Worried About Owning a Pool In a Drought

Droughts are becoming a frequent occurrence in California due to climate change. As drought conditions intensify and local governments impose strict water restrictions, pool owners are feeling pressure to aid water conservation efforts. However, it may surprise you to know that your pool can serve as a useful tool to save water.

You can reduce your water footprint and still enjoy your swimming pool or home spa by taking careful measures to save water.

Clean your filter. When your filter is dirty, you have to backwash it to clean it. Backwashing is a practice that can waste between 250 and 1,000 gallons of water. By taking extra care to clean and maintain your filter, you can avoid backwashing and enjoy the added benefit of having crystal clear pool water.
Check for leaks and cracks. Even with careful maintenance the smallest leak or crack can decimate your conservation efforts. The average household loses 10 gallons of water per day due to leaks. That’s 3,650 gallons over a year. Just imagine over 120 bathtubs lined up all full of water! Those slow leaks can really add up, so checking your swimming pool and your equipment pad regularly for cracks can stop a problem before it gets out of control.
Keep cool. Warm water evaporates more rapidly than cool water, so only use your heater when needed. Additionally, investing in cooling pumps can help lower your water temperature by 15 degrees and help save even more water.
Cover up. A pool can lose up to a quarter-inch of water per day from evaporation in warm weather areas. Windy areas can lose even more water as warm air whips across the pool surface, absorbing your moist pool water. The best and easiest way to conserve water is to use your pool cover. Pool covers can help you save up to 50% of water lost to evaporation and save you money spent on the chemicals needed to refill your pool.

Owning a pool is a source of joy and delight. By following these simple maintenance steps, you can enjoy fun summer days in your backyard retreat while still conserving this precious resource.