Can you save water while using your swimming pool regularly?

Swimming pools are a wonderful backyard addition, but it can be frustrating when the water level constantly drops and must be topped off regularly. This can be a hassle for homeowners trying to conserve water for the sake of the environment or wanting to keep their water bill low.

The good news is that saving swimming pool water isn’t too difficult if you put a small amount of effort into it.

You can start by following these simple tips:

Reduce the Pool’s Water Level

If you are trying to save water, the most obvious thing you can do is reduce your pool’s water level. This is especially important during the months of the year when your swimming pool is frequently used as it helps prevent water from splashing out. It will not fix the problem entirely, especially if you have little kids who cannot help themselves, but you will at least stop some water from evaporating on the deck.

Schedule Pool Maintenance

Proper swimming pool maintenance is a great way to save water. If it is within your budget, a weekly or biweekly pool cleaning service will ensure the pool is clean and properly running. You may also want to hire a pool company that can look for any pool leaks and quickly repair them to avoid water loss. Leaks are a big reason water is wasted, so this will help quite a bit.

Install a Swimming Pool Cover

If you do not already have a swimming pool cover, you should look into having one installed. A cover will reduce evaporation because it blocks the sun from hitting the water but more importantly, it will improve safety. There are a few different types of pool covers on the market. We recommend that you get one that can be locked and, if possible, one that is automatic for convenience. Pool covers are an indispensable tool many homeowners do not take advantage of.

Reduce Backwashing a Bit

Pool filters are instrumental in keeping your water clean, and if you’re using a sand or diatomaceous earth filter, then the process will use a lot of water. That is because you will need to do what’s called “backwashing” to clean the filter, which will consume between 200 and 300 gallons of pool water on average. You never want to neglect the filter, but you should only clean it when it is near or at its storage capacity.

Switch the Filter to a Cartridge

Since sand and DE pool filters use lots of water to keep them clean, you may consider replacing your filter with a cartridge model. To clean a cartridge filter, remove it from the filter tank and wash it down with a garden hose. This will still take around 20 or 30 gallons of water, but there is no comparison. We would also suggest you get an oversized cartridge filter because those only need to be cleaned once or twice per-year.

Lower the Temperature of a Heated Pool

Heated pools are great. Just ask anyone who has had one installed. However, a higher temperature will increase evaporation, so you need to be careful. If you seem to be losing more water than you should, then turning down the heat should be on your to-do list. If you will not be using the pool for a while, consider shutting off the heater entirely.

Strategic Poolside Landscaping

If you decide to redo your backyards landscaping, consider placing trees and other items in areas that will block the sun’s rays from hitting the pool so often. This may not reduce water loss too much, but every little bit helps. Also, keep in mind that while fountains and waterfalls are gorgeous, even the best water recycling system can lead to a small amount of water splashing out that builds up over months or years.

For Custom Swimming Pool Installation, contact Larsen’s Pool & Spa

Larsen’s Pool & Spa have been custom pool builders in Tampa Bay and the surrounding area for decades. If you’re in need of new pool construction or pool remodeling or would like to know about our pool financing options, call our staff at (727) 786-POOL (7665) today.