Your Guide To Reducing Water Loss In Swimming Pools & Spas

Water conservation is a growing concern world-wide. Especially if you also have swimming pool heating which accounts for a large amount of evaporation, it’s important to take steps to prevent water loss as much as possible.

The following guide will give you some top tips to keep the water consumption in your pool or spa at a minimum.

Leaks

As the most obvious cause of water loss apart from evaporation, it’s highly advisable to consistently monitor your pool or spa for any leaks. The main signs for this problem are if you see damp spots downstream of the pool, if you notice loose tiles or cracks and if the soil near the pool, pumps or pool plumbing equipment is water-saturated.

Pool Cover

A cover is one of the easiest ways to reduce water loss � it effectively cuts evaporation by up to 95% and without it, more than half the water in your swimming pool can disappear in the space of a single year. The other benefits of pool covers are that they keep debris from entering the water (meaning less cleaning needed), they help reduce algae growth and they lessen the need for chemicals (since these too are prone to evaporation). Covers also conserve heat which will save you money, plus there are even types available that prevent pets or children from falling into the water accidentally.

Pool Chemicals

Chlorine, the most common pool sanitising chemical, evaporates faster in sunlight. To minimise this, it’s best to add it in the evening. If your pool or spa has an automatic sanitising process when the pump is on, run the pump at night.

Swimming Pool Heating

If you have swimming pool heating, it’s a good idea to reduce the temperature during summer, when the sun is more prevalent to heat the water naturally. This, and using a pool cover, will reduce water evaporation significantly, not to mention save you money on your energy bills.

Water Level

In addition to conserving water, a lowered water level will help reduce water loss from splashing. As a rule of thumb, it's advisable to keep the water level 1 inch above the bottom of the pool tile.

Backwashing Pool Filters

Because backwashing the filters of your pool or spa uses extra water, try keeping these filters clean to minimise the need for this. Frequent backwashing can also reduce the effectiveness of the filters. For these reasons it’s advisable to backwash only long enough for the water in the sight glass to run clean. Another way to make the most of the water used for backwashing is to use it to empty it on your lawns and shrubs.

Pool Pump

While different times of the year will require different run times needed on your pool pump, you should only run it for as long as needed. It’s a good idea to start off by running the pump for eight hours per day. If the pool stays clear, then try running the pump less often. But if the water starts to get cloudy, run the pump slightly more each day until it clears. Another tip is to use a timer that's specifically rated for the size of your pool pump to save on operating costs. And when it comes time to replace the pump or the pump motor, make sure to choose the exact horsepower for your needs. It’s also wise to choose a two-speed or variable-speed pump motor, as this will further save on energy costs.

Water and Utility Bills

It’s important to keep a consistent check on your water and utility bills, as any big changes could signal a potential leak or some other kind of problem.

Landscaping

By planting shrubs and having fences or privacy screening around your pool area, you’ll be greatly reducing water loss from wind evaporation.
Draining

It takes a great deal of water to drain and refill a spa, not to mention a large swimming pool. While some pool owners like to kick off each new summer with a thoroughly scrubbed pool and fresh water, this is not really necessary and it’s a grand waste of water. If you maintain your swimming pool well, it in fact only needs to be drained every 3-7 years. When it comes to a spa however, depending on how often you use it, the general rule of thumb is to drain it approximately every 3-4 months.

Running Water Features

While pool fountains and waterfalls make for exquisite swimming pool features, they cause aeration, which greatly speeds up evaporation and thus water loss. For this reason, it’s wise to only run your water features when you’re entertaining.

Conclusion

Whether you’re concerned about evaporation because you have swimming pool heating or because you simply want to be careful about your water consumption as an eco-friendly matter of principle, the above information will help you significantly reduce water loss in your pool or spa.