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A swimming pool in your backyard is a big old water guzzler, which is why we here at Anta Plumbing recommend that you go green. Relax, we're not talking about stinky algae - we're talking about green, as in saving the environment. There are many great ways for you to save on water and energy by practicing practical pool care tips, which we will outline in this post. Our pool experts will show you how you can conserve water around your pool or spa by being water smart.
1. Give the Pump a Rest
Using the correct size pump can help you save on operating costs. At first, allow the pump to run for eight hours a day, and if it stays clear, reduce the time slightly. The pool may become cloudy, in which case you can run it a bit more every day until it is clear again. The amount of running time required may vary by season.
2. Limit Drainings
Does your pool really need to be scrubbed out and refilled at the start of each season? The answer is no. A properly maintained pool can go 3-7 years between drainings, according to Anta Plumbing's pool experts. However, your spa should be drained once every three months.
3. Use Smart Poolside Landscaping
You can help reduce water loss due to wind evaporation by using privacy screening or barriers and pool-area shrubs to block the wind.
4. Reuse Pool Water in the Garden
Allow the filter backwash to empty onto the lawn or shrubbery, but don't let the backwash leave your property unless you have an agreement with the neighbours. It is illegal to empty your pool backwash into the storm drains in some regions, so be sure to check with the City.
5. Only Backwash When Necessary
You can reduce the frequency of backwashing by keeping both the pool and the filters clean, as backwashing filters use extra water. When you do backwash, only do it for as long as you need for the sight glass to run clean. The effectiveness of your filters will reduce if you backwash too frequently.
6. Lower the Temperature of Your Heated Pool
During summer, reduce the temperature of your heated pool to reduce water loss to evaporation, particularly if it is not being used often.
7. Lower the Water Level of Your Pool
Boisterous splashing and extreme water play can cause your pool to lose a lot of water, however, by lowering the water level, such losses will be somewhat contained. Ideally, you should keep the water level about one inch above the bottom of the pool line, and discourage swimmers from excessive splashing.
8. Check for Leaks
By detecting and repairing leaks, you can significantly reduce the amount of water lost. Some signs of leaks include:
- gaps or cracks in the bond beam.
- cracks and loose tiles.
- leaky valves, joiners and pipes.
- saturation in the soil surrounding the pool, the pump, or pool plumbing.
- damp spots downstream from the pool.
9. Invest in a Cover
Half of the water in your pool can evaporate in 12 months if you don't use a swimming pool cover. However, by using a cover, you can reduce evaporation by up to 95%. A cover also offers additional benefits, such as a reduced need for chemicals, a reduction in algae growth, and better heat conservation, which saves on heating costs.
If you have a pool leak, or issues with your pool plumbing, or if you just want to find out how you can make your pool more "green", get in touch with Anta Plumbing.
