How do I prevent evaporative water loss from my pool?
Evaporation from swimming pools contributes to water and energy waste. Evaporative water loss from uncovered pools can waste 12,000 to 31,000 gallons of water a year (EPA WaterSense). Using a pool cover can prevent up to 95 percent of pool water evaporation. Pool covers also keep debris from contaminating pool water and clogging filtration systems.
How do I check for leaks in my pool?
Leaks in your pool’s structure or plumbing system can also be the source of significant water waste. Regularly check your pool for leaks to reduce the amount of water needed to refill on a regular basis. To determine if your pool has a leak,
- place a bucket on the top step of the pool,
- fill it with water to the water level of the pool.
- leave the bucket for 24 hours, and if after that time the water loss in the pool is greater than the water loss in the bucket, you likely have a leak.
Also, to prevent water loss, be sure not to overfill your pool and to regularly check the auto-fill valves to assure they are not stuck.
Learn about more water efficiency tips for your pool in the EPA WaterSense Pool Water Efficiency Guide.
Does Valley Water have restrictions on pools?
Restrictions on pools, including refiling, new construction, and pool covers are set by individual water retailers and/or cities and may vary throughout the county. As a water wholesaler, Valley Water does not have land use authority and cannot prohibit the construction of pools. The construction of a pool is permitted and approved by the local jurisdiction’s building and/or planning department(s). Additionally, the local water retailer has the authority to restrict the filling or refilling of swimming pools. Valley Water encourages replacing existing pools with low water use landscape by offering a rebate of $2/square foot through the Landscape Rebate Program.
To address the current drought conditions, Valley Water’s June 9, 2021 resolution (Resolution No. 21-68) declaring a water shortage emergency urges the County, cities, and water retailers to prohibit the use of potable water for the filling or refilling of swimming pools, among other water use prohibitions. Similarly, the regulatory agency overseeing private water retailers encourages comparable water use prohibitions; however, the decision to implement and enforce water use restrictions affecting pools lies with the local water retailer.
How can I find out if there are pool restrictions in my City?
We recommend residents and businesses contact their individual water retailers for information about restrictions and/or guidelines on pool construction, filling, and maintenance. To find your retailer, visit www.valleywater.org/your-water/find-your-water-retailer. While some municipalities have requirements already in place for new pools to install pool covers. If the drought worsens, most municipalities will move to restrict pool installation and fillings through their Water Shortage Contingency Plans.