is the storage of drinking water, and can also be manufactured to be used in other applications such as irrigation, rainwater collection, grey water, sewerage and stock water.  The great news is that once a liner has been installed, you only need to access the tank every year or two for cleaning and maintenance (as is standard with all tanks, regardless of if they have a liner or not).

Domestic water storage is becoming a necessity for many households due to natural occurrences such as droughts. As this is the case water tanks are fast becoming the norm for rural and domestic properties where town water is limited. The most common tanks used for this application are concrete, poly and corrugated steel tanks. Tanks however are suspect to leaks due to cracking and holes, and while welding and patching can temporarily fix the issue, more than likely more leaks and cracks will develop in the tank over time.

Due to this very reason, tank liners are the best and most cost effective solution to fixing these issues. Tank liners are designed to fix not only current leaks and holes, but also leaks and holes which will most likely develop as the tank is used more. Liners are manufactured oversize to allow for any change in the shape of the tank shell, and liners will last for a period of approximately 15 years (depending on the quality of the material being used).

FABRIC SOLUTIONS AUSTRALIA

Website:- http://www.fabricsolutions.com.au

Address:- 21-23 Access Ave, Yatala, QLD 4207

Country:- AUSTRALIA

Post Code:- 4207

Phone: 0738070200

Fax: +61 (07) 3807 8217

Email: info@fabricsolutions.com.au

Fabric Solutions | Pool Debris Covers

Fabric Solutions Australia is the leading provider of custom design, fabrication and installation of liquid containment solutions, architectural fabrication and fabric products. From industrial and military-specific uses to domestic applications, our solutions are the best in terms of high quality materials, first-rate knowledge and a brand that has been trusted to deliver quality fabric solutions for decades.

Dura-covers:

• Area great way to winterize your pool.
• Manufactured from a woven mesh which has been specifically designed for use in a pool cover application and has proven its place in the market over a number of years.
• Are manufactured from a fine porous meshthat allows water to pass through but traps leaves and debris.

Each cover is secured in place with stainless steel clips. When the cover is removed, so are the holding clips so there is no trip hazard.

Some of the benefits of our Dura MESH cover are:

• Keep out leaves, debris and animals (such as ducks)
• Stops a significant amount of evaporation and this will reduce chemical consumption and cost
• Reduce filter running time
• Lets rainwater through
• Gives you more time for leisure rather than cleaning the pool

For More Information Visit :- Pool Debris Covers

Benefits of using Fabric Solutions Tank liners

Tank liners such as PVC, Polyethylene and Polypropylene are designed to be used in tanks where the primary application is the storage of drinking water, and can also be manufactured to be used in other applications such as irrigation, rainwater collection, grey water, sewerage and stock water.

The great news is that once a liner has been installed, you only need to access the tank every year or two for cleaning and maintenance (as is standard with all tanks, regardless of if they have a liner or not). Tank liners are designed to fit in basically every type of tank available on the market, and can even be installed in tanks which do not conform to the standard shape of a circle or rectangle, as all tank liners are custom manufactured to suit your specifications.

Domestic water storage is becoming a necessity for many households due to natural occurrences such as droughts. As this is the case water tanks are fast becoming the norm for rural and domestic properties where town water is limited. The most common tanks used for this application are concrete, poly and corrugated steel tanks. Tanks however are suspect to leaks due to cracking and holes, and while welding and patching can temporarily fix the issue, more than likely more leaks and cracks will develop in the tank over time.

Website:- http://www.fabricsolutions.com.au

 Address:- 21-23 Access Ave, Yatala, QLD 4207

 Country:- AUSTRALIA

 Post Code:- 4207

 Phone: 0738070200

 Fax: +61 (07) 3807 8217

 Email: info@fabricsolutions.com.au

Time to get your Swimming Pool Ready 2 simple things you should do with any swimming pool

Winter is definitely gone and summer is soon to be here. If you have a Pool Cover  now is the time to prepare it for the heavy use of summer. There is nothing like the joy that having a swimming pool in your own backyard can bring. Not only can you cool down on hot days, but they enhance the look of your backyard. But swimming pools can be expensive to maintain, especially when the chemistry gets out of balance. Before you dive on in, thereThese are 2 basic things you can do to maintain a healthy swimming pool and reduce the time you looking after it.

Chemical Balance:

The most important aspect of any swimming pool is to keep all the chemicals in check and at optimum levels. Maintenance need not be time consuming either, and should only take a few minutes each day. To ensure the right pool chemical balance,

Daily (around 5mins when all is good with the pool)

1. check that the water is crystal clear
2. check there is no build up of algae. Especially check around ‘dead’ areas like pool steps where water flow isn’t as great.
3. check there is a good flow from the water jets
4. check there is a good flow of water in the skimmer
5. check there is no excess leaves or other debris in the pool
6. make sure there is correct pressure in the pool filter

Twice A Week (around 30 mins)

1. measure chlorine, pH and stabiliser levels
2. clean out the skimmer
3. brush the sides and bottom of the pool

Weekly

1. dose of phosphate remover

 Monthly

1. professional check on water levels by local pool shop

Regular maintenance will prevent the need for pool “shocking” and actually save you a lot of time in the long run buy addressing problems before they get out of hand. When the pool balance gets too far out and you have to pool “Shock”, you have to wait at least 1 day before you can swim, so regular checking of chemical levels means your pool is not only always ready for fun, but your chemical usage is at its minimum (which is good for your health too!). A quick brush of the pool surface once or twice a week also removes build up more easily that if it is left harden over time.

Fabric Solutions Provide Cost Effective Pool Cover

Pool Cover are a great addition to a pool, making maintenance easier and cheaper. By looking after your pool cover you can maximize its useful lifespan and get the most out of your pool.

Once you have worked out the best solution for what you want to do, and have installed it, make sure to adjust any chemical settings as needed. Water quality and conditions can vary greatly from place to place, so consult with your local pool shop. They are usually best to advise for the area that you live in. Managing your chemical levels is quite import as evaporation rates and the amount of UV entering the pool drops. This means there is less chlorine breakdown, so you don’t need as much. Too much chlorine will also affect your pool cover, shortening its useful lifespan. In fact too much chlorine will have a bigger effect on a pool blanket than UV exposure.

The last part to consider is how you store you pool cover. This is an important part that many people overlook. Ideally your pool cover is stored on a roller with its own supplied cover. This keeps it away from the weather, sun as well as protecting it. It also makes it a lot easier to remove and install the pool cover and you are less likely to damage it. If you can’t afford a pool cover, you should try to dry your cover as much as possible before folding it. Otherwise pool water becomes trapped inside the folders. Also store the pool cover away from sunlight and weather in a place that it won’t get bumped.

Website:- http://www.fabricsolutions.com.au

 Address:- 21-23 Access Ave, Yatala, QLD 4207

 Country:- AUSTRALIA

 Post Code:- 4207

 Phone: 0738070200

 Fax: +61 (07) 3807 8217

 Email: info@fabricsolutions.com.au

General Pond Location Considerations

After the chilly months of winter, now Spring is here and the weather is warming up, now is the perfect time to get back into the garden. The first thing to do is tidy up and get rid of the winter weeds. Then you can consider planting flowers, growing vegetable or even adding in small aquatic pond.

Ponds are a great way to an attractive feature to a garden and can be as small or as large as you want. Here are a few tips to make sure you get the most from your pond.

General Pond Safety Considerations

Although ponds are very simple, you should still check with your local council on any regulations that may be in place. There may be restrictions on the maximum depth etc. Also it is always prudent to check that there are no pipes underneath where you want to dig, especially if you are going to use an excavator.

General Pond Location Considerations

As with anything to do with real-estate, its all about location, location, location. So when deciding where to put your pond, consider these factors;

1. Ensure that the area receives the ideal amount of at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, as this is best for flowers and plants.

2. Avoid putting a pond under tree(s) as they will collect leaves easily, adding organic matter to the pond and driving algae growth. Trees do provide shade to aquatic life though. So if you do want trees next to your pond, make sure you choose carefully as some trees are also poisonous to ponds..

3. Tree root systems can also have the potential to damage pond liners.

4. Avoid designs that allow water to drain into your pond directly, and avoid positioning a pond in drainage paths.

5. To save on water you can connect your pond as part of your rainwater system.

6. Water that drains out of your pond should always drain away from your house.

When choosing a material, consider the temperate range where you will install, and how long you intend to have the pond for. EPDM is a great choice, but you don’t need a liner that will last 30 years if you are only renting a house for a little while! And likewise don’t use PVC if you are making an aquatic pond such as a koi pond.

For More Information Visit:- Pond Liner

Most important aspect of any pool liners

Pool liners are a great and cost effective way to rejuvenate a pool.There is nothing like the joy that having a swimming pool in your own backyard can bring. Not only can you cool down on hot days, but they enhance the look of your backyard.  But swimming pools can be expensive to maintain, especially when the chemistry gets out of balance. These are 2 basic things you can do to maintain a healthy swimming pool and reduce the time you looking after it.

Chemical Balance: The most important aspect of any swimming pool is to keep all the chemicals in check and at optimum levels. Maintenance need not be time consuming either, and should only take a few minutes each day. To ensure the right pool chemical balance,

Daily (around 5mins when all is good with the pool)
1.    check that the water is crystal clear
2.    check there is no build up of algae. Especially check around ‘dead’ areas like pool steps where water flow isn’t as great.
3.    check there is a good flow from the water jets
4.    check there is a good flow of water in the skimmer
5.    check there is no excess leaves or other debris in the pool
6.    make sure there is correct pressure in the pool filter

Twice A Week (around 30 mins)
1.    measure chlorine, pH and stabiliser levels
2.    clean out the skimmer
3.    brush the sides and bottom of the pool

Weekly
1.    dose of phosphate remover

Monthly

1. Professional check on water levels by local pool shop

Regular maintenance will prevent the need for pool “shocking” and actually save you a lot of time in the long run buy addressing problems before they get out of hand. When the pool balance gets too far out and you have to pool “Shock”, you have to wait at least 1 day before you can swim, so regular checking of chemical levels means your pool is not only always ready for fun, but your chemical usage is at its minimum (which is good for your health too!). A quick brush of the pool surface once or twice a week also removes build up more easily that if it is left harden over time. Inground or aboveground there are lot of patterns available and they are custom made to fit your pool exactly.

For many aboveground pools, they are pretty simple to measure and nearly all are made to a standard size. Even better for the DIY person is that with a bit of care its not too hard to install one yourself.

Inground pools are a different matter though. Nearly all inground pools are custom made, so no two are the same. The installer will use a special 3D measuring tool to measure the exact shape of the pool shell. This is then feed into a computer, which will pattern a new liner. This liner then needs to be installed by a professional crew in order to ensure a perfect fit that will last the longest.

Use a Pool Cover: Debris entering the pool is one of the largest sources of contaminants (the other being the people who swim in it!). So when not in use, cover the pool with a pool blanket. Besides eliminating a lot of debris, there are many other benefits to a pool cover that make them a cost effective choice, including;
1.    reduces chemical usage, this is mandatory too! When the levels are too high, they can damage the pool cover.
2.    traps heat in winter, making the pool warmer by up to 8oC
3.    helps keep dust and debris out, which means you pool is cleaner for longer
4.    significantly reduces water evaporation

There are a number of differences in pool blankets, the biggest being the quality. But the basic rule of thumb is that the thinner the pool blanket, the shorter the lifespan. A pool blankets thickness is measured in microns and typically come in 400, 500 and 600 micron thicknesses. Always when installing, make sure the pool cover is installed bubble side down. Higher end pool blankets will also have some sort of thermal insulation. You should also consider a pool roller system, as they are the easiest way to store and care for your pool blanket when not in use.

Great Water Storage Ideas

Simple and effective, storing water in a bladder is the new way to go. There are a number of ways that water, and even other liquids like diesel fuel and waste water can be stored, depending on what you are doing. Here we list a couple of examples.

Rainwater Collecting at Home

More and more people are using water tanks, even in residential areas to collect rainwater for either drinking or to help in the garden. However rainwater tanks can only be installed on level ground and take up a fair bit of space. This restricts some properties from installing a rain water tank or limits them to small amounts of storage. This is where a water storage bladder is of great use, as they are custom made to fit into any wasted building space. Anywhere around your house a person can get into, you can install a water storage bladder.

Water storage bladders are unique in that can be hidden away underneath decks, underneath stairwells and other building cavities. This means there is no ugly storage vessel that has to be made to fit in with your landscaping. Plus this opens up the potential to store a lot more water than you might otherwise be able to with a tradition rain water tank.

Temporary storage of water

When a pool has to be renovated, the water has to be drained first. At several thousand litres if you don’t have anywhere to put this, is must be carted away or put down the drain. Then you will have to pay to refill the pool once renovations are completed. With a water storage bladder you don’t have too, this water can be stored onsite in a water storage bladder and then re-used once the pool needs filling.

The storage of water is not limited to pool water either. Potable water, like water that is collected in a rainwater tank, can also be safely stored.

Camping, boating and 4wding

A great Australian past time is 4wding, boating and camping. Get off the beaten track and far away from the city and relax. With a water bladder you can extend your duration, allowing you to stay longer and go further. Water storage bladders can also be made to store waste water such as grey water or sewage, or even made from special materials to store fuels like diesel or aviation fuel.

Unlike rigid canisters, water storage bladders are also made so they can fit in odd areas like foot wells, rear cargo areas and many places where a rigid canister would be awkward to place. Water storage bladders also only take up as much space as they are filled too. This means space is used more efficiently and there is no airspace in the container when partially filled. Better yet, when empty a water bladder can simply be rolled up and takes up even less space.

How to Look After Your Water Tank Liner

Tank Liners are great way to extend the life of a leaking tank. Looked after properly, a tank liners will provide many years of service. To make sure you do get the maximum lifespan from a liner, there are a few maintenance procedures you should follow. Regardless of how the tank is maintained, it is recommended that the tank is inspected at least every 2 years for sludge and sediment build up at the bottom of the tank. Also check that all openings, inlets and overflows are either securely closed or that insect proof mesh is used.

Preventing Contamination: - As with health, prevention is the best cure. So to, if you minimise or stop contamination from entering the tank, then cleaning is easier and sludge and containments will take longer to build up.

1. Keep roof areas clear of overhanging vegetation. This also stops roosting points for birds and access by small animals such as possums, rodents and cats.
2. Make sure hatches are closed and use screens over inlets and overflows to prevent access by small animals and birds.
3. Keep gutters clean and use gutter shields to stop the collection of larger material.
4. Make sure all piping is compliant to Australian standards
5. Do not connect to any part of the roof where containments maybe present, such as bitumen coated roofs, preservative treated woods, uncoated lead flashing etc.
6. Do no swim inside a storage tank
7. Prevent mosquitos breeding. Anywhere water can pool can become a breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects. Use tight fitting lids or insect proof screens on all access points, inlets and overflow areas. Both Queensland and the Northern Territory specify screens as follows:

Qld – brass, copper, aluminium or stainless steel gauze no coarser than 1 mm aperture measure.

NT – brass or bronze wire not coarser than 7 meshes to the centimetre (each way) and of 33 gauge wire.

What To Look For

Aside from regular inspections, you should regularly check the water condition. Rainwater from a water tank should be soft, clear and almost tasteless. If any of these changes, your tank needs to be inspected. There are 3 basic changes with the water to look out for:

1. changes to the colour of the water. If it becomes discoloured it is a sign that there are containments in the water
2. smells and foul odours are signs that algae might be growing, there is rotting vegetation or dead animals are present.
3. Foul taste is also a sign that containments are present.

Cleaning A Tank

Over time sludge and other debris will accumulate at the bottom of a tank. How fast this occurs will depend on a number of factors. Usually the sludge at the bottom of a tank can be siphoned off without the need to empty the tank. If the debris is coarse, you may need to use a hose up to 50 mm in diameter.

In some cases you may need to drain the tank to clean it. Choose carefully what you will clean the tank with as harsh chemicals can destroy a tank liner or can contaminate the water. Also be careful not to damage the liner when cleaning, so this means don’t wear shoes and avoid using any sharp instruments that can tear or pierce the liner. For extreme cases, such as a dead animal has been in the tank, consider using a professional tank cleaning service.

If you do enter the tank, ensure that there is adequate ventilation and work with at least one other person present.

The Australian Government has a comprehensive resource guide on tank water contaminates and cleaning. https://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/D3E8C00F3041304BCA257BF0001C685A/$File/env_rainwater.pdf

How to Look After Your Water Tank Liner

Tank Liners are great way to extend the life of a leaking tank. Looked after properly, a Tank Liners will provide many years of service. To make sure you do get the maximum lifespan from a liner, there are a few maintenance procedures you should follow. Regardless of how the tank is maintained, it is recommended that the tank is inspected at least every 2 years for sludge and sediment build up at the bottom of the tank. Also check that all openings, inlets and overflows are either securely closed or that insect proof mesh is used.

Preventing Contamination: - As with health, prevention is the best cure. So to, if you minimise or stop contamination from entering the tank, then cleaning is easier and sludge and containments will take longer to build up.

1. Keep roof areas clear of overhanging vegetation. This also stops roosting points for birds and access by small animals such as possums, rodents and cats.
2. Make sure hatches are closed and use screens over inlets and overflows to prevent access by small animals and birds.
3. Keep gutters clean and use gutter shields to stop the collection of larger material.
4. Make sure all piping is compliant to Australian standards
5. Do not connect to any part of the roof where containments maybe present, such as bitumen coated roofs, preservative treated woods, uncoated lead flashing etc.
6. Do no swim inside a storage tank
7. Prevent mosquitos breeding. Anywhere water can pool can become a breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects. Use tight fitting lids or insect proof screens on all access points, inlets and overflow areas. Both Queensland and the Northern Territory specify screens as follows:

Qld – brass, copper, aluminium or stainless steel gauze no coarser than 1 mm aperture measure.

NT – brass or bronze wire not coarser than 7 meshes to the centimetre (each way) and of 33 gauge wire.

What To Look For:- Aside from regular inspections, you should regularly check the water condition. Rainwater from a water tank should be soft, clear and almost tasteless. If any of these changes, your tank needs to be inspected. There are 3 basic changes with the water to look out for:

1. changes to the colour of the water. If it becomes discoloured it is a sign that there are containments in the water
2. smells and foul odours are signs that algae might be growing, there is rotting vegetation or dead animals are present.
3. Foul taste is also a sign that containments are present.

Cleaning A Tank:- Over time sludge and other debris will accumulate at the bottom of a tank. How fast this occurs will depend on a number of factors. Usually the sludge at the bottom of a tank can be siphoned off without the need to empty the tank. If the debris is coarse, you may need to use a hose up to 50 mm in diameter.

In some cases you may need to drain the tank to clean it. Choose carefully what you will clean the tank with as harsh chemicals can destroy a tank liner or can contaminate the water. Also be careful not to damage the liner when cleaning, so this means don’t wear shoes and avoid using any sharp instruments that can tear or pierce the liner. For extreme cases, such as a dead animal has been in the tank, consider using a professional tank cleaning service.

If you do enter the tank, ensure that there is adequate ventilation and work with at least one other person present.

The Australian Government has a comprehensive resource guide on tank water contaminates and cleaning. 

https://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/D3E8C00F3041304BCA257BF0001C685A/$File/env_rainwater.pdf

Uses for Dam Liners and Geomembranes

Geomembrane – any membrane that is impermeable or very low permeable synthetic membrane liner or barrier. Used with soils, rocks or other geotechnical material in order stop the migration of fluids (or gases in some cases) from the containment area. The geomembrane is used either as a containment barrier, a lining or as capping to minimise evaporation. Dam Liners and pond liners are two very common examples, however liners have much wider uses in commercial and mining industries such as landfill sites (both as a liner and as a cap), evaporation ponds, rain water harvesting etc.

Geomembranes are typically made from flat polymer sheets, usually EPDM, PVC, Polyethylene (high and low) or Polypropylene. These are the most common materials however are other compounds and mixes are sometimes utilised.

In the case of dam liners, the use is a last resort for farm dams where other methods of sealing the dam have either failed or are not practical. Dams are typically built on clay based soil and then sealed with a clay like bentonite, sodium or gypsum. However whenever soil conditions are not ideal or where ground movement can occur, it is often necessary to consider a dam liner.

Farm dams, which only ever collected water for livestock and irrigation are about the only types of dams that typically don’t use a liner. All other uses require a geomembrane liner and is considered mandatory, especially for mining and commercial applications, In fact anywhere where leeching of chemicals or untreated water into the environment is unacceptable.

Geomembranes are not only used underneath but can be used over the top as a cap. Capping can prevent both rain and other elements from entering the storage area. This is used extensively in landfill applications and material selection will depend on the base liner or the cap which are under different loads and different weather conditions.

Using an online Pond Liner Calculator to work out your Pond Liner Requirements

Ponds are a great addition to a home garden and can be made in a variety of ways to suit both your tastes and the surrounding environment. Many people choose dig our own pond as this gives them a lot of flexibility in designing the shape and size of the pond. These ponds need to be sealed and a pond liner is usually the easiest and cheapest choice.

When ordering your pond liner, you obviously want to make sure you have enough! Luckily to calculate the amount required is quite simple. It is just the maximum size of the pond with the depth and edges added on. Also when installing the pond liner, it should never be stretched, so it doesn’t hurt to allow for a little extra.

For this example, lets assume our pond will end up being 3 metres long and 2 metres wide, and we want to have a maximum depth of 500 mm. We will allow an extra 300 mm along each edge. This gives us enough material to bury and conceal with rocks or paves and helps secure the pond liner in place. The edging will also prevent water from going over the top and running back in behind the pond liner. Using an online Pond Liner Calculator to work out your Pond Liner Requirements

Calculating Maximum Lengths for the Pond

To work out the total length take the pond length, add twice the maximum depth you want to have plus twice the amount of edging you want to use.

In our example of a 3m long x 2m wide pond at a maximum depth of 500 mm and with 300 mm edging the calculation becomes:

3m + 2 x 0.5m + 2 x 0.3m = 4.6m

Likewise for the width,

2m + 2 x 0.5m + 2 x 0.3m = 3.6m

So of a 3m x 2m pond, you should order a flat sheet at least 4.6 m x 3.6 m if you want to go to a maximum depth of 0.5 metres, with about 300 mm edging all the way around.

Even better, many pond suppliers offer a pond liner calculator, such as this one from Fabric Solutions (this is where the link should be http://www.fabricsolutions.com.au/pond-liner-calculator-page/) making it a simple as plugging in the numbers.

Lastly, before you make your pond, check with local council or authorities on any restrictions or requirements before you order.

Hayman Island Swimming Pool Renovation

The magnificent pool that is the key feature to Hayman Island was part of a refurbishment project. The pool is equal in size to 7 Olympic sized pools, and is the largest in swimming pool in the southern hemisphere. This luxurious pool forms part of the pool wing where visitors staying in the pool rooms can have direct access to the pool.

The pool was recently part of a major renovation and rebranding effort at Hayman Island Swimming Pool, being rebranded as a “One and Only” resort.

Fabric Solutions were selected in October 2013 to undertake the complex relining of the pool with a special heavy duty scrim reinforced swimming pool liner.

Because of the immense size of the project there were many complex hurdles that needed to overcome to deliver what the resort wanted in the time line required. These included:

1. The sheer size of the pool.
2. The complex shape due to it being integrated with some of the resort accommodation plus a large central island.
3. The resort is in the Whitsundays which is subtropical and subject to wet weather. Never a good proposition when all of the installation works needed to be done outside. Rain and wind can play havoc with installation.
4. Very tight time line for completion.
5. Working with and around other trades also involved in the renovation of the resort.

The initial step was to do a full survey of the pool to work out the shape and size of the pool liner needed. Mark Stewart of All Terrain Surveys was engaged to go to Hayman Island to do this. This was a little problematic as the pool was full as the resort was still operating at this time (closed 15^th January 2014).

Around 3 days was needed to survey the entire pool, after which the data was processed using state of the art software so that the pool liner could be shaped and designed.

The liner was manufactured in 10 large sections at Fabric Solutions’ Yatala factory which is then installed and sealed on site. The liner is manufactured in order to reduce the time on site and reduce the potential for weather interruptions.

Once the pool liner sections are shipped, at the same time the first group of installers leave to meet the semi trailer at Airlie Beech to catch the dedicated barge to Hayman Island. Preparation work is the first job on the list, with some concrete work and cutting a grove into the concrete structure to fix the top of the liner into, used to create the below water seal.

The weather was not kind and most days there was some rain. On one occasion, it rained for 3 days and this put around 150,000 litres of rain water into the pool. All that can be done is to hook up the pumps and then dry off the liner and keep going. This particular storm cost the team around 5 days in lost time. I guess this goes with the territory when you are working on a project in the open.

4.5 weeks after starting, we finally had all the sections joined and secured into the sealing groove at the top. Now, it was time to fill the pool. The pool volume is around 8.5 million litres, so it was decided to fill direct form the ocean. This in itself created issues as the large pumps brought in to do the filling could only pump during high tide as the suction pipes of the pumps were high and dry during low tide. After 2.5 days of high tide only filling and the pool was full.

It was time for the project weary install crew to pack up and head back to Brisbane. Another commercial liner install project completed on time, on budget and on spec by Fabric Solutions Australia.

Leaks in Rural and Farm Dams

Dams are valuable resources on farm, being the source of water to feed livestock and provide irrigation for crops. A common misconception people have is that if a dam leaks, it probably wasn’t built properly and a cheap dam liner can be utilised to fix the problem. However it is much more complex and soil conditions determine how the dam is to be initially constructed. Ideally a dam is build on a clay based soil, any other soil to some degree will leak. The worst soils are sandy, loam based soils and shale rock soils, as these will leak the most. Dams are then made with either a clay or bentonite layer and the use of things like dam liners is uncommon as the cost is higher. Dam liners are only employed where other sealing techniques have failed, but can guarantee that no further leaking will occur.

 Aside from the soil condition, dam leakage can also occur by ground movement, erosion, incursion by tree roots and damage from livestock, just to name a few. In cases where leakage occurs, several different types of solutions can be undertaken:

- Rebuild a new dam at a different site.

- Adding a sealant to the dam, however success is low when there is still water in the dam and it is greatly increased with the dam empty. Adding a sealant to a full dam means that the application is largely uncontrolled, and thus success is not guaranteed. The treated layer will also not be compacted making it prone to being disturbed and damaged. Sealants include synthetic polymers, clays such as sodium and calcium bentonite clay and other materials like gypsum.

- Other options include the use of sodium trip polyphosphate (for certain soil conditions), bitumen and concrete .

- Completely cleaning out the dam, and re-compact the soil

- Use of a dam liner, often very expensive, but has a very high success rate and can last from 10 to 30 yrs depending on soil conditions and material choice

 

When looking at a dam liner, there are a few different types of material that can be used, including:

1. Polypropylene and Polyethylene are the most common types of liners.
2. PVC was once a common usage for large dams, but not so any more. It is too costly and doesn’t offer a long life expectancy. It is still suitable for smaller installs though.
3. A quality HDPE liner can provide for a long life expectancy, and
4. EPDM and butyl based rubber liners tend to give the longest lifespans, with 30+ yrs not being uncommon.

For further information on leaking dams and possible remedies, we recommend reading the resource on leaking dams is provided by the Western Australian Government at

http://archive.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/content/lwe/water/eng/fn005_2003.pdf

also see the NSW Government’s resource handbook on dams, which discusses methods of fitting the dam-liners into the eco-systems:

http://www.sca.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/39704/FarmDamFinalLR.pdf

How To Protect Your Pond Liner

When installing or building a pond there are 3 main methods to construction. Firstly you can buy a pre-fabricated pond shell made from either fibre glass or plastic. These are a very easy and quick way to get started with a pond. However you will be limited to size and shape of what is available. Some people chose to concrete form their ponds but this can be an expensive process. Lastly many people choose to dig our their own pond and line it with a pond liner.

When preparing a site for a pond and before fitting a pond liner, you will need to make sure the ground is smooth as possible and there are no rocks, protruding roots or any other sharp objects. Some people lay down about 50 mm of sand to make a firm base or alternatively you can use a geotextile underlay.

A Geo textile underlay adds a protective barrier between a liner and the surface it is being installed onto. Used not only with pond liners, it is regularly used with tank liners and dam liners, helping protect the liner against sharp objects like rocks as well as from intrusion from tree roots.

Geotextile underlay is usually recommended as it is a better alternative to sand. It can hinder root growth into the pond liner as well as being more flexible with ground movement.

A good geotextile underlay needs to have a couple of key properties:

1. It should be permeable, which means it lets water pass through it.
2. It needs to be designed to be laid against soil and dirty conditions, and needs to be rot resistant.
3. Finally in needs the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect or drain water that might be trapped under the pond lining.

Geotextile underlay material is also a great DIY solution, as its much easier and quicker to lay than sand. You can also install the underlay in sections, just overlapping the joins, which means you waste less by being able to utilise smaller pieces.

Typically made from mechanically bonded polypropylene needle punched material and usually comes in black, but can be bought in white or grey colours. This long lasting material is a recommended addition with making any small or large pond with a pond liner.

For More Information Visit:- Pond Liner

Spill bunds reduce risk of contamination and subsequent plant

Our population is growing, Industry is expanding & technology is changing. We can no longer ignore the impact industry has on our environment. Every step possible needs to be taken to protect the environment.

With the harsh chemicals and fuels being used on a daily basis there is a very real danger of spills leading to contamination of the surrounding environment. These spills may be minor such as a leak in a container or leaky fitting. It could also be more substantial such as equipment failure where the entire contents of the container are suddenly released.

When a chemical spill occurs, there are important steps that need to be taken to minimize the impact on the environment and limit the damage.

• Control the source of the spill – Where ever possible and practical steps must be taken to stop or minimize the spill. If a spray hose bursts turn off the appropriate valves to prevent further spillage. Consult the Material Data Sheet for guidelines (MSDS) Spill bunds and secondary containment systems are a great solution to minimize the damage of a spill.

• Contain the spill – It is vitally important to contain the spilled liquid or material in a confined area to prevent the substance from spreading over a wide area causing more damage. Minimize the risk and damage by using a spill bund. A spill bund will contain the spill. The spill should ideally be cleaned and cleared away as soon as possible to minimize damage. It is important to prevent any spill flowing into any body of water especially storm water drains.

• Isolate the area concerned (if appropriate) – Safety first! Access should be restricted and competent qualified personal should handle the cleanup operation. Ideally if the spill is particularity dangerous or toxic someone should be stationed at the spill site until the hazards materials are cleaned up.

• Contact the authorities (if appropriate) – If the spill enters drains, storm water drains, water ways or can damage the environment / pose a health threat to the public the fire brigade, Public health authorities or appropriate authorities should be notified as soon as possible.

• Clean up the spill – All protective measures need to be adhered to at all times.

Protective clothing and equipment need to be used to ensure personal safety of the individuals involved with the cleanup operation.

Spill bunds are a preventative measure that will contain spills and reduce the impact of spills on the environment. Spill bunds are custom made to required sizes and designed to contain the entire volume of material. They are cost effective solutions that can be reused if cared for and maintained properly.

Spill bunds reduce the risk of contamination and subsequent plant damage.

Once the spill is contained and cleared away it is advisable that the original vessel / Container are cleaned as part of the clean up procedure. The spill bund will contain the water residue until it the pumped out and disposed of safely.

Protection of our environment is paramount – it is the only one we have!

For More Information Visit: – Spill Bunds

Benefits of using Fabric Solutions Australia Pond Liner

A pond is generally defined as a body of standing water, either natural or man-made, that is usually smaller than a dam or lake. The technical distinction between a pond and a lake has not been universally standardised. Some say that the definition of a pond relates to depth that light can penetrate and support rooted plants, while other definitions are related to size (footprint) rather than depth or volume. The terms pond, lake and dam can often be used interchangeably.

A pond liner is generally thought to be an impermeable liner, often a geomembrane material that is used for water retention. These impermeable liners are used for the lining of lakes, garden ponds and artificial streams in parks and gardens.

Pond liners need to be protected from sharp objects (for example, sticks, roots and stones) below the liner and from being punctured by any objects in the water body. Liner protection can be provided with layers of sand, concrete, fibre-matting, geotextile and other materials.

Pond liners are manufactured in rolls and strips of liner can be seamed or welded together in a fabrication facility or on site. A number of flexible materials, such as PVC and EPDM, and polyethylene (LLDPE) can have their panels pre-fabricated together in the factory to fit the design shape of the pond.

The edge of the pond liner can be rolled over and secured in a trench or it can be fixed to a vertical wall made in brick or concrete. Box-shaped pond liners can be made for rectangular structures. The vast majority of flexible pond liners available commercially are manufactured of EPDM, butyl rubber or PVC, with LLDPE now being used more and more as it has become more commonly available.

Butyl Rubber and EPDM are relatively expensive but are very flexible, long lasting and mostly fish friendly. PVC and LLDPE are much cheaper but in many cases PVC is not fish friendly or does not have good long term UV resistance.

LLDPE has excellent UV resistance, is fish friendly and flexible albeit not as flexible as Butyl or EPDM.

A good quality pond liner will last many years but many of the lighter gauge (thin) and cheap pond liners have limited life, poor UV light resistance and potentially can kill fish, particularly the more sensitive breds like Koi fish.

For More Information Visit:-  Pond Liner

Pool Rollers by Fabric Solutions

Making your life easier and more pleasant. Spend less time working on your pool and more time in your pool

A pool roller simplifies the way to enjoy your pool cover. Fabric Solutions range of pool rollers are quick and easy to use and makes the process of removing and replacing the cover from the pool a simple one person operation.

You can also prolong the life of your pool blanket by using a pool roller to store your pool cover.

Fabric Solutions rollers are made from a stainless steel frame and then powder coated for added protection in coastal regions. Our range of rollers includes a wheel, handle and brake to ensure your blanket is easy to wind on and off. 

The heavy duty castor wheels allow for full mobility and they are easy to store away from the pool if necessary. Each roller comes with a fully adjustable strap system to fix to the blanket and a UV resistant over cover to protect your blanket from the sun’s rays whilst it is stored on the roller.

The low profile frame system is ideal for applications where the height is restricted i.e where the roller is placed in an enclosed area/box. Our rollers are compact, portable and are a great investment and addition to your pool.

For More Information Visit:- Pool Rollers

Why should I choose LLDPE material for my pond liner

With so many varieties of materials available to use in pond liners, it can become a daunting task to choose the right material to suit your particular application. A quality LLDPE material, or Lineal low Density Polyethylene, however ticks all the boxes associated with choosing the correct pond liner material.

A top quality LLDPE material, such as Enviroliner, is commonly available in three different thicknesses to suit nearly all pond liner applications, the three being the 0.5mm thick material, the 0.75mm thick material and the 1.0mm thick material.


All three materials are best suited for different makes of ponds, though all three are suitable in any domestic pond as they have high UV stability and are Potable grade, meaning that fish and other aquatic life can be safely housed in the pond with a quality LLDPE pond liner installed.

0.5mm LLDPE material is the best suited quality LLDPE material for smaller ponds due to the flexibility of the material. This means the pond liner is easier to install, though it is not as robust as the 0.75mm LLDPE or 1.0mm LLDPE materials. Unlike other flexible pond liner materials on the market, the 0.5mm LLDPE material is a cost effective solution to waterproofing that beautiful pond of yours.

The 0.75mm quality LLDPE material is the middle ground between the flexibility of the 0.5mm LLDPE material, and the robustness of the 1.0mm LLDPE material, and as such it is a very popular choice for pond liners. 0.75mm quality LLDPE material is best suited for medium to large sized ponds, though it can be used in smaller ponds depending on finished size of the liner sheet.

1.0mm quality LLDPE is the most robust of the three material thicknesses, and as such is mainly used in larger pond applications where the elements can be harsh.

The 1.0mm LLDPE material is more commonly used in dam liner applications, though it also has its place in large pond liner applications aswell. The 1.0mm LLDPE material is the stiffest material of the three, however it makes up for this by being the strongest and most durable thickness of the three, and as such it also has the greatest life expectancy.

For More Information Visit:- Pond Liner

Temporary Water Storage with a Portable Bladder Tank

There are many ways water can be stored temporarily and depending on the application you should consider  carefully the following options.Water storage is often required on a temporary basis in many areas and applications. It may not be efficient or economical to install permanent tanks. An ideal solution is to buy a portable water bladder.

Types of portable water tanks:-

Bladder Tanks

Bladder tanks are fully enclosed shaped bladders used for the storage of liquids and are usually not self supporting. 

The shape is custom made to fit the surrounding structure.Examples of shaped bladders include: water storage in the keel of yachts, storage to fit into the companionway on large yachts, to fit into shipping containers, under verandahs, under seats and in floor wells of vehicles etc. These bladders often used to store fuel, sewerage, grey water or potable water.

Pillow Tanks

Pillow tanks are a type of bladder tank, and are self supporting and have no walls as such. As they grow in height when filled, space is stolen from the edges of the bladder, giving it the traditional curved shape towards the middle. Pillow tanks need to be made very strong in order to withstand the constant stress loads. This will also limit the fill height that a bladder can go to.Pillow tanks, otherwise known as bladders and bladder tanks, are collapsible, portable tanks capable of storing a wide range of fluids including water, fuels, chemicals, oils, gases, liquids, effluents and slurries.

Recreational Bladders

When camping for long periods of time, it is handy to carry extra fuel and water with you. A recreational bladder is just a bladder used for camping or fishing purposes. It is very useful as it can fit into various recesses of the car such as a footwell or in the back seat.

Onion Tanks

Onion tanks are just a self erecting liquid storage tank with a access hole at the top. They grow to the size of the liquid contained within and are usually made from heavy duty reinforced PVC. They are setup

very quickly and are quite often found in firefighting applications where hydrants aren’t readily available. Commonly used where remote water supplied are needed.Onion tanks are a perfect solution for temporary liquid or chemical storage and where rapid deployment is required. They are also designed for ongoing use and an onion tank will, when properly maintained will offer a long service life.. Since no two applications are the same, we also use a wide range of materials. We can meet your specific storage requirements, whether you are storing potable water, chemical waste or some other liquid.

Portable Spill Bunds

Portable spill bunds are another class of temporary water storage. Smaller version are used in the prevention of spills and leaks, while larger versions can hold water or other liquids temporarily. They have self supporting walls and are often designed so that a vehicle or machinery can be driven in for wash down applications.

For More Information Visit:- Recreational Bladders