Water Conservation & Pool Care in California’s Drought Era
Marin Pool Service
Owning a pool in Marin brings a lot of enjoyment—but it also brings responsibility. With drought conditions still impacting California, your pool doesn’t have to be a water-waster. At Marin Pool Service, we help pool owners keep their water clean, clear, and well-maintained without a constant drain-and-refill cycle. Here’s how.
Evaporation: The Silent Water Loss
In our Marin climate—with warm days, cool nights, and breezy coastal air—your pool could lose around ¼ inch of water each day just through evaporation. According to American Leak Detection, average loss starts there and varies based on local weather conditions.
For an average 20′ × 40′ pool, that means roughly 200–400 gallons a week could disappear—and more during hot, dry, or windy days.
Several factors can increase evaporation rates, including:
- High temperatures and direct sunlight
- Low humidity (especially during dry summer months)
- Wind exposure
- Uncovered pools
Over a full season, that adds up to thousands of gallons of lost water—most of it preventable.
A high-quality pool cover (solar or safety) is one of the best defenses—it can reduce evaporation by up to 90%. If a full cover isn’t your style, try a liquid solar cover—a thin, invisible layer that helps slow evaporation.
Keep Your Water Balanced to Avoid Unnecessary Draining
One of the most common reasons pool owners end up draining and refilling their pool is unbalanced water. When calcium hardness, stabilizer, or metal levels get too high, it can cause scaling, staining, or cloudy water that’s tough to correct—sometimes leaving no option but to start over.
Keeping your water chemistry balanced protects your pool surface, equipment, and wallet—and helps you conserve thousands of gallons over time.
At Marin Pool Service, we take a proactive approach with regular testing and the right treatment plans to keep your pool balanced and beautiful—so you can keep the water you already have and enjoy it all season long.
Switch to a Cartridge Filter for Water Savings
If you’re still using a DE (Diatomaceous Earth) filter, now’s a great time to consider switching to a cartridge filter. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to save water and reduce environmental impact.
DE filters require frequent backwashing, which can waste hundreds of gallons each month. They also rely on DE powder—a fine, silica-based material that, during the backwash process, can be discharged into your backyard or drainage system. Zenith Pools warns that DE powder can endanger pets, children, and the environment when inhaled, ingested, or improperly disposed of. (read more)
Cartridge filters, on the other hand, don’t require backwashing at all. You simply remove the cartridges and rinse them off as needed. They’re more water-efficient, easier to maintain, and far more environmentally friendly.
The result? Less water wasted, less maintenance, and a cleaner footprint for your backyard.
Backwash Smartly (If You Have a Sand Filter)
If your pool uses a sand filter, pay attention to when you backwash—it doesn’t need to happen as often as many people think. Only backwash when the filter pressure rises about 8–10 PSI above normal. Doing it too often wastes water unnecessarily.
Our technicians can check your system pressure and recommend the right maintenance schedule for maximum efficiency.
Splash-Out and Over-Filling: Small Things Add Up
When you’re using the pool, even small habits make a difference:
- Keep the water level about halfway up the skimmer—not higher.
- Be mindful of splash-out during games or exercise.
- Automation systems can help maintain the proper level automatically.
Our team often catches small overfills during routine visits and helps adjust settings to reduce waste.
Smart Circulation & Scheduling for Water and Energy Savings
When and how you run your pump matters. Early morning or late evening circulation helps reduce evaporation while keeping the water healthy.
Variable-speed pumps—like the Jandy ePump+SVRS—allow for longer, low-speed run times that move water efficiently. That means fewer chemicals, less evaporation, and more consistent water quality.
Every Drop Counts
In Marin, your pool is more than just a backyard feature—it’s part of your home, your lifestyle, and the local environment. With a few smart adjustments, you can enjoy your pool and conserve water at the same time.
At Marin Pool Service, we specialize in water-smart pools that stay clear, efficient, and reliable. From leak inspections to filter upgrades to weekly maintenance, we’ll help you make every drop count.
Need help optimizing your pool for water conservation?
Call 415-892-4000 or Visit MarinPoolService.com
Follow us on Instagram: @MarinPoolService
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my pool is losing water from evaporation or a leak?
A simple way to tell is with a bucket test. Fill a bucket with pool water, place it on a step, and mark both water levels. After 24–48 hours, compare the drop. If the pool level goes down significantly more than the bucket, you may have a leak—not just evaporation. Our team can perform a full inspection to confirm and locate the source.
2. How often should I clean or replace my cartridge filters?
Cartridge filters generally need a full cleaning every 3–4 months, depending on pool use and debris levels. With proper care, most cartridges last 5–10 years before they need to be replaced. Because they don’t require backwashing, they help conserve water and are a great choice for Marin homeowners looking to reduce maintenance and environmental impact.
3. What’s the best way to reduce evaporation besides using a cover?
A cover is the most effective solution, but you can also reduce evaporation by:
- Running your pump in the early morning or evening
- Keeping water levels and chemistry stable
- Installing windbreaks like hedges or fencing
- Using a liquid solar cover for an invisible evaporation barrier
Combining these strategies can significantly cut water loss throughout the season.
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