Own a Pool? How to Make Sure You Don’t Waste Water

Whether your current home came with a pool or you built one in your backyard, you have enjoyed the recreation and relaxation your pool affords you during hot summer days. However, as convenient and comfortable as your pool is, it also represents a significant expense. You have to keep algae, bugs, and dirt at bay, and you may also have to replace water occasionally because it evaporates or blows away.

If you want to conserve water, you have to find some way to keep the H₂O from leaving your pool. Read below to find a few basic strategies.

1. Cover the Pool When You Don’t Use It

The more the sun shines on your pool or the wind blows over it, the more water you lose. So when you don’t use your pool, put a pool cover over it. This cover should protect all the water in your pool. Additionally, one of these covers will not just protect the water from evaporation. A cover also keeps bugs and rodents from falling into the water.

2. Install a Pavilion Over the Pool Area

Perhaps you want to keep the pool water accessible throughout the day because of a swimming party. If you own a smaller pool, you can still protect it and its swimmers from the sun with a pavilion. Make sure you anchor the pavilion so it does not blow away. Once you have it in place you do not have to worry about evaporation, and you do not have to worry about your family members and guests getting sunburned.

3. Turn Down the Temperature on Your Pool Heater

Some homeowners like to run their pool heaters even during the summer to keep the water comfortable. However, you should consider turning this appliance off. It allows the water to evaporate more easily. Turn it off, or at least turn it down. Think about purchasing a pool cooler as well-the cooler the water remains, the lower the chances it will disappear into the atmosphere.

4. Use Fences and Plants to Block Wind

A pavilion blocks the sun while your swimmers enjoy the pool. But that pavilion does not block the wind. Use fences and hedges to accomplish this task. Keep in mind that your fences and hedges will need to be solid, otherwise the wind will pass through them. So if you have a chain-link fence now, add inserts or replace the fence to conserve water.

5. Have Professionals Check for Leaks

You might not notice leaks on your own, especially if they occur at the bottom of the pool. Have a professional inspect your pool regularly to check for anomalies. You can also monitor your water meter to see if you use more than you expect.

6. Lower the Water Level to Reduce Loss from Splashes

If your pool water stays at least an inch lower than your poolside, you minimize the water you lose from splashes. However, remember that you should not lower your water level too much. Otherwise smaller swimmers may struggle to leave the pool.

7. Use Fountains Only While You Swim

When you run a fountain, a larger percentage of your pool water evaporates with the wind and sun. Do not leave your fountain running while you do not use the pool or entertain guests. Run it only when necessary if you want to save water.

8. Clean Your Filters to Avoid Frequent Backwashing

When you backwash your pool, you use hundreds or thousands of gallons, depending on your pool’s size. However, you will not have to backwash as often if you keep the filters clean. Clean them at least once every two weeks, if not once a week.

When you use the tips above, you do not have to worry that your swimming pool will waste huge amounts of water. And if you would like more tips on conserving water around your home, have a look at the rest of our blog.