Swimming Pools
About
one third of the approximate 53,000 homes in Gilbert have pools and the
average backyard pool holds about 15,000 gallons of water. Add that all
up and it’s about 285 million gallons of quality drinking water!
By following a few simple tips pool owners can conserve water, control water losses and save money on their water bills.
Track your water consumption -- regularly monitor your monthly water bills. Any change in the water bills can signal a potential problem.
Turn off unnecessary fountains and waterfalls. Use timers to automatically shut off fountains, waterfalls, and pool filters when not needed. You’ll save energy by turning off the pumps, and reduce the amount of water that’s lost to aeration and evaporation.
Maintain proper chemical levels and adequate circulation time. Not only will your pool water be safer and cleaner, but you’ll avoid the need to drain your pool or use excessive water or chemicals to correct problems caused by neglect.
Lower the pool’s water level as much as possible to reduce the amount of water that can be splashed out. It’s recommended to keep the water level one inch above the bottom of the tile. The more water lost to splashing, the more frequently you’ll need to refill your pool.
If you use a hose to fill your pool, be sure to keep an eye on the water level. Forgetting to shut off the water can be costly -- use a hose timer to limit the amount of water you use. Hose timers are available at most hardware and garden centers.
Use shrubs and fences to reduce losses by wind evaporation. Cutting down on the amount of wind going across the pool will cut down on evaporation.
If you have a pool heater, reduce the temperature. Reducing the temperature reduces water loss to evaporation, and is particularly important when the pool is not being used.
Use pool covers whenever possible. An uncovered standard-sized (16 ft. x 32 ft.) pool loses approximately an inch of water each week to evaporation. Up to 90% of water loss from evaporation can be saved through the use of a pool cover when the pool is not being used. For a typical pool you can save an average of 20,000 gallons of water a year with a cover. The cover can also reduce heating bills by preventing heat loss and will save on chemicals too.
Backwash pool filters only when necessary. Most people backwash more frequently than necessary. Only backwash as needed and just long enough for the water to run clean. The best place for this water is on your landscape where it can be directed onto lawn areas or other landscape plants. Constructing shallow basins around trees and shrubs will keep the water from running off.
If the backwash cycle is controlled by a timer, check and adjust the frequency of the cycle to ensure optimal efficiency. For maximum efficiency, consider installing a new water-saving pool filter to replace a traditional filter.
Repair any swimming pool leaks. Check the pool regularly for cracks and leaks and make repairs promptly. Even a small leak in either the pool equipment or the pool’s structure represents a substantial waste. In fact, an inch a day leak in an average size pool can waste approximately 100,000 gallons per year. If water level drops more than 1 inch per day, investigate for problems or leaks, especially with the auto fill device.
Look for signs that might indicate a leak. Recurring algae growth or water-saturated soils in the area around the pool, pumps or plumbing are also likely signs.
Drain your pool only when needed. You may not have to drain it completely, or as frequently as you think. A pool may not need to be drained for three years or more, depending on its use and location and how well the water quality has been maintained. Replacing all the water is usually only necessary when the total dissolved solids (tds) get too high. Some water quality problems often can be solved by draining only a portion of the water.
Winter is the best time to drain and fill your pool. The best place to drain your pool is on your property. It is usually safe and beneficial to discharge pool water onto your landscape as long as different areas are watered on rotation. Watering the same area could build-up an excessive salt level in the soil. Do not allow discharged water to pond or collect and attract mosquitoes, or run off onto your neighbor’s property. The water must stay in your yard. Allow the chlorine level in your pool to drop to a level that won’t damage your plants and if acid has been used to clean the pool, the water should be neutralized before draining. If you find it necessary to discharge water into the street you must call ahead for approval 480-503-6400.
Environmental Issues
Swimming pool discharge may contain chemicals and contaminants. Be sure
chemical levels of the water you discharge are low or neutral before allowing
them to flow into retention areas that people, especially children, use.
Your monthly sewer rates are assessed by measuring water usage billed in January, February and March. If you plan to fill a pool during these months contact the utility billing department so these gallons are not included in the calculation. This must be done in writing either by email or regular mail at Town of Gilbert Utility Department, 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85296, 480-503-6800.
For information on creating a lush poolside landscape
that’s water efficient
visit the Town
of Gilbert’s water conservation web site 
If you are experiencing high water consumption, contact
the Water Conservation office
to schedule a free home water audit. (480) 503-6098