Swimming pools use a huge amount of water, but if they are designed well to use rainwater and protected with a Smart WaterMark pool cover they don't have to be wasteful. Remember, it is possible to enjoy water whilst not wasting it at the same time.
There are a number of effective ways to reduce water wastage in the pool and spa.
Evaporation is a major cause of water loss from your swimming pool. It is important to remember that the evaporation rate is highest in the early evening as the air cools and the water remains warm.
Installing a rainwater tank is a great way to reduce the use of mains water in your swimming pool. Rainwater diverters are an inexpensive alternative to installing a tank. They attach to a downpipe and can be used to divert rainwater into your swimming pool. In large downpours, you will need to monitor the water level in your pool so that it does not overflow. You should consult a plumber about stormwater diversion.
Sand filters require backwashing which can use up to 8000L of water every year. Purchase a cartridge filter if you are installing a new pool or replacing the filter. Cartridge filters do not require backwashing to be cleaned so they use less water. Backwashing a sand filter should be carried out once every 4–6 weeks. Only backwash until the glass goes clear - backwashing for longer will waste excessive amounts of water.
Avoid
overfilling your pool as this will prevent your filter from working
effectively and will cause water to overflow. The water level should be
about half way up the skimmer box opening for the filter to function
properly. If you want to allow the water level of your pool to drop
below this, you will need to buy a T-piece suction line which connects
to the skimmer box allowing the filter to function normally.
Some quick tips:
It is important to remember that pools are designed for us to have fun. However, there are ways that we can do this without wasting water.
Try the following:
Leaks in your pool can be difficult to detect. Leaks can develop in the pool's membrane and piping. Even a small leak can waste 7000 litres per year. Here is some useful information on how to detect pool leaks and what you should do about them.
Firstly, you will need to identify if the leak is coming from the pool plumbing or the pool structure. These simple steps can help you identify the location of a leak:
When it comes to leaking pool pipes, it is recommended you always consult a licensed plumber or leak detection specialist.
Where
leaks are past the impeller of the pump, a specialist leak detection
contractor is generally required to identify the exact location of the
problem. This may not necessarily be a plumber. Some plumbers have
invested in the equipment required for this form of testing, while
others call on leak detection specialists and then undertake any the
work required.
Licensed plumbers should be consulted for any leaks identified before the impeller of the pump, and as a precaution even if it is suspected that the leak is in the pool structure.
It is important for pool owners to understand the regular water loss of their pool. Leaks are generally the cause of any irregular water loss but should not be mistaken for regular pool water loss (such as splashing, evaporation, etc.)