Your and Your Pool...Keeping it Cool!

 
 
With the heat of summer upon us, there is nothing more refreshing than a quick dip in the cooling water of your pool.  Whether you are filling, draining, or performing other pool maintenance, there are always plenty of things to keep in mind, not to mention a few opportunities for water conservation.  Here are some tips:
 
Water Conservation - There are many water conservation opportunities for the swimming pool owner.  For instance, cut down on the amount of water that evaporates from the pool.  This can be accomplished by installing a pool cover.  Not only is evaporation greatly reduced, but significant savings in energy costs - up to 50% - can be achieved.  Even more savings can be realized with the use of a pool cover because less chemicals are needed to treat the water.  Here are some other ways you can conserve water this summer:

 

  Consider washing you pool filter by hand.  A backwash uses from 250 to 1,000 gallons of water and doesn't do as good a job.
  Turn the temperature down on your pool heater.  Warm water evaporates quickly.
  Monitor the use of your waterfall or fountain. Aerated water also evaporates quickly and can be lost to wind drift.
  Maintain the proper pH level of the water.  Property treated water means less frequent, complete pool cleanings.
  Repair pool leaks as soon as possible.
  Keep the water level on the low side to reduce water lost to splashing or overfill.

For more great tips and interesting facts of swimming pools and spas, visit www.h2ouse.org/tour and click on "Pool/Spa."
 
 
 
 
 
 
Filling - How much do you think it costs to fill your swimming pool?  The average pool holds about 25,000 gallons of water, or in Rincon terms - 25 units.  At our current rates, it would cost approximately $70 to fill the average-sized pool.  On the other hand, the amount of additional water (and the associated costs) used throughout the year is very difficult to pinpoint.  Some things that effect the amount of water used to keep your pool full are:

 

  Size of pool (surface area and depth)   Amount of evaporation (related to local climate)
  Frequency of backwashing   Splashing (more displacement means more refilling)
  Leakage   Frequency and method of pool and deck cleaning
  Presence and use of a pool cover   Temperature of pool water (warmer water evaporates faster)
  Presence of a water fountain or waterfall   pH/chemical content of pool water & other maintenance habits

 
Draining - Since a pool is drained for maintenance only once every three years or so, it's easy to forget that this drainage water needs special attention.  With increasingly stringent rules from city and county governments, it is essential to know the facts about draining your pool.

Disinfectants such as chlorine and bromine are used to keep your swimming pool clean and hygienic.  Although these chemicals are designed to maintain water quality for human use, they can also kill important parts of the aquatic environment if introduced into sensitive creeks, streams, rivers, and oceans.

There are two acceptable methods of disposing drainage water: disposal via the storm drain system or via the sewer cleanout.  Water must be dechlorinated before being put down the storm drain!  Dechlorination will occur if you allow the water to sit a few days, or by adding chemicals that neutralize chlorine to a level of 1 part per million (ppm) or less.  The consequences for disposing of chlorinated water into a storm drain can be extensive.  since the environment damage caused by chlorine varies from site to site, penalties include chargebacks on clean-up efforts.  If you choose to dispose of the drainage water through your sewer cleanout, it is not necessary to pre-treat the water.

 
Emergency Water - As a pool owner, you should always view the pool as "backup water" and keep the water treated; you never know when it might be needed.  In any type of emergency, swimming pool water can be used for hygiene or fire-fighting purposes.  It is not recommended that swimming pool water be used for drinking because acids build up in the water and can be harmful to your health.
Note: Not all pool covers are child-safe.  Exercise caution when using a pool cover.
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