Droughts are now common because of climate change. As such, home water conservation has become more necessary than ever. Swimming pools greatly contribute to water wastage through splashing, evaporation, and pool cleaning. Although it takes a lot of effort, it’s possible to be more efficient in using pools. In this article, we list some ways to save pool water at home and help with water conservation.
Tip #1: Get a pool cover.
Pool covers play a crucial role in water conservation during summer. According to the US EPA, they can prevent as much as 95% of the water from evaporating. They can also control other factors contributing to water evaporation, such as temperature, cleanliness, and algae growth.
The cover cannot completely stop evaporation, so it needs to fit as tightly as possible. There are several materials and designs to choose from. The best type is solid, mesh, or hybrid, effectively reducing evaporation by 95%. Mesh covers are also lighter than solid covers. However, they permit more evaporation to occur.
Pool covers can be manual, semi-automatic, or automatically controlled. Water evaporation decreases, and heat retention improves when pool covers are used correctly and consistently. These lead to better energy, water, and cost savings for pool owners.
Tip # 2: Place more shade around the pool.
Evaporation occurs more often when the pool cover is not in place. Slow down the process by placing more shade above and around the pool, such as trees and shrubs.
It’s also vital to deflect wind and block the late-afternoon sun which helps with evaporation. To do this, place a sun-sail shade over the pool. Sail shades are made out of durable and water-permeable fabric. It can be easily dismantled and stored once the swimming season ends.
Tip # 3: Detect and fix any leaks.
When left undetected, an ongoing leak could waste hundreds of gallons of water. Check areas where water could seep through, such as equipment lines. Monthly water bills can also indicate the presence of leaks. If you see a drastic increase from your usual bill, get a professional to inspect your pool.
Another trick to detect leaks is to mark the current water level along the interior perimeter. Check the level after 24 hours to see how much it has lowered. If it dropped more than a quarter of an inch, a leak present might be present.
Tip #4: Resist the urge to splash out water.
Although water fights, cannonballs, and splashing are fun, they cause much water to leave the pool. It would help if you enforced rules to prevent or minimize the chances of it happening.
Adults are easy to manage, but kids might struggle to follow the rules. Try to be more patient in explaining the importance of water conservation. In this way, they will understand the purpose of the new rules and will be encouraged to comply.
Tip #5: Decrease the water level.
As a follow-up to the previous tip, decreasing the water level can help water to remain in the pool. Water loss from playing and splashing can be reduced. Try removing water (or let it evaporate on its own) to approximately one inch underneath the pool tile’s bottom edge.
Tip #6: Clean pool filters only when absolutely necessary.
Pool filters need routine cleaning to avoid over-accumulation of debris and problematic clogs. The process used to clean filters is called backwashing, which requires around 200 to 300 gallons of water. The huge volume of water is used to push away dirt and debris from the filter.
Backwashing only takes a few minutes to complete. However, if done 3 to 5 times a year, it can result in massive waste of water. While cleaning the pool filter is important, you must be careful about how often you clean it. Backwashing is necessary only when storage is approaching or at full capacity.
Check the pressure reading to check if it’s already time to clean. The dirt-holding capacity is already near maximum If the reading is 8-10 psi beyond the normal starting pressure. Only then should you perform backwashing.
Tip #7: Keep the pool at a low temperature.
Warm water evaporates more quickly than cool water. In addition, cool water slows down the growth of contaminants like algae. Keep the pool water at a low temperature to conserve water by installing a chiller or cooling pump.
Another way to regulate temperature is by operating the pool pump at night when the ambient temperature is lower. You can also improve the nighttime cool-off by using solar panels for the pool.
Tip #8: Improve water conservation with Cherry Pool Services.
We at Cherry Pool Services are committed to protecting the environment through the services we provide to clients. We can help ensure that water wastage is minimized as we install, maintain, and repair pools in San Diego and its surrounding areas.
Schedule a free consultation through (858) 999-1004 or cherrypools@gmail.com if you need our help with your pool at home.
