Splash Wisely: Simple Ways to Reduce Pool Water Waste

With Memorial Day behind us and warmer days ahead, many of us will be looking to cool off in the pool. Before you jump in, it’s important to make your pool as water-efficient as you can. Outdoor water use can make up as much as half of your household’s water bill during the hottest months, and pools are a big reason for that increase. By making a few simple changes, you can keep your pool running efficiently, save money, and help protect our community’s water supply.

Start by checking your pool for leaks. Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons each week, raising your water bill and putting extra pressure on local water supplies. Leaks are easy to miss, especially in the busy summer months, so make it a habit to check your pool system regularly.

To help your pool run efficiently and make the most of every drop, try these easy 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.

Check pipes for white, crusty mineral deposits, which can be a sign of a slow leak. Also, watch for wet spots on the ground near the pool, around the equipment, and between the equipment and the pool.

Test for hidden leaks

Make sure your pool’s autofill is working correctly. Some water loss from evaporation is normal, but if the water level drops more than usual, you might have a leak. Keep in mind that an autofill can hide a leak by automatically adding water, so you may not notice the level dropping.

You can also try the bucket test, which is simple to do. Just follow the steps below, or watch an instructional video if you prefer.

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) drops more than the water inside the bucket, you might have a leak and should consider calling a pool contractor.
   B. If the level changes are the same, only evaporation has occurred.
9. Resume regular autofill operation.

Once you’ve fixed any leaks, you can save even more water by trying these extra conservation tips.

Keep the filter clean to avoid backwashing

Clean your filters often. Backwashing can use anywhere from 250 to 1,000 gallons of water, so only do it when needed. You can reuse backwash water on your lawn or shrubs, but make sure it soaks into your own yard and doesn’t flow into your neighbor’s property. Every gallon you reuse helps save water for everyone.

Lower the pool temperature

Lowering your pool’s temperature can cut down on evaporation, saving both water and energy. Cooling pumps can bring the temperature down by as much as 15 degrees, so you can stay comfortable and save water all summer.

Don’t overfill the pool

Try keeping the water level a little lower than usual to cut down on water lost from splashing and playing. This small change can save hundreds of gallons over the summer.

With these tips, you can stay cool, save water, and keep it where it belongs—in your pool. Regular maintenance and good habits not only save you money, but also help make sure our community has enough water for years to come.

For 57 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 – Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. For more information on water, visit www.amwua.org.