Conserving Water in Your Pool This Summer

With the weather finally improving, many homeowners are getting eager to prepare their pool for the summer. Before starting, take some time to consider the high energy and water consumption associated with operating a backyard pool and think about utilizing some of these conservation techniques. Not only will you save money on utility bills, you will also help protect the environment.

Use a Pool Cover

Preventing water loss through evaporation is one of the key elements of conserving pool water and can help to save hundreds of gallons of water per month. To this end, pool covers should be in place whenever the pool is not in use. This will prevent up to 90% of the water loss through evaporation that occurs in an uncovered pool.

Not only will this reduce the amount of water used to keep your pool filled, it will also reduce the electricity required to heat it and prevent algae growth. Finally, reducing evaporation will also save you money on chemical treatments for the water.

Reduce Backwashing

Most pool owners backwash water through their pool pump more often than required. While this is a good way of keeping pumps clean, it is a significant waste of water. In fact, some filters do not require backwashing at all and can instead be taken apart, cleaned, and reassembled without wasting water. This may be a less convenient process but it is significantly more environmentally friendly!

Check for Leaks

Checking for leaking in your pool should be a regular part of your maintenance and upkeep. Look for damp spots downstream of the pool and around pumps or other pool equipment. Check for cracks in the bond beam and for telltale signs such as persistent water quality issues, loose tiles or crack in the pool deck, rotting wood around the pool, and loose coping stones.

Additional Tips

• Remind swimmers that the water needs to stay in the pool and ask them not to splash.
• Plug the overflow while the pool is in use to prevent unnecessary loss of water.
• Clean around the pool area using a broom, not a hose.
• Maintain a lower water level in your pool. Not only will this use less water initially, it will also help to reduce water loss due to splashing.
• Reduce the temperature of your pool. This will help to reduce evaporation and is especially important when the pool is not in use.

Now that you know how to prevent unnecessary water consumption this summer, go ahead and get your pool ready to go!