There’s no denying that your swimming pool or spa provides hours of fun for you, your family, and your guests. There’s nothing quite like going for a swim on a hot day or relaxing in a warm hot tub at the end of a long day.

While you might have a lot of fun in the water, perhaps you’ve started to notice an increase in your water bills. Both pools and hot tubs use a lot of water, which means you end up spending more every month. Fortunately, there are things you can do to decrease your water consumption (and reduce your water bill at the same time). Here are six tips that can help pool and spa owners save money.

Cover When Not in Use

Pools and hot tubs are an investment. While they can be expensive initially, you can finance through pool loan companies. In addition to the purchase of the pool, you then have to fill it up. Once full, you want the water to stay there. However, the water in your pool or hot tub can evaporate over time. It’s estimated that approximately half of the water can evaporate over a year, which results in spending even more money to maintain the water level.

Instead, invest in a cover and cover your pool or hot tub when it’s not in use. Doing so can reduce evaporation by up to 95%. In addition to minimizing evaporation, covers keep out bugs, leaves and reduce algae growth. They can also help to conserve heat and lower energy costs.  

Reduce the Temperature a Few Degrees

While there’s nothing quite like a warm pool or hot tub (especially on cooler days), higher temperatures can contribute to water evaporation. Reducing the temperature a few degrees can help to avoid this issue, especially when you use a cover. There’s a good chance that you won’t notice the difference when you’re in the water. You will, however, notice a difference in your power bill.

Lower the Water Level

Pools and hot tubs don’t have to be filled to the very top. Too much water can result in water loss due to playing and splashing. Water loss can also occur in hot tubs as a result of poorly aimed jets. Lower water levels not only conserve water, but they also help to prevent water loss. In pools, keep the water about an inch above the tile. In hot tubs, keep jets aimed below the water level.

Look for Leaks

If you start to notice the water level in your pool or hot tub decreasing even after taking the above steps, it may be time to take a look around for leaks. Look for damp spots around the outside of the unit. Check over pipes and valves. If you suspect that there’s a leak, there are other steps you can take such as a dye test, pressure test, or contact a professional.

Drain Only When Necessary

Many pool owners like to completely drain their pools at the end of the season and refill them at the beginning of the next. If you take good care of your pool, however, this may not be necessary. Believe it or not, well-maintained pools may only need to be completely drained every 3 to 7 years. Hot tubs are generally recommended to drain and refill every 3 to 4 months. If you invest in a high-quality filtration system, you may only need to drain and refill your hot tub once a year.

Check Filters Regularly

Filters are essential for keeping the water clean. Over time, they can get clogged up with dirt, leaves, insects, and other debris. Check your filter regularly. If it’s dirty, you can rinse it quickly with a garden hose. Be sure to check for other issues like cracks, tears, and other damage.

Just because you have a pool or hot tub, that doesn’t mean that you have to deal with high water bills. Taking care to save water allows you to enjoy your aquatic recreation while keeping your water use (and your water bills) under control.