6 Ways Swimming Pool Owners Can Save Water

6 Ways Swimming Pool Owners Can Save Water

Water is a precious resource and water bills are on the rise – we need to be aware of how we can save water and money for both the health of the environment and your hip pocket.  Pool owners can save money by considering a few important changes to the way they manage their pool care.

Did you know that the average domestic swimming pool holds somewhere between 22,000 – 60,000 litres of water? This amount is normally just a once-only fill quantity and from then on, a pool only needs to be topped up when required.

Looking after your swimming pool with the correct filter care and chemical balance can help you save water by avoiding emptying of the pool and frequent backwashing which can be expensive exercises.

Here are six ways you can care for your pool to save water and reduce your water bills.

  1. Ensure Adequate Filtration & Minimise Backwashing

In summer, it is recommended that your pool filter should run for 8 to 10 hours a day and certainly whenever people are using the pool. When the filter is operating, the surface of the water will be skimmed off, removing things like leaves and dust before they sink to the bottom. In order to remove the dust and dirt collected by the filter, the filter must be “backwashed”. This procedure reverses the water flow through the filter and flushes the dirt down the pool drain. To save water, only continue backwashing until the water in the sight glass provided, or at the drain point, is clear and clean. This should take no more than one or two minutes. Excessive backwashing can waste up to 2,000 litres of water.

  1. Check Your Chemical Balance

Balancing your pool chemicals correctly will ensure that your water stays as healthy as possible.  This will also ensure you avoid having to top up your pool, or worse, empty your pool.  To ensure your pool is at the optimal balance, follow these three rules:

  1. Adjust the Total Alkalinity level
  2. Adjust the pH level
  3. Ensure the required amount of sanitiser is added either by manually dosing or via an automatic chlorinator

By continually maintaining the correct water balance, you can save thousands of litres of water annually.

  1. Maintain the Correct Water Level

Making sure the water level is only half way up the skimmer opening ensures the correct skimming action and saves water. Remember, do not overfill your pool. It reduces the effectiveness of the skimmer and wastes water. Keep an eye on this, particularly in the cooler months when topping up your pool should be less frequent.

  1. Check for Leaks

Many pools in the Australia are now twenty or thirty years old and may need attention. Make time every few months to thoroughly check around your pool for any damp spots. Check the plumbing for leaks and valves or pipe joiners. One drip per second can waste up to 7,000 litres of water per year. A steady dribble could waste hundreds of thousands of litres per year – and add to your water bill.

  1. Consider Covering Your Pool

More and more pool owners are discovering the advantages of heating their pools. With water heated to a pleasant 25oC, the pool can be enjoyed for another three months at least. To reduce evaporation and the subsequent need to top-up, a pool cover is a wise investment. Covers not only save water but help keep the pool clean and reduce the energy costs by reducing heat loss. The availability of rollers for covers makes it a quick and easy way of lowering costs and saving water.

  1. Safety Saves Lives and Water

Safety is one of the most important considerations when you own a swimming pool and/or spa, particularly when small children may be nearby.  If groups of children are in the pool, “bombing” and “horseplay” can get out of hand so it is a good idea to make sure children are well supervised. By restricting this type of behaviour, you not only avoid accidents but prevent water loss due to excessive splashing.

Call a Jim’s Pool Care expert on 131 546 for some specialist advice on what would best suit your pool needs.