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Optional Water Efficiency Measure: May contribute to the 30 percent water efficiency requirement,
depending on the chosen WaterSense® Approved Certification Method (WACM).
UNDERSTAND
Thoughtful residential swimming pool design can
help save pool owners water, energy, and money.
To increase water efficiency, consider addressing
issues related to evaporation, water quality, leaks,
or pool usage.
Providing a pool cover and installing a more water-
efficient pool filter are the two most effective ways
to reduce swimming pool water usage.
BUILD
Design and Maintenance Guide for Pools
WaterSense's Jump Into Pool Water Efficiency
guide at
www.epa.gov/system/files/docurnents/2022-
09/ws-outdoor-pool-guide.pdf for residential pool
owners and maintenance professionals explains
how to achieve water efficiency in residential
swimming pools. It includes details on using a
pool cover, selecting the most appropriate filter
type, and improving energy efficiency. The guide is
a great resource for anyone responsible for
installing, designing, or maintaining a pool.
Learn more about water efficiency for pools at
WaterSense's Pool Water Efficiency web page at
www.epa.gov/watersense/pool-water-efficiency.
SELECT a high-performance filter that minimizes
or eliminates water consumption from
backwashing. Filter backwash, in which water is
sent backwards through a filter to remove debris,
can account for up to a quarter of pool water
consumption. Filters with less frequent backwash
will help reduce water waste. Cartridge filters are
the most water-efficient because they do not
require backwashing. Diatomaceous earth (DE) or
glass filters also reduce water usage compared to
commonly used sand filters. Install a pressure
gauge with the filter to help indicate when
backwashing is necessary.
INSTALL a separate water meter to help
homeowners and multifamily property owners
actively monitor pool water consumption and
identify potential leaks.
DESIGN the pool to easily accommodate a pool cover and associated equipment for employing the
pool cover (e.g., reels, motors). Covering a pool during periods of inactivity will reduce water loss due to
normal evaporation.
PLAN landscaping surrounding the pool to reduce evaporation. Landscaping or other physical barriers,
such as stone walls or fencing, can increase wind protection. Increasing shade through landscaping
can also keep the pool cooler. Be sure to select plants that do not contribute more debris to the pool.
INSTALL a gutter or grate system to catch water from splashing or drag-outs and return it to the pool.
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VERIFY
Ornamental Water Features
•	CONFIRM that there are no wet spots around the
pool or air bubbles in the water return pipeline or
in the pump strainer. Wet spots or bubbles are a
sign of leakage from the pool liner, the pump seal,
pool piping, the pool-to-pipe connection, pool
edges, or pipe joints.
•	VERIFY that a pool cover is installed.
•	IDENTIFY the type of pool filter that is used.
*NOTE: Consult with the Home Certification
Organization for specific verification protocols.
Ornamental water features can be more water-
efficient by following some basic guidelines.
Water features should recirculate water from the
feature itself and serve a beneficial use such as
wildlife habitat, stormwater management, and/or
noise reduction. The water consumption of an
ornamental water feature can be reduced if
smaller pumps, lower pumping rates, and/or
pressure-reducing valves are used to reduce
water flow. The higher the water flow, the more
water wasted due to evaporation. If the water
feature includes cascading water, select one that
falls down, rather than shoots up, to minimize
evaporation. Placing the water feature in a shady
area further reduces evaporation.
Recirculating the water reduces the amount of
potable water used in an ornamental feature and
helps to prevent algae growth in the feature. Two
types of pumps are available for recirculating
water—submersible pumps and surface (or line)
pumps, which are more expensive and require
extra plumbing.
Pool Covers
WaterSense estimates that, depending on climate, an uncovered 500-square-foot swimming pool could lose
between 12,000 and 31,000 gallons of water per year due to evaporation, with this number being even higher
for heated pools. Pool covers are the most effective method of reducing water loss from evaporation. When in
use, solid pool covers can reduce evaporation by more than 90 percent and, in the case of heated pools, save
between 50 and 70 percent of pool heating costs.
Type
Effectiveness at
Reducing Evaporation
Can It Serve
as a Safety
Cover?
Additional Information and
Considerations
Solid/mesh/hybrid
Up to 95 percent
Yes
Mesh covers are lighter weight than
solid covers but allow more
evaporation to occur.
Solar (bubble cover,
solar rings, thermal)
50 to 95 percent (varies
based on shape and
coverage)
No
Solar covers are designed to use the
sun's energy to heat the pool.
Liquid evaporation
suppressant
15 percent
No
Non-toxic, chemical evaporation
suppressant is applied to the pool
surface on a regular basis.
This technical fact sheet is part of EPA's Technical Reference Manual for
WaterSense Labeled Homes. For the full document and other tools and	EPA-832-F-23-016
resources for homes, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/tools-and-resources.	July 2023

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