According to the National Weather Service, South Central Pennsylvania is suffering from a moderate drought and most of the state is abnormally dry. People with backyard swimming pools are concerned about what this means for them. They ask what they can do to conserve water and prevent damage to their pools. At Goodall Pools & Spas, we try to answer questions pool and spa owners have during this uncertain time.
Conserve Water
Although there is evidence that a swimming pool uses less water per square foot than maintaining the same square footage of lawn, the goal is to save water, whether maintaining a lawn or a pool.
Some suggestions that will conserve water for your pool use are:
- Use a pool cover. It will substantially reduce the amount of water evaporation. It is cost efficient and will reduce your water and power bills. Depending on the type of cover, you may find one that almost completely prevents evaporation.
- Heated pools should have the temperature reduced. Warm water evaporates faster than cooler water.
- If you have fountains or jets in your pool, shut them down. The aeration results in more water evaporation.
- Pay close attention to the water level. Do not let the pool overflow resulting in wasted water.
- Tell swimmers not to dive. This causes more water to splash out of the pool.
- Repair any leaks you find in your pool. Even a small leak can waste a substantial amount of water.
Prevent Damage to the Pool
You want to make sure that your water conservation methods do not cause damage to your pool. Some things to watch out for include:
- Do not empty your pool. With no water to weigh it down, the pool lining may start rising which may result in cracking.
- Check your pool frequently for cracks. High temperatures combined with dry air for an extended period of time may cause leaks to break through even you keep water in the pool. This sometimes results in leaks in places you cannot see, so check your water bill to see if it is going up and there is no other explanation.
For all your swimming pool and spa needs during a drought or the normal season, contact us at Goodall Pools & Spas for assistance.
