Keep your pool waterwise as temperatures rise

As Memorial Day weekend passes and temperatures begin to rise, more people will look to stay cool in a pool. Before summer fully swings into action, it’s crucial to optimize your pool's efficiency for the hottest months. Outdoor water usage accounts for a significant portion of a household's monthly water expenses, and swimming pools are among the largest consumers of outdoor water. Ensuring your pool operates effectively not only enhances your enjoyment but also helps manage water costs. 

A solid first step in conserving water with your pool is inspecting for leaks. Leak issues within your pool system can be hard to spot and may lead to significant water waste, ultimately increasing your water bill. These leaks often go undetected during the summer months, resulting in considerable water loss and wasting hundreds of gallons.

To keep your pool in waterwise shape, follow these simple steps.

Check for visible leaks
Turn the pool equipment on and look for visible leaks from pipes.

Walk around your pool and yard, carefully inspecting the area around your pool equipment, where many leaks can often be found. 

Look for white crusty mineral deposits on pipes, which could indicate a slow leak. Also, look for wet spots on the ground around the pool, pool equipment, and between the equipment and the pool.

Test for hidden leaks
Check the pool autofill for proper operation. Pool water evaporation is normal; however, an abnormal drop in water level may indicate a leak. An autofill (automatic pool water leveler) can mask a leak as it will automatically replace lost water, thereby preventing a visible drop in pool level.

You can also perform the bucket test, which is a straightforward procedure. Follow the instructions below, or watch an instructional video here .

1. Disable (turn off) the autofill (if present).
2. Place a bucket or container on a pool step without allowing it to submerge.
3. Use a large rock or brick to weigh down the container.
4. Fill it with water so it is the same level as the pool water.
5. Mark the water level inside the bucket using either a water-soluble marker or a piece of tape.
6. Mark the pool water level on the outside of the bucket.
7. Wait at least two to three days to let natural evaporation occur.
8. Compare the two water levels.
   A. If the pool water level (outside mark) has dropped more than the bucket's water level (inside mark), you may leak and may want to contact a pool contractor. 
   B. If the level changes are the same, only evaporation has occurred.
9. Resume regular autofill operation.

Once your leaks have been fixed, there are a few other simple ways to conserve water in your pool this summer.

Keep the filter clean to avoid backwashing
Clean your filters regularly. The average backwash uses between 250 and 1,000 gallons of water, so remember to backwash only when necessary. Recycle your water by directing the backwash water onto lawns and shrubs. Ensure the water is absorbed before it leaves your property, and avoid allowing runoff to enter adjacent properties.

Lower the pool temperature
Reducing the temperature also reduces water loss from evaporation. Cooling pumps can lower pool temperatures up to 15 degrees.

Don’t overfill the pool
Keep the water level lower to reduce water loss due to splashing.

Now you are prepared to stay cool, embrace water conservation, and keep the water where it belongs—in your pool. Remember to check for leaks regularly, not just during the summer, but throughout the year. It's a simple yet impactful way to save water and money.

For 56 years, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association has worked to protect our member cities’ ability to provide assured, safe, and sustainable water supplies to their communities. For more water information, visit www.amwua.org .