Water Conservation Tips for Pool Owners in Drought-Prone Summers

Drought conditions have become more common during the summer months in southern Ontario. For homeowners with backyard pools, this raises concerns about water use, especially in regions like Kitchener-Waterloo where outdoor water restrictions can kick in fast. While owning a pool is a major perk during the hot season, it also comes with a responsibility to use water wisely.

Whether you're planning a pool installation in Kitchener or already enjoying one in your backyard, adopting a few simple water-saving habits can make a significant difference. Here are practical and effective tips to help conserve water while still getting the most out of your pool all summer long.

1. Invest in a High-Quality Pool Cover

One of the easiest ways to reduce water loss is to cover your pool when it’s not in use. A properly fitted pool cover minimizes evaporation, which is the number one cause of water loss in pools during hot, dry spells. On average, an uncovered pool can lose up to an inch of water each week from evaporation alone.

Choose a solar cover that also helps retain heat, which means your pool heater won’t have to work as hard either. Pool covers are a wise long-term investment for anyone considering Kitchener pool installation or for those already maintaining pools in Kitchener, Ontario.

2. Regularly Check for Leaks

Even a small leak can result in hundreds of gallons of wasted water over time. If you find yourself refilling your pool more often than usual, you might be dealing with a leak. Watch for wet spots around the pool area or sudden changes in your water bills.

Pool professionals and pool installers in Kitchener-Waterloo can perform pressure tests or visual inspections to confirm whether you have a leak. Catching and fixing leaks early helps conserve water and protect your property from water damage.

3. Limit Backwashing the Filter

Backwashing is a method of cleaning the pool’s filter, but it uses a significant amount of water. While necessary from time to time, frequent backwashing is often unnecessary. Monitor the pressure gauge and only backwash when needed, usually when the pressure increases by 8-10 psi from the clean baseline.

Using a cartridge filter instead of a sand filter can also reduce water waste, as cartridge filters don’t require backwashing at all.

4. Keep Water at Proper Levels

It’s tempting to overfill your pool to avoid frequent top-ups, but too much water can lead to unnecessary overflow—especially during swimming, storms, or cleaning. Always keep water at the recommended level, usually halfway up the skimmer opening. This prevents overflow while maintaining optimal circulation.

Avoid activities that may cause splashing out of the pool and encourage guests to keep water inside where it belongs. Every gallon saved counts during drought-prone months.

5. Use Landscaping for Windbreaks

Wind can accelerate water evaporation dramatically. Strategic landscaping around your pool can help. Use shrubs, fencing, or trellises with climbing plants to create a windbreak around the pool area. Not only does this reduce evaporation, but it also adds privacy and improves the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space.

If you’re already in the planning phase for a pool installation in Kitchener, work with contractors who can help integrate water-smart landscaping into the layout from the beginning.

6. Install a Water-Saving Pool Pump

Older, single-speed pool pumps are known to waste both energy and water. Modern variable-speed pumps are not only more energy-efficient but also better at circulating water efficiently, which means your filter system works smarter, not harder.

These systems reduce the need for backwashing and frequent chemical adjustments, which often lead to water loss. When speaking to pool installers in Kitchener-Waterloo, ask about eco-friendly equipment options during the consultation.

7. Optimize Pool Chemistry

Maintaining balanced water chemistry helps prevent unnecessary water changes. Algae outbreaks or cloudy water often lead pool owners to drain and refill unnecessarily, which wastes thousands of gallons. Keep pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels in check, especially during hot weather.

Using a pool cover also helps maintain chemical levels longer, which saves money and prevents overcompensating with extra chemicals that might require dilution later.

8. Rethink Pool Refill Habits

During periods of water scarcity, consider cutting back on how often you top up your pool. Only add water during cooler times of the day—early morning or late evening—to reduce immediate evaporation. Use a hose timer to avoid overfilling accidentally.

For those planning new pool installations in Kitchener, consider smaller or plunge-style pools that require less water volume overall. These options are becoming more popular with homeowners who want luxury with lower environmental impact.

9. Upgrade Pool Deck Drainage

Improper drainage around the pool can cause water to run off and go to waste. Install drainage systems that allow splashed or overflowed water to be captured and redirected into garden beds or water storage tanks. This kind of smart poolside planning is often included in full-service packages by leading pool installers in Kitchener-Waterloo.

If you're considering adding a pool, be sure to work with professionals who factor water conservation into their approach. For tailored solutions, visit soareslandscaping.ca/landscaping-services/swimming-pools/.

10. Consider Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater can be collected and used for topping up your pool when permitted by local bylaws. Installing rain barrels or cistern systems near the pool area can reduce your reliance on the municipal supply. This approach works particularly well when paired with smart irrigation and landscaping features that reduce the overall water demand on your property.

Rainwater harvesting is especially effective in spring and fall, when rains are more frequent in Kitchener-Waterloo. During dry summers, the stored water becomes an eco-friendly backup supply for essential pool needs.

Conclusion

Owning a pool doesn’t mean you have to waste water. With thoughtful planning and a few practical steps, you can reduce your environmental footprint without sacrificing summer fun. Whether you’re actively researching pools in Kitchener, Ontario, or maintaining an existing one, water conservation should be a priority.

Partner with experienced contractors who understand the importance of eco-conscious practices. The right Kitchener pool installation service will guide you in building a pool that fits your lifestyle and the local environment.