Save Water in Your Swimming Pool

Water isn’t free, nor is there an infinite supply of it in the world, especially as droughts have become increasingly common and severe in recent years. While most pool owners live in places where a simple turn of the tap releases a seemingly limitless flow of the wet stuff, the fact of the matter is that water is worth conserving- and so is money.

The average pool wastes water in four ways:

• evaporation
• leaks
• splash
• filter backwashing

While the water wasted at any given moment may be small and seemingly insignificant, it all adds up. It adds up to thousands of wasted gallons, which can translate to hundreds of wasted dollars.

Evaporation

    Evaporation is the silent, invisible water-waster that plagues every pool owner, but more so in some areas of the nation than others. An uncovered 18’ by 36’ pool loses about an inch of water a week, or 7,000 gallons annually. In particularly hot and dry places like Arizona, an average pool can lose up to 25,000 gallons- all from evaporation. Those numbers are nothing to sneeze at.

Lastly, any wind-blocking objects that can be erected around the pool will cut down on evaporation, which can be accelerated by wind moving across the water’s surface. Shrubbery, fences, or boulders can serve double duty in both fighting evaporation and blocking debris.

Leaks

It’s estimated that somewhere around 30% of pools have leaks. Most of them are small and minor, but every drop that drips out is one that has to be replaced from the spigot. To check for leaks, simply make a grease pencil mark on the water level at the skimmer. If the level drops significantly in 24 hours, there is likely a leak.

Leaks should be repaired by pool care professionals as soon as they are discovered. It may be an initial expense, but it will be worth it in the long run, both in water savings and for the life expectancy of the pool and lining.

Splash

   Admittedly, splashing is usually the result of friends and family having a good time in the pool. You can argue that fun and games are the whole point to pool ownership and therefore splashing is to be expected. However, unnecessary or avoidable splash is worth preventing.

First, any pool game in which the object is to splash water out of the pool should be avoided. Children invariably come up with games like this, so be on the lookout. When using fountains or waterfalls, be mindful of any excessive splash that they might cause, and turn them off when the pool isn’t in use. Finally, maintain a relatively low water level, low enough so that normal activity doesn’t consistently send water welling up over the sides to be wasted.

Backwashing

     The average two-minute backwash for a typical sand filter costs the pool owner about 200 gallons of water. That’s not to say you shouldn’t backwash, but the manner in which you backwash can be used to your advantage

First, never backwash for longer than necessary. The moment the water runs clear in the sight glass, stop. Also, decrease the frequency of backwashing by maintaining a clean pool and filter system. The more filth you force through the filter, the more frequently you’ll have to backwash. Conscientious maintenance is the key.

If you live in the Dallas Area and have pool service needs or perhaps would like to receive "Pool School", Visit The Blue Lagoons and we will be happy to help! 

Happy swimming!