4 Ways to Conserve Pool Water and Save Money
As you stare into the crystal blue of your swimming pool, you probably only think about diving in and enjoying the cool water. But there's something else that should be on your mind: making sure the water stays exactly where it is. Did you know that by taking a few easy precautions, you can learn to conserve your pool water—and at the same time, lower your expenses?
Here's what you need to know.
The Top Four Ways Water Leaves Your Pool
You know that it takes a lot of water to fill your swimming pool, but you may not realize that some things can cause your pool to lose some of that water. And even small amounts of water leaving your pool can add up to big losses. The four main things that cause your pool to lose water are:
- Leaks
- Splash out
- Evaporation
- Filter backwashing.
Let's look at each one and talk about how to reverse the water loss.
Check for Leaks
Pool owners often have a leak and don't even realize it. That's because some leaks are so small that they're difficult to detect. But even small leaks can add up to higher water bills over time.
To check your pool for leaks, start by using a grease pencil and making a mark at the top of the water level. Then, check the level 24 hours later. If it has decreased significantly, your pool likely leaks.
To find the leak, use leak finder dye to help identify where the leak is. The tests include a dye that is formulated to stay together in the water. Because the dye is heavier than water, it will float through the leak area. When performing this test, turn off the pool equipment and do it only when the water is still.
If you don't have leak finding dye, start by inspecting the most likely sources of a leak. Areas around the pool that are always wet may have a leak nearby. Be sure to check the equipment pad as well since there are many pipes and valves that can develop a leak.
If you are still dealing with an unnaturally high water bill, find a pool service professional near you so they can help you figure out why your water bill is so high.
Splash In, Not Out
Splash out happens when the people inside the pool do activities that cause water to splash outside of the pool. While this sounds like fun and games, the truth is that all that water will have to be replaced once the fun and games are over.
To avoid splash out, discourage kids and guests from playing games that splash excessively. Next, look to your water features and make sure that as water falls into your pool, it isn't causing an excessive splash. Finally, if your water levels are so high that normal pool activities cause water to splash out, consider lowering them.
Stop Evaporation
Pool owners lose between 7,000 and 25,000 gallons of water every year to evaporation, depending on the size of the pool and the climate. That's a lot of water, and your water bill will reflect it. To fight evaporation, start by making sure you cover your pool when it's not in use. Even a simple solar blanket will help reduce evaporation.
Your landscape can also help with the issue. Since wind moving across the water's surface can cause evaporation, put shrubs and other wind-blocking objects such as fences and hardscapes around your pool to cut down on the wind.
Be Mindful When Backwashing
“Backwashing” is a method of cleaning pool filters by reversing the flow of water. This helps dislodge debris from the filter. While backwashing is a necessary part of pool maintenance, you can reduce the number of gallons of water that you use while doing it. For instance, backwashing a sand filter typically uses about 200 gallons of water. If you don't stop the process when the water runs clear and continue for another two minutes, you've just wasted 200 gallons of water. Also, if you keep your pool filter clean, you won't have to backwash as often, and that will save water, too.
Save Money While Enjoying Your Pool
These are just a few ways you can conserve water usage while having fun with your pool. Educate your entire family and soon, you'll watch your water bill decrease as your fun in the sun increases!
