A matter of logic, awareness, and small gestures
Anyone with a home pool knows that enjoying it means more than swimming or sunbathing. It also means caring for it, which—though we’re not always fully aware—starts with learning to manage the water properly. Not because sustainability is fashionable, but because in many places water is becoming less guaranteed than we used to believe.
Cutting consumption doesn’t require big sacrifices. It’s about shifting perspective and understanding that, in fact, with less water you can achieve much more if you apply a few common-sense ideas with consistency.
Why does a pool lose water?
Few people stop to think about it, but an open pool under the sun—especially in summer—can evaporate several liters a day without us noticing. Wind, direct solar radiation, and high temperatures speed up this natural process, and although it seems inevitable, it can be eased fairly easily.
Then there are small leaks, often invisible to the naked eye yet persistent. Poorly sealed joints, cracks in the shell, a dripping valve, or even a hose left running longer than it should—all add up. Maintenance losses matter too: filter backwashes, draining due to chemical imbalance, or overfilling have an impact.
Cover, check, adjust: three basic ideas that work
If you could apply only one measure, it would probably be to cover the pool when it’s not in use. It may seem minor, but it immediately reduces evaporation and keeps the water cleaner, which means fewer chemicals and fewer filtration cycles.
Checking the equipment, even if it’s not the most appealing task, can prevent silent leaks that amount to thousands of liters over a season. A pre-summer checkup—with a professional if needed—pays for itself.
And then come the adjustments: program the filter pump well, use salt chlorinators or automatic dosing systems, and keep chemical levels in check to avoid partial draining if the balance goes off. These steps don’t take much, yet they make a real difference.
Changing habits also matters—a lot
There are routines that help even if they aren’t mandatory. Showering before swimming, for example, isn’t just about hygiene. It prevents sunscreen, sweat, and cosmetics from contaminating the water, keeping the chemical balance stable for longer. Checking the water level regularly—without waiting until half a tile shows—helps detect leaks or unusual losses before they escalate.
Another useful gesture is harvesting rainwater. If you have a collection system, you can use it for cleaning tasks, garden irrigation, or even to partially top up the pool when conditions are right.
Technology in the service of efficiency
Even without a brand-new or automated pool, there are accessible solutions to optimize water use: leak-alert sensors, variable-speed pumps that cut electricity use and refine filtration, and controllers that adapt operation to outdoor temperature and expected use.
Far from being a luxury, these technologies are becoming basic tools for anyone who wants to keep enjoying their pool without unnecessary excess.
Less water doesn’t mean less pool
Reducing water use doesn’t mean giving anything up. On the contrary. A well-kept pool—chemically stable, free of leaks, and with limited evaporation—is healthier, cheaper to maintain, and in a way more enjoyable. Knowing you’re doing things right also adds to the pleasure.
