POOL WATER CONSERVATION
Water is one of
our most important resources. Every
living thing needs water to survive. Water conservation means using less water
or recycling used water so that it can be used again. This type of program is
important because water conservation helps save energy, protect wild animals,
and prevent people from using too much water.
We have been hearing a lot about Water Conservation lately, but how does
it affect you as a pool owner?
The recent
droughts in the Western parts of the United States has closed swimming season
for many pools. Pool owners have been
restricted from adding water to their pools and many regions have imposed
stricter constraints on what a pool owner can and cannot do.
The Federal
Emergency Management Agency offers many tips for saving water around your
house, but they also include tips for saving water with your swimming
pool. When it comes to
conserving water, evaporation can be a pool owner’s worst enemy. Half of the water in the pool can evaporate
over a year’s time. FEMA suggests
installing a pool over. Not only will it
reduce the evaporation, but it will also prevent night heat loss and it will
save on chemicals cost too.
Another
suggestion by FEMA is to install a new water-saving pool filter. Cartridge filters are fast becoming the
equipment of choice, not only because of the reduction in operating costs, but
also save thousands of gallons of pool water through the elimination of
backwashing. Another bonus is that many
Water Districts throughout the nation are offering rebates.
ADDITIONAL POOL WATER
CONSERVATION TIPS
When it
comes to conserving water, small adjustments can have a big impact. Here are a few suggestions:
·
CHECK FOR POOL LEAKS
When checking for pool leaks, look for damp spots downstream
from the pool; water-saturated soil near the pool, pumps or plumbing equipment;
leaking pipes, valves and joiners and loose tiles or cracks. Also, monitor you water bill. Any significant change may signal a possible
leak. If detected, address the leak
right away. Not only can a leak cause
some serious structural damage, but you are losing valuable water.
·
LOWER WATER LEVEL
To
reduce water loss, it is a good idea to lower water level to 1 inch above the
bottom of the pool tile. You don’t want
to overfill the pool. Lower water levels
will reduce water loss due to splashing.
You may also want to explain to family and friends to keep water in the
pool while playing. It will save water.
·
BACKWASHING
Keeping pools and filters clean will reduce the need of
backwashing. You will only want to
backwash long enough for the water in the sight glass to run clean. Backwashing too much, can reduce the
effectiveness of the filter. Also, you
may want to consider using the backwash water on lawns and shrubs. This can only be done if your backwash system
has a separation tank,
·
FOUNTAINS AND WATERFALLS
Minimize or eliminate the use of
waterfalls and sprays in your pool. Aeration increases evaporation. Make sure your swimming pools, fountains and
ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.
If you want to keep them on, trickling or cascading fountains lose less
water to evaporation than those that spray water into the air.
·
DRAIN POOL ONLY WHEN NECESSARY
Many pool owners enjoy starting
the summer with a clean pool with fresh water.
That may not be needed if the pool was properly maintained. Pools only should be drained every 3-7
years. An alternative, is to partially
drain the pool. Spas, however, need to
be drained every three month, depending on use.
Water
conservation affects everyone. Our water
resources are not unlimited. We can take
it upon ourselves to help the situation.
Not only will it help the environment by following some of these tips,
but it also helps your pocket too.
Any questions or assistance with any of these tips, call
Rick the Pool Dude at 702-448-2483.
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