Current Weather Conditions
Pool Information
Conditions
Evaporation Results
Conserve Water: High-Impact Pool Mitigations
Big wins: Use a cover when you’re not swimming (often 70–95% evaporation reduction). Add windbreaks, lower heat a few degrees, run water features only when you’re outside, and do a quick leak check monthly.
- Cover consistency: A solar or automatic cover prevents most day-to-day evaporation.
- Wind control: Wind strips moisture from the surface. Use fences, hedges, or screens to calm the waterline.
- Temperature dial-back: Drop setpoint a few °F when idle. Heat right before use, not 24/7.
- Water features on a schedule: Run fountains/sheers for ambiance when you’re there, not overnight.
- Monthly leak check: Do the bucket test below.
- Smart filtration: Backwash only when pressure rises ~8–10 PSI.
- Mind the waterline: Keep level just high enough for skimming.
- Rain readiness: Let rainfall top-off naturally where possible.
Bucket Test (Leak Check)
Distinguish normal evaporation from a leak. Plan for a 24–48 hour window with no rain. Turn off autofill and water features.
Before You Start
- Turn autofill OFF.
- Avoid high-wind or rainy periods.
- Set features off during the test.
Step-by-Step
- Fill a 5-gal bucket with pool water and place on a step.
- Mark levels inside bucket and on pool tile.
- Run pump normal schedule. Wait 24h.
- Measure both drops, record values & weather.
- Repeat for 48h if needed.
Interpret Your Results
- ≈ equal drops: Normal evaporation.
- Pool drop greater: Leak likely.
- Only when pump runs: Check pressure-side plumbing.
- Only when pump off: Suspect suction-side or shell leak.
Evaporation Math Cheat Sheet
- Rule of thumb: 1 inch over 1 sq ft = 0.623 gal.
- 15×30 ft pool ⇒ ~280 gal per inch.
- 20×40 ft pool ⇒ ~498 gal per inch.
- Hot DFW summer: ~1/4–1/2″ per day typical (uncovered).
Cover Types & Expected Savings
- Automatic covers: ~90–95% reduction.
- Solar covers: ~70–90% reduction.
- Safety mesh: ~30–50% reduction.
- Liquid covers: ~10–30% reduction.
DFW Seasonal Conservation Calendar
- Summer: Keep cover on, check for leaks weekly.
- Spring/Fall: Re-seal cover, service filters.
- Winter: Covers still save water on windy days.
Myths & Facts
- “Only heat causes evaporation.” Wind & dry air matter too.
- “Rain means no cover needed.” Not true; covers save between storms.
- “Chlorine evaporates with water.” False; water leaves, chemicals concentrate.
When to Call a Pro
- Pool drops ≥1/4″ more than bucket in 24h.
- Autofill runs constantly; water bill spikes.
- Wet soil near equipment or constant trickle at waste line.