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Pools and Spas

You can be water efficient and still enjoy these great leisure activities if you follow a few simple water conservation guidelines.

Preventing water evaporation

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. This can be reduced by covering the pool's surface. Covering the pool lowers the pools temperature, decreasing evaporation whilst preventing debris from falling on the pool surface. By preventing sunlight from penetrating the water, you will also reduce the amount of chemicals needed to keep the pool clean.

Here are a few ways you can cover your pool and prevent evaporation:

Pool covers These are generally more expensive than blankets as they require a roller for storage, and take some effort to roll out and put away. They have an added safety benefit as it is difficult to fall into the pool when the cover is in place. They also cover the whole pool, preventing up to 95% of evaporation, compared with a blank where there may be gaps between a blanket and the edge of a pool.

Pool blankets They offer a more affordable option and are available in bubble plastic or foam, which float on the water's surface. If used with a roller they can be easily be removed before pool use, then spread again after you have finished swimming for the day.

Increase shade Covering your pool with a shade will further reduce evaporation as well as protecting swimmers from harsh sunrays. Use shade cloth or a shade sail.

Liquid pool covers
Are a new alternative available if you don't want to hide your pool water with a cover or blanket. The chemical forms a barrier on the water's surface which inhibits evaporation by up to 40%. It can either be added to the pool daily by hand or by using an automatic metering system.

Prevent wind exposure
Wind contributes to evaporation. To reduce water loss, adjust the landscape around your pool with walls and hedges that create shelter from the wind.

Tank to pool systems

Installing a rainwater tank is a great way to reduce the use of mains water in your swimming pool. Many regions now have rebates available for rainwater tanks.

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.

What type of filter should I use?

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 to 6 weeks. Only backwash until the glass goes clear - backwashing for longer will waste excessive amounts of water.

How can I prevent loss of water from splashing?

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 you 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.

Change pool behaviour
Concentrate on keeping water in the pool. Try the following:

Discourage pool users from "bombing" and continually getting out and jumping back into the pool.
Drip dry on the top step so that water goes back into the pool.
If you need to top up, get those who use the pool to top up the water level with a bucket so they're conscious of the amount of water they've used.

Regularly check for leaks
Leaks can easily develop in the pool's membrane and piping. Even a small leak can waste 7000 litres per year. These can be difficult to detect so it is recommended that you test your water pipe's pressure when installing your pool and then once every 3 years.

Pool maintenance

Backwash only when necessary.
Check regularly for cracks and leaks.
Keep the pool and filters clean to reduce frequency of filter backwashing.
If acid has been used to clean the pool, the water should be neutralised.

What if my pool has already gone green?

If your pool has already gone green, you can kill the algae with a dose of chlorine. The green particles can then be removed by installing a pool filter bag on the return line. These bags can filter particles down to one micron and will allow you to reuse water from backwashing in your pool.

How can pool chemicals save water?
By maintaining the correct balance of chemicals in your pool year round, you will prevent your pool water from going green over winter. This means you won't need to empty and refill the pool in spring. Monitoring the chemicals in your pool will also prevent you from having to discard polluted water.

Water restrictions will affect how you fill a new pool or top up an existing one. You may have to use a bucket or order water in via a carting service depending on local water restrictions. Check with your local water provider.