6 Water Saving Tips For Your Pool

We all need to do our bit to save water for a more sustainable lifestyle; even the smallest actions matter. One area where you can make a significant impact is how you maintain your pool. Follow these simple water-saving tips to find out how you can enjoy water whilst not wasting it at the same time:

Reduce evaporation

Evaporation is a primary cause of water loss from swimming pools and spas. But, with a few smart choices, you can significantly reduce their natural process.

Investing in Pool Cover: Utilising a pool cover can dramatically reduce evaporation by up to 90%, an investment that pays off in the long run. It can be easily handled with a roller system.
Chemical Barriers: A liquid pool cover forms a thin layer on the water's surface, reducing evaporation by up to 40%.
Increasing Shades: Creating more shade over your pool area not only lessens evaporation but also offers protection from harsh sun rays.
Add Wind Breaker: Adding barriers such as walls and hedges around your pool can significantly reduce wind exposure, limiting evaporation.

Add Sanitiser in The Evening

Adding sanitisers like chlorine to your pool in the evening can be more effective. The lower temperature and absence of sunlight prevent the rapid dissipation of chlorine, making your sanitising efforts more efficient and water-wise.

Don't Overfill the Pool

It's important not to overfill your pool. The ideal water level is about halfway up the skimmer box opening, which allows the filtration system to operate efficiently without unnecessary water loss.

Reduce backwash on your filter

Sand filters require backwashing to remove the dirt that has been collected in the filter and drain water to waste. It's recommended to backwash only when necessary, which is indicated by the pressure gauge on your filter reaching 10psi above the normal reading. Backwashing every week during summer can use up to 5000L of water every year.

If you are building a new pool or replacing an existing media filter, consider a cartridge filter. These filters use a removable filter element that can be hosed down when it needs cleaning, saving a significant amount of water. Contact your nearest dealer if you are considering a filter change.

Leak Detection and Repair Pool Leaks

Leaks in a pool can be a hidden culprit in water wastage. It makes sense to keep an eye on potential leaks and have them repaired as soon as you can. Leaks in your pool can be challenging to detect, but even a small leak can waste 7000 litres per year. How do you locate a leak?

1. Initial Detection: Mark the water level with tape and observe any significant drops over 24 hours.

2. Filter System Checks: Compare water loss with the filter system on and off to determine if the leak is in the plumbing or the pool structure.

3. Assessing the Leak Resource: Understanding whether the leak is on the pressure side or the vacuum side of your plumbing is key to effective repair.

4. Construction-related Leaks: If the leak is detected soon after construction, the builder should be consulted for assessment and repair.

Change your pool behaviours

Being mindful of how much splashing can make a significant difference. Avoiding actions like diving or "bombing" can help maintain the water level. Encouraging swimmers to drip dry on the pool's steps ensures that water drips back into the pool rather than being lost on surrounding surfaces.

Embracing these water conservation strategies in pool maintenance is an eco-friendly approach and a smart financial decision. By reducing evaporation, optimising filtration systems, and promptly addressing leaks, you can significantly cut down on water usage, contributing to a healthier planet and a more sustainable pool.