Pool & Spa Tips

Pools, hot tubs and spas are not water wasters! Water is essential for health, recreation and relaxation, so it’s vital that water remains abundant and accessible to all. We believe this is possible if all pool and spa users stay informed about water conservation techniques and are willing to make just a few sensible changes in their water consumption habits.

Pool, Hot Tub & Spa Water Conservation Tips

  • Cover up. A properly maintained spa or pool cover is an important safety element and can also significantly reduce evaporation and water waste to a negligible amount. For pools, a safety cover or a solar cover also has the added benefit of helping to heat the pool. A floating cover under the spa cover will prevent additional evaporation and retain heat. For maximum effectiveness, replace spa covers every three years.
  • Be vigilant. Correct any leaks or service problems as they occur. Don’t waste water by letting it leak away.
  • Maintain your spa. Proper maintenance will greatly increase the time between draining and refilling. Cleaning filters regularly according to manufacturer’s directions will extend spa cleanliness.
  • Maintain your pool and pool filtration systems. Use an automatic pool cleaner to maintain pool water. Some pool cleaners do not send debris through the filtration system helping to reduce the need to backwash. Proper maintenance of pool water reduces the frequency of backwashing. Replace your aging sand or DE filtering system with a cartridge filter that does not require backwashing and saves water.
  • If it’s clean, don’t drain. Drain spas and pools only when you have a water quality problem. Water only needs to be changed in a spa 2-3 times a year if you maintain your spa properly and it incorporates new water cleaning technology. Pools only need to be drained if repairs require it.
  • Re-use. When you drain your spa, let it sit open for 48-72 hours with no new chemicals added, and then use the water on garden plants. Or ask your retailer about products that neutralize chemicals. To prevent unsupervised use, remember to make sure that proper safety barriers are in place any time that the spa safety cover is removed.
  • Recycle. Use captured rainwater to replace water lost to evaporation in spas and pools or to refill a spa.
  • Upgrade. Spas manufactured in the last five years have new technology cleaning systems that keep the water clean much longer — up to six months without refilling. This new technology is also available for some older models. Your spa dealer can advise you whether you can add this technology to your spa.
  • Shut off waterfalls, fountains, and other water features to reduce water loss and evaporation.
  • Minimize splashing or lower the pool’s water level to reduce “splashout.”
  • Plug the overflow line when the pool is in use.
  • If your pool is heated, reduce the water temperature to reduce evaporation.

Indoor Water Usage Tips

Check
for leaks

  • On average, 10 gallons per day of your water footprint is lost to leaks. One of the most effective ways to cut your water footprint is by repairing leaky faucets and toilets.
  • A useful way to check for leaks in your house is by using your water meter. The best way to do this is to measure your meter over a two-hour period when no water is being used within your house. If there is any movement during this period, there is a leak.

Low-flow is
the way to go

  • Switch out your shower head. By switching to a low-flow shower head, you can save 15 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower.
  • Cut down bath time. Showers are significantly more water efficient than baths, so be sure to stick to showers when bathing.
  • Fix your flush. Standard toilets use approximately 3-5 gallons of water per flush. By retrofitting or filling the tank with a substance that will displace your water, you can reduce your water waste.

Check settings on
your appliances

  • While most front-loading washing machines are energy and water efficient, nearly 22% of a household’s water usage comes from doing laundry. A simple fix to reduce water usage is adjusting the settings on your machine to the proper load size.
  • Dishwashers are highly water efficient and account for a small percentage of a household’s water footprint. While hand washing your dishes could take up to 20 gallons of water, an Energy Star dishwasher only uses about 6 gallons of water per load. Only run when you have a full load of dishes.

Outdoor Water Usage Tips

Smart methods for your sprinkler

  • Save up to 25 gallons each time by watering early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler
  • Check your sprinkler system frequently to ensure that your sprinkler range only covers the lawn and does not reach out to the sidewalk or street. This method could save approximately 15 – 20 gallons of water each time you use your system.
  • Switch to a drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs and flowers and you can save up to 15 gallons of water each time you tend to your garden

DIY tricks for your lawn and garden

  • Aerate your lawn periodically to allow water to reach the roots of your plants, rather than running off the surface. By watering your lawn more deeply instead of frequently, you can build a stronger, healthier landscape.
  • Place a layer of mulch around your trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool. In particular, organic mulch improves soil and prevents weeds.
  • Leave grass clippings on the lawn to help lock in moisture
  • Invest in drought-resistant plants and trees that will need less attention during dry periods
  • Use ice cubes for your hanging baskets, planters and pots – this will allow your plants to have a cool drink of water without any overflow.