When you install a swimming pool, one of the first expenses you're prepared for is the cost of water. It takes a lot of water to fill a pool and you want to keep it at a desirable level. If you're concerned about the possible hike in your water bill, know that there are tricks to cut down on your usage. Here are several ways to conserve water when you own a swimming pool.

Cover Your Pool

Covering your pool serves several different purposes. First, it keeps your pool clean by repelling falling leaves, insects, dirt and debris. Second, a pool cover keeps the heat in so you don't have to spend so much energy. Last, professional pool builders near me always recommend keeping a pool covered to slow down the rate of evaporation. This stops you from having to add water and use additional chemicals.

Don't Drain Each Year

Some people feel it's a good idea to drain their pool each year and start with freshwater. This is a completely unnecessary step that only costs more in the long run. By leaving your pool full and adding the proper chlorine shock and algaecides, your pool's water will remain clean and safe all winter long. This makes opening the pool much easier and saves water which is better for the environment and your pocketbook.

Stay On Top of Maintenance

Swimming pools aren't difficult to take care of, but you need to stay on top of maintenance. Besides needing a repair, the only reason you'd ever drain a pool is if the water becomes completely unstable. You can avoid this by staying up-to-date on all your pool's upkeep. Create a schedule where you know exactly when you'll vacuum, skim and check the water's pH level. You should also know how and when to add pool shock if your pool has had a lot of use.

Turn Down the Heat

If you don't have a cover for your pool and you use a thermostat to warm the water, turn it down. Reducing your water's sitting temperature prevents the unnecessary loss of water due to evaporation. It also helps you use fewer chemicals because chlorine tends to become depleted quicker when it's added to warm water. The same is true of sunlight, which is why it's better to add chlorine in the evening when it's cooler and darker outside.

Inspect for Leaks

It might sound obvious, but a leak in your pool will cause you to lose water without you catching on right away. When you finally suspect a leak, perform something called a bucket test. Place a bucket of water near your pool and mark the water level in both the bucket and on the pool. After 24 hours, if your pool is significantly lower than the bucket, you probably have a leak. Inspect the pool and equipment by using an inexpensive dye kit to pinpoint the leak's exact location and then call for a repair.

Keep the Water Level Low

If you avoid filling your pool to the top, you're already a step ahead of the game when it comes to saving water. Keeping the level lower prevents water loss from splashing around and every time someone jumps in. In reality, the pool's water level should only reach halfway up the skimmer opening. This will keep the skimmer working properly and avoid water waste. 

Just because you install a pool doesn't mean you're destined to pay expensive water bills. Conserving your water by using a cover, keeping the water properly treated and calling for help in the event of a leak will allow you to fully enjoy your pool.