Save water with a pool cover

Water consumption in a swimming pool. Save water with pool cover

A typical swimming pool it has a size of 5 x 10 meters and an average depth of 1.5 meters, i.e. it has a capacity of 75 cubic meters. This amount corresponds to 75,000 liters of water, indicatively compared to the amount consumed by a household of 2 people for 8 months (based on 150 liters per day per person). A typical 4 star hotel pool has a capacity of 500 cubic meters.

The amount of water lost through evaporation to the atmosphere when a pool cover is not used is noticeable. In general, evaporation varies daily at 0.9-1 cm in the months of June, July and August, and annually at 190 cm.

Save water with a pool cover

Consequently hundreds of liters of water evaporate from a pool without a cover in a day and thousands every month, always depending on the weather conditions and the area. For example in July 400 liters per day may evaporate from a 5 x 10 meter pool. Based on these figures, this pool in the summer loses more than 35 thousand liters due to evaporation.

According to information from pool manufacturers, in one year the volume of water originally in the pool is reduced by 30%, with half of this amount lost in the summer (calculating precipitation and evaporation). Based on the manufacturers' data, to replace this lost quantity in one year for the standard 5 x 10 meter pool, an additional 22.5 thousand liters of water are needed per year.

Including the water lost in cleaning, the new pool in the first year needs a minimum of 100 thousand liters of water, that is, as much water as a house of 2 people consumes in a year.

Saving water in swimming pools

The main factors that affect the evaporation of water in outdoor pools are the surface, the temperature difference between water and air (especially the large difference at night), the dry atmosphere and the wind. The most effective measure so far, however, is the use of a special cover whose value ranges from 1000 Euros, and which limits the evaporation almost entirely. Other measures that can be taken include building windbreaks or planting shrubs around the pool.

Usually swimming pools are connected to the local water supply network, but it is generally up to the consumer whether to use an alternative method, such as borehole water. However, it is also possible to use sea water, although it has a high cost as machines specially designed for this type of water must be installed.

Our suggestions

a) as it is forbidden to fill or supplement the swimming pool with drinking water, b) to prohibit the connection of the swimming pool to the water supply system from the new planning permits, c) to examine the mandatory coverage of swimming pools when they are not in use, d) to establish quality standards for water suitable for swimming pools.

Another idea was implemented in Sydney, Australia. To fill a new or renovated pool with more than 10,000 liters of water, a permit must be obtained from the local water authority. This permission is granted when the owner demonstrates in practice his compliance with the water saving measures. Specifically, by paying a negligible amount of money ($22), the water utility sends a plumber to the owner's home to fix leaks and install water-saving systems.

Epimeter

The state must study the existing situation and consider the possibility of subsidies for the purchase of canopies or wind walls, or on the contrary whether to impose sanctions on those who do not comply. The manufacturing companies, on the other hand, must professionally inform consumers about ways to save water and their various options. But the biggest problem in swimming pools is the indifference or ignorance on the part of their owners, when they do not take the simple and necessary measures to preserve and limit the water they use.

Internet source from a well-known Cypriot colleague