As climate change worsens and droughts intensify across the country, responsible water management is critical – even if you are fortunate enough to live in an area not currently under a drought designation. Water conservation is an important practice that benefits our environment and future generations, and we all play a role in managing it appropriately. 

While the rest of the world figures out how to combat increasing temperatures and natural disasters, there are plenty of things you can do as a homeowner or property owner to ensure you’re a conscientious consumer of this precious natural resource. 

At Let’s Pool Together, we know our pools can be part of the drought solution, but we want to arm you with other ways to manage water use in your backyard. Read on for more tips to ensure your backyard sanctuary is water wise.  

Making the Most Out of Your Pool’s Water 

Your pool is already helping you conserve water as the average pool installation will use one-third of the water a lawn of the same square footage requires. But you can implement a few more tips and tricks to improve your pool’s water consumption. 

• Use a Pool Cover! A well-maintained spa or pool cover is an important safety element that can also reduce evaporation and water waste up to 95% 
• Nix the Water Features. Turn off waterfalls, fountains, and other water features for an easy way to prevent water loss.  
• Drain Only When Needed. Only drain your pool or spa if you have a water quality problem or significant repairs require it. In fact, water only needs to be changed in your hot tub two to three times a year if you’re maintaining it properly.  
• Call the Maintenance Team. Stay up to date on your pool maintenance to reduce the need to backwash and save water in the process. You can also update your filtering system to newer technology, like a cartridge filter, that doesn’t require backwashing.  

• Cool it Down. Turn down your pool, hot tub or spa’s water temperature for another easy way to reduce evaporation.  

Saving Water Around the Yard 

Don’t just stop at your pool! A few simple changes from our friends at Save Our Water can help make your whole backyard waterwise.  

• Use Native Landscaping. Try planting native or drought-resistant plants the next time you update your landscaping. These plants often require less water than lawns and can even help prevent soil erosion.  
• Change Your Water Flow to a Drip. Install a drip irrigation system and smart controller to save 15 gallons each time you need to water your backyard.  
• Fix That Leaky Sprinkler. A leak as small as the tip of a ballpoint pen can waste 6,300 gallons of water a month! Fix your sprinkler for an easy way to reduce water waste and save 12-15 gallons each time you water.  
• Master the Mulch. Apply a layer of mulch to your garden beds to help retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation. Bonus: this can also prevent week growth and enrich your soil! 
• Try Out a Rain Garden. While impervious surfaces like patios and driveways can cause water runoff and inhibit rainwater soaking back into the ground, natural features like rain gardens can have the exact opposite effect. This is a cost-effective way to beautify your property and conserve water at the same time. 

Your backyard should be a relaxing spot to enjoy, and implementing these smart tips can help you use it responsibly all year round. We encourage you to explore other resources on our page and make the most of your backyard oasis.