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With SA experiencing its worst drought in years, and considering that swimming pools are one of the biggest consumers of domestic water (pools and gardens alone can account for up to 60%), there can be no excuses for not covering up!
During a long hot summer, the amount of water lost from an average pool is astounding. But a pool cover can reduce evaporation by 90–95% - it also reduces the need to use more chemicals, restricts algal growth, and conserves heat!
Consider the following:
1. Install a JoJo tank to collect rainwater (including run-off from gutters) and use it to top up your pool. Beware Grey water from the home often contains ammonia from common cleaning agents and detergents and this can affect water pH and degrade a pool pump’s components.
2. Install a quality swimming pool cover; if you have an outdoor spa/Jacuzzi, cover that too. Pool covers not only reduce evaporation but they also reduce the amount of debris in pools, therefore reducing filtration times and the frequency of backwashing.
3. Backwash less (bi-weekly, not weekly) and for a shorter time; keeping the pool and filters clean will also reduce the need to backwash.
4. Reconsider the times during which you run your pool pump. Filter during off-peak hours to reduce stress on the national power grid.
5. Turn off fountains and waterfalls; water aeration increases evaporation and cools the water.
6. Never leave a heated pool uncovered – warmer water evaporates more quickly.
7. Fix leaks as soon as you notice them!
8. Keep the water in the pool! Avoid diving and reduce splashing; for those who let their dogs swim, this is equivalent to 30 people swimming at once! It requires the filtration system to work even harder to oxidise any pet residue like fur, as well as increasing evaporation and water loss from splashing.
Every drop counts!
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