An unmaintained pool or spa can be a big water waster. Follow these tips to help save water and money.

1. Cover Your Pool
   An uncovered swimming pool loses a lot of water to evaporation. Even in the fall and winter, if the temperature of the pool water is higher than the outside temperature, evaporation can occur. Pool covers reduce evaporation, limit windblown debris, and conserve energy. Help save water and money by covering your pool when not in use.
2. Maintain Pool Filters
   The more frequently you clean swimming pool filters the less often you’ll need to replace the pool water. Also consider replacing pool filters with newer water conserving models. Check with your local pool specialist if you have questions about your filter.
3. Test for leaks
   A leak in your pool or spa or a malfunctioning auto-fill device can account for significant water losses. If the water level is too high (hitting the overflow cut out) your auto-fill device may be constantly adding water to the pool, leading to excessive water use. If you suspect your auto-fill device is malfunctioning, contact your local pool specialist right away to avoid unnecessary loss of water.
   
   Follow the steps below to check for a leak in your pool
   
   1. Turn off the automatic fill valve, if applicable
   2. Place a bucket on a step, weight it down with a brick or rock, and fill with pool water to about 3-4 inches from the top. Match the water level in the bucket with the level of the pool. 
   3. Leave the bucket and pool undisturbed for at least 24 hours. 
   4. Compare the water level in the bucket with the water level of the pool. If the water level in the bucket is noticeably higher than the water level in the pool, you may be losing water to a leak. If the level inside the bucket is lower than the pool, you may have an issue with your automatic fill. Contact a pool leak detection specialist to locate the leak or malfunction, if needed.

Click here for information about safely draining a swimming pool, spa, or fountain.

Have a look at the table below for estimated costs of filling your pool with water. Please note the amounts listed below are estimates based on current water rates and do not take your normal bi-monthly usage into consideration. Additional water usage for filling a pool may push your usage into higher billing tiers.