It used to be said that homes with swimming pools use up to twice as much water, on average, compared with non-swimming pool homes.
But with increased awareness of how precious our water is and how we can all play our part in reducing our water use, this stat is beginning to change. And you can easily be a part of this change! This National Water Week, we’re encouraging you to take a look at how you can be more water wise when it comes to your backyard swimming pool. So, here are our top pool water saving tips this Water Week.
And, the good news?
Becoming a pool water saving whiz not only saves our precious water and reduces your carbon footprint, but will keep a few extra pennies off your water and electricity bills and in your bank account.
Use a Pool Cover
It may be a bit of a pain to roll on and off, but a cover will not only keep your pool cleaner in between uses, it can reduce evaporation by up to 95%. With evaporation often the number one culprit for water use in home swimming pools, a little bit of extra effort in using a quality pool cover when your pool is not in use packs a great punch in water saving impact. If a high quality pool cover is a little beyond the budget, consider purchasing a pool blanket or a liquid pool cover, either of which will still be reducing evaporation by almost half the amount of leaving it uncovered.
Increase the shade around your pool
Doubling as a smart sun-safe strategy, increasing the shade around your pool is a great pool water saving tip as it naturally reduces evaporation, with less pool water in direct sunlight. A shade sail or umbrella can often do the trick, or even better, if space and budget permit, perhaps it’s an opportunity to consider a landscaping update. Did you know that the Port Pools by Design Dream team offer landscaping consultancy and services as well as swimming pool installation? Co-Owner, Meredith Howard, specialises in renovations and project management, including styling and design, so get in touch to ask how we can bring a new look and feel to your backyard, while saving you water and ultimately water bill dollars!
Check for leaks regularly
If you’ve got a Port Pools by Design pool, you’re in luck, because fibreglass pools are the least likely of all the pool types to leak, but a crack can still occur and if it does you want to jump on it quick-smart. This not only saves water but avoids the risk of the pool lifting from the ground due to the leak. One of the main causes of leaks in fibreglass pools is water loss, so if you’re following the two pool water saving tips above, you’re off to a good start in avoiding cracks and therefore leaks. That said, it’s still always worth getting into the habit of checking for leaks on a regular basis. Things to look out for? Unusual water pooling on tiled or paved areas when the pool hasn’t been in use, soggy grass near the pool, and checking your pool equipment for any damage. Not sure what to look for or think you may have a problem? Then it’s time to get in touch with a professional. If found early, leaks are usually repaired easily and without much expense.
Finally, little changes can make a big difference
We’ve covered three pretty common pool water loss causes and their solutions, but there are also a few really simple, free things you can do to keep your water level high and reduce the need to throw a hose in. Firstly, have a think about how much water the users of your pool are carrying out. While there’s no need to bring in the water police for the sake of a few drops, some simple pool behaviour changes can help keep more drops in than out. Make sure your swimmers squeeze out the excess water in their swimmers on the shallow step of the pool before actually exiting (also a great way of keeping the towels from getting saturated, too!). Love playing with water soakers? Great! But recommend that squirts are kept inside the boundaries of the pool as much as possible, so that the water stays captured and not all over the pavement. And finally, for an extra evaporation hack, be intentional about when and for how long you leave your water heater on. Not only will it save you a bunch on your electricity bill, but cooler water evaporates less than warmer water.
And, of course, if you need to top up, then that’s ok!
While it’s great to save water using these pool water saving tips, it’s really important that you do reach for the hose if your pool water level drops below recommended levels. As we pointed out earlier, this could lead to unwanted cracks and can also cause problems with your filters, even leading to a sad day for your pool motor. So, reduce your water use where you can, knowing you’re doing your bit for our environment (and your bills!), but know it’s ok to use water where needed to keep your pool healthy and well maintained.
Keen on more ways you can save water this National Water Week?
Check out Smart Water Mark’s tips for reducing your water use in and around your home.