Did you know that you can control evaporation in your pool using pool covers in Los Altos? Find out how you can save precious pool water during a drought.
How does drought in California affect residential swimming pools?
California’s ongoing drought has significantly impacted residential backyard pools. Water restrictions imposed by local governments limit pool refilling, and many homeowners face fines or penalties if they don’t comply. As a result, some pool owners are choosing to reduce water usage by covering their pools to prevent evaporation, installing water-efficient pool systems, or converting pools into drought-tolerant landscapes like rock gardens.
The drought has also raised concerns about pool maintenance, as stagnant water in underused or partially drained pools can lead to algae growth and mosquito breeding. The general effect pushes homeowners to rethink water usage and consider sustainable pool solutions.
Tips to save pool water during drought
Pools have the most significant portion of water use in residential properties, so homeowners will want to take several steps to conserve precious pool water during the dry months. Here’s how you can save your pool water:
1. Use a pool cover
Using a pool cover can help minimize evaporation, significantly reduce water loss, and save up to 50-70%. Consider using solar covers, which also help keep the pool warm.
2. Reduce splashing and water loss
Limit your pool activities and encourage gentle swimming to prevent excessive splashing.
Also, lower your pool’s water level slightly to reduce splashing when swimmers enter or exit the pool.
3. Fix leaks
Inspect the pool, pipes, and pump system regularly for leaks. Even small leaks can lead to significant water loss over time.
4. Backwash only when needed
Backwash your pool filter when absolutely necessary, as it uses a lot of water. Consider using a backwash recovery system to reuse this water.
5. Use water-saving equipment
Use variable-speed pumps. They are more energy-efficient and can reduce evaporation by maintaining proper circulation without overworking the pool.
Switch to water-efficient cartridge filters, which require less water for cleaning compared to sand or DE filters.
6. Add windbreaks
Install barriers, such as planting hedges and trees, or use fences. They will help reduce wind, which increases evaporation rates.
7. Turn off water features
Minimize fountains and waterfalls. Water features increase evaporation. Keep them off during droughts to save water.
8. Lower pool temperature
Cool the water. Warm water evaporates faster, so lowering the pool temperature can help reduce evaporation.
9. Monitor pool chemicals
Balance your pool’s chemicals carefully. Maintaining proper chemical levels reduces the need to drain or replace water due to poor water quality.
Combining these methods can help you to effectively conserve water in your pool, even during a drought, while still keeping the water clean and enjoyable for use.
How can a pool cover prevent evaporation?
A well-fitting solid cover helps reduce pool water evaporation by acting as a barrier between the pool water and the air. Here’s how it works:
- Reduces exposure to air: When a pool is uncovered, water molecules at the surface evaporate into the air, especially on hot, sunny, or windy days. A cover blocks the air from coming into direct contact with the water, reducing the evaporation rate.
- Maintains water temperature: Pool covers help retain heat, which minimizes the temperature difference between the water and the air. It reduces the amount of heat transfer, slowing down evaporation.
- Limits wind impact: Wind accelerates evaporation by carrying away moisture from the pool’s surface. A cover shields the water from the wind, further reducing water loss.
- Prevents solar evaporation: Solar radiation heats the water, causing it to evaporate. A reflective or UV-resistant cover can block or reduce the sun’s heat, lessening water evaporation.
In general, pool covers can reduce evaporation by up to 95%, saving water and reducing the need for frequent refills.
Pool Covers, Inc.’s pool covers can help with the drought
Summers in California can be extremely scorching and affect your pool’s water levels. Using a pool cover is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep water in your pool. A covered pool will save water from evaporating by up to 95%. The less water loss caused by evaporation, the less you need to refill your pool with fresh water. Pool covers can help you save not only water but also money.
Pool Covers, Inc. is the answer to your pool cover needs. We offer both manual and automatic safety pool covers to fit pools of any size. Whether you want a snap-down manual pool cover, track manual pool cover, or our Infinity 4000 system electronic or hydraulic automatic pool covers using state-of-the-art technology. Pool Covers, Inc. has you covered (pardon the pun). We also offer safety spa covers to protect your hot tubs and spas.
Does your pool cover have the same high quality as the products from Pool Covers, Inc.? Our pool covers are built to match and exceed safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). With a high-quality and durable pool cover, you can be sure your pool is well protected from evaporation.
Using good-quality pool covers will help you save pool water so that you and your family can continue to enjoy swimming until the dry spells subside. Invest in Pool Cover, Inc.’s products and reap the benefits of using a cover for your watery oasis! Contact us today for a free estimate on pool covers in Los Altos.
