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Warmer temperatures mean swimming pools beckon.
You can save money, save water and enjoy your
pool by properly maintaining your pool and spa.
Here are some tips from the Southern Nevada
Water Authority to help improve water
efficiency.
The biggest waste of water is a rarely used
pool so swim! Since rambunctious playing sends
water down the overflow drain, close this drain
when the pool is in use to prevent the loss of
water. An exposed pool loses 50 to 70 gallons
per square foot per year to evaporation. After
playing or relaxing in your pool, use a pool
cover to reduce evaporation. Pool covers reduce
evaporation by 90 percent when in use and can
prevent windblown debris from landing in the
pool. While not all pool covers guarantee to
collect solar heat, all help prevent heat loss.
If you’re in the market for a pool cover,
visit snwa.com for a money-saving coupon at
participating retailers. The coupons are good
for half the purchase price of a solar-type
cover, up to $50, and up to $200 off a permanent
cover.
If you need to drain your pool, never drain
water into the street or into a storm drain.
Water should be drained into the clean out port,
usually located in the front yard. Visit
snwa.com for step-by-step instructions on how to
properly drain a pool and avoid a water waste
fee.
Warmer water temperatures cause water to
evaporate faster, so heat your pool just before
use to save energy and reduce evaporation.
Professionals recommend 78 degrees as the ideal
recreational pool temperature. High evaporation
rates are generally mistaken as leak problems.
While it is difficult to do a thorough
examination for leaks, test for leaks anyway by
performing a simple “bucket test.” Visit
snwa.com to learn how to perform the test.
To properly maintain filters, wash your
cartridge filters when your pump operating
pressure increases by 10 psi. Since chlorinated
pool water is diluted with clean water, it is
safe to wash cartridges on landscaped areas, but
be sure to pick a dry spot in your lawn or
landscape that can benefit from the extra water.
Never allow wash water to run into the street.
Test pool and spa water frequently and
maintain appropriate chemical balances. Ask your
local pool professional for details on how to
prevent algae problems.
For more water-smart tips, or to print a pool
cover coupon, visit snwa.com or call 258-SAVE.
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