Tackling Water Waste in Pools: A Smart Approach

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Tackling Water Waste in Pools: A Smart Approach

The summer of 2024 has been rough for water authorities, and tackling water waste in pools is one way to help preserve water in these dry times. In places like Altea, restrictions were placed on pool and garden water usage as early as summer, and by September, almost the entire Costa Blanca North was facing similar bans. With pools being such a big part of this water demand, it’s crucial to address the avoidable waste caused by poor pool management.

The Green, Dusty Problem

The problem.

One common issue pool owners face is water that looks green and dusty. No matter how much you clean, that fine green dust seems to keep coming back. After vacuuming, it doesn’t take long for the pool to look the same, and eventually, things can spiral into a cloudy, milky mess. Then, inevitably, the water turns green.

What’s Causing It?

The simple answer: algae. But why is the algae growing? In most cases, it’s because the chlorine isn’t doing its job properly. Whether it’s sun cream from swimmers, sweat, or environmental factors like Saharan dust or bad weather, all of it needs to be oxidized by chlorine and filtered out. When the pool water is over-stabilized with too much CYA (chlorine stabilizer), chlorine’s power to fight algae and organic waste weakens. If your CYA level is over 50ppm, the chlorine can’t keep up.

So, What’s the Fix?

First Basic Maintenance:

Start by ensuring your chlorine levels are correct. For outdoor pools, which use CYA to stabilize chlorine, the balance is simple:

Chlorine should be 7.5% of your CYA level.
CYA should be between 20-50ppm, and you should never let it exceed 50ppm.

Using unstabilized chlorine is the best way to prevent over-stabilization. Keep the water circulating and filtering constantly so that the chlorine can do its job in all parts of the pool.

Second Shock Treatment:

If the problem has already started, you’ll need a shock treatment to clean things up. This will get rid of the algae and reset the balance.

Third Accurate Testing:

Forget the cheap, inaccurate gadgets you find online. Instead, use a reliable test kit like the Taylor K2006, which is respected for its accuracy. It can test free chlorine levels to within 0.25-0.5ppm using the DPD powder and FAS drop test, and it measures CYA with a turbidity reagent test accurate to 10ppm.

What You Shouldn’t Do

Vacuuming to Waste:

This is a huge water-waster. In a 50m³ pool, vacuuming to waste will lose around 5m³ of water. The problem is, algae affects all the water in your pool, not just the surfaces you’re vacuuming. So while you might remove some algae, 90% of the problem still remains. Wasting 10% of your pool water isn’t just irresponsible, it’s avoidable.

Using Stabilized Chlorine:

Stabilized chlorine adds more CYA to your water, worsening the green dust problem. Chlorine tablets (trichlor) add 6ppm of CYA for every 10ppm of chlorine, and granules (dichlor) add 9ppm. This is not the solution to algae issues.

Switching Off Filtration:

Turning off your filtration system is a recipe for disaster. Algae grows quickly in stagnant water, while chlorine levels drop. If your pump isn’t running, the chemicals aren’t being circulated, and algae will thrive in the untreated areas.

Prevention is Key

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Having a clear disinfectant policy is the foundation for maintaining a healthy pool. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Disinfectant Policy:

Every pool is a closed system, and the water must continuously circulate through a filter to distribute the chlorine evenly. Chlorine levels need to be adjusted based on daily demands from both the environment and pool users.

Circulation and Filtration:

Keeping the water moving and filtering out contaminants is just as important as maintaining disinfectant levels. If the water isn’t circulating, algae will have free rein to grow.

Managing Waste Water:

A well-maintained pool doesn’t require unnecessary vacuuming to waste or excessive backwashing of the filter. With the right balance of chemicals and proper filtration, you can avoid the need to waste large amounts of water.

Conclusion: Responsible Pool Ownership

Swimming pools are a luxury, but they don’t have to be wasteful. By managing your pool properly, you can enjoy clear, algae-free water without wasting thousands of liters of water each week. Simple steps like balancing chlorine levels, maintaining proper filtration, and avoiding over-stabilization will go a long way in preventing water waste and keeping your pool in top shape.

Let’s enjoy our pools responsibly by taking thoughtful, considerate action. After all, water is a precious resource, especially during these challenging times.

Article Written by simon@techpools.es