A backyard pool is one of the thirstiest parts of a home. Water disappears into the air on hot days and splashes over the edge when the kids jump in. It also slips away through small habits nobody thinks about. The good news is that most of that loss can be cut back with simple changes.
This guide covers where pool water goes and how a cover helps. It also looks at water levels, wind and the design of the area around the pool. None of it needs a big budget. Most of it comes down to setting the pool up well and keeping a few good habits.
Where does the water in a pool go?
Evaporation is the big one. Sun, heat and wind all pull water off the surface, and a pool has a lot of surface. In a dry climate the level can drop noticeably over a single hot week. That water has to be replaced from the tap.
The Australian Government’s Your Home guide lists pools beside large gardens and dry climates as things that push up outdoor water use. Splashing is the second loss. Every cannonball and every lap of play sends some water over the coping. Backwashing the filter and small leaks in the plumbing add to the total as well.
It helps to think of these as separate problems. A cover deals with evaporation. Water level deals with splashing. Good maintenance deals with the filter and the plumbing. Tackle each one and the topping up drops away.
Why a pool cover makes the biggest difference
A cover sits on the water and stops the air from carrying it away. Your Home says swimming pool covers significantly reduce evaporative losses. It also says covering a pool and lowering the water level can save up to 30,000 litres a year. That is a lot of water for one simple habit.
Covers come in a few styles. A floating blanket that sits on the water is a simple option. Some homes use a roller fixed at one end of the pool so the blanket winds on and off. Others choose a fixed or slatted cover that runs on a track.
The best cover is the one that actually goes back on. A blanket that is hard to handle tends to sit in the corner of the yard. A roller makes the job quicker and keeps the blanket off the pavers. Pulling it on each evening and on hot, windy days is where the savings come from.
A cover also keeps leaves and dust out of the water. That means less debris in the skimmer and less work for the filter. It can also hold in some warmth overnight. Many owners find the pool is more pleasant to swim in as a result.
Getting the water level right
Overfilling is an easy mistake. A pool filled to the brim looks full and inviting, but it loses more to splashing. Your Home notes that an overfilled swimming pool can lose more water through splashing. Keeping the level a little lower gives the waves somewhere to go.
Check the skimmer box before you change anything. Most skimmers need the water to sit within a certain band on the opening to work properly. Too low and the pump can draw air. The pool builder or the equipment manual can tell you the right range for your setup.
Top up with care as well. A hose left running into the pool is easy to forget. Set a timer on your phone or stand by while it fills. It is a small habit that stops a lot of water running over the edge and into the garden.
Using the garden to cut evaporation
Wind dries a pool much faster than still air. Your Home suggests planting trees for shade and windbreaks to reduce evaporation in the garden. The same idea works around a pool. A hedge, a screen or a solid fence on the windy side slows the air moving across the water.
Raised beds and screens can do double duty here. Our guide to garden walls and planter boxes looks at building beds that also shelter an outdoor area. Pick plants that will not drop a lot of leaves into the water. Keep roots well clear of the pool shell and its pipes.
Shade helps too. Less direct sun on the surface means less heat driving evaporation. A sail over part of the pool or the lounging area can take the edge off a summer afternoon. If you go down that path, read up on shade sail damage so the sail lasts in strong sun and wind.
The pool surround matters
The area around the pool affects how much water you lose and how much you use. Hosing down hot paving to cool it is a common summer habit, and it adds up quickly. A broom or a blower clears leaves without using water. Light coloured paving also stays cooler underfoot.
Limestone is a popular choice around pools in many Australian homes. It has a natural look and suits a coastal style garden. Our article on adding value with limestone covers how it can lift the look of an outdoor area. Seal and look after it so it does not soak up water and stain.
Pavers need care around pools as well. Chlorinated or salty water splashing onto them can mark the surface over time. Regular sweeping and a gentle rinse when needed keep them in good shape. Our tips on keeping garden pavers looking good go into more detail.
Filters, backwashing and small leaks
Sand and glass filters are cleaned by backwashing, which sends water out to waste. Backwashing more often than the filter needs wastes water. Follow the manufacturer’s advice on how often to do it. Icon Water advises backwashing only until the sight glass runs clear, as going longer wastes water. Cartridge filters do not need backwashing, so they use less water.
A pool that keeps losing water even with the cover on may have a leak. Icon Water suggests marking the water level with tape, then comparing the loss with the filter running and with it off. Damp ground near the pool or drips around the pump and filter are also worth checking. A pool technician or plumber can test for leaks in the shell and pipes.
Fixing a leak early saves more than water. Water escaping under paving or into the soil can cause movement and damage over time. It is usually cheaper to sort a small problem now than a big one later. Keep an eye on the level during cooler months when evaporation is low.
Other ways to reduce mains water use
Your Home suggests alternative water supplies such as rainwater tanks and greywater systems to reduce mains water use outdoors. A tank can supply the garden around the pool, which frees up mains water. Check with your local council and water authority about any rules for tanks and greywater. Rules can differ between states and local areas.
Some areas also have water restrictions that cover filling or topping up pools. These can change during dry spells. Check with your local water utility before filling a new pool or emptying an old one. It is better to know the rules before you start.
A few simple habits bring it all together. Keep the cover on whenever the pool is not in use. Hold the water at a sensible level. Sweep rather than hose, and fix leaks quickly. Done together, these changes make a real difference over a year.
Frequently asked questions
How much water can a pool cover save?
The Australian Government’s Your Home guide says covering a pool and lowering the water level can save up to 30,000 litres a year. The exact figure depends on the size of the pool and the local climate. Using the cover every day gives the best result.
Should I keep my pool filled to the top?
No, a slightly lower level reduces splashing losses. Your Home notes that an overfilled pool can lose more water through splashing. Keep the level within the range your skimmer needs to work properly.
Do plants around a pool help with evaporation?
They can. Windbreaks and shade reduce the drying effect of wind and sun on the water. Choose plants that drop few leaves and keep roots away from the pool shell and pipes.
How do I know if my pool is leaking?
Watch for a level that keeps falling even with the cover on and in cool weather. Damp ground near the pool or drips around the equipment are also worth checking. A pool technician can test the shell and plumbing properly.
For more detail on cutting water use outside the house, see the Your Home guide to outdoor water use from the Australian Government.