We have had a very mild summer thus far. As of this writing (August 12th), we have only had three days in which it reached 100 degrees, and we typically have had 10-15 by now on our way to our average of 20 days at or above 100 degrees. Although August is typically our hottest month, there is not a 100-degree day in the 14 day forecast. But I will say this—we could sure use some rain.
The hot, dry weather that we typically have each summer combined with the continued influx of new residents to the north Texas area can and has put a heavy burden on our resources—especially our water. Most DFW municipalities have not started restricting water use, but it is something that is always a possibility from year to year.
Although we at Gohlke Pools have always been concerned that pools put an increased demand on our water sources, evidently that is not the case. According to The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, “a properly maintained spa or pool uses less water in a season than watering a lawn of the same size.” Probably the best source that I have seen on this topic is letspooltogether.com. It includes data to support the fact that water usage for pools is less than it would be for traditional lawns and landscaping. It also has water saving tips and has links to other resources on dealing with the drought.
Even with the results of this research, we all need to do our part to conserve the water that we have. We can install more water friendly landscaping and it is important that pool owners do their part to conserve water. Following are some water saving tips for pool owners:
- Maintain the proper chemical levels and adequate circulation time. This will help keep from having to drain the pool to correct any problems.
- Turn off unnecessary fountains and waterfalls. These can cause a significant amount of water loss due to evaporation.
- If the pool is equipped with an overflow line, consider plugging it whenever swimming or when it is raining. This prevents water loss through the overflow line.
- When filling the pool, be sure to keep from overflowing the pool. Forgetting to turn off the water can make for a costly waste of water.
- Repair any swimming pool leaks. Even a small leak in either the pool equipment or the pool’s structure represents a substantial waste.
Let’s all do our part so that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonderful resources that we have had. Enjoy your pool!
Matt has been around the pool business since he was born. When he graduated college in 1984, he joined the family business working for Gohlke Pool Supply. The following year Matt and his father formed a partnership, Gohlke Custom Pools, and started offering pool construction.
