With diverse water restrictions still in force across Australia and forecasters predicting a long hot summer, BioGuard^® has issued a challenge to pool owners to save a minimum of 10% of their normal pool water use this summer.

The BioGuard Water Wise Challenge aims to save hundreds of megalitres of water by asking pool owners to adopt a few simple measures to reduce evaporation rates from their pools.

As a pool owner, we ask you to consider the following:

Fit a backwash minimisation system

A backwash minimisation system is designed to prevent excessive backwashing.

We suggest using a cartridge filter, which does not require backwashing when being cleaned and therefore uses less water.

Other options include a centrifugal or pre-filter device and backwash recycle systems. Backwash recycle systems collect backwash water from swimming pools, treat it and then recycle it for use as irrigation water for gardens.

Keep pool water correctly balanced

Maintaining the correct balance of chemicals in your pool all year round will reduce water use.

Importantly, it will prevent the water going green and eliminate the need for a pool to be drained and refilled.

Use a pool cover when the pool is not in use

By simply fitting a pool cover over the whole pool, owners can prevent up to 95% of evaporation.

Pool covers should be used when the pool is not in use or on display. At all other times, BioGuard Liquid Blanket should be used.

Add BioGuard Liquid Blanket to your pool water

When the pool is in use or on display, BioGuard Liquid Blanket should be added to pool water. BioGuard Liquid Blanket forms a barrier on the water's surface and can reduce evaporation by over 50%.

Combined, these measures can easily save 100% of your current pool water use with the benefits flowing back into the environment.

BioGuard Liquid Blanket forms a colourless layer on the surface of the pool and acts as a blanket and because it’s a liquid, it adapts to any shape. It’s easy to use and you don’t need to wait after applying to jump into the water.

Other water saving measures

Consider fitting a rainwater tank for use when topping up the pool

A water tank is an easy way to collect rainfall to top-up the pool when required. When using water from a rainwater tank, the pool should be disinfected to 1mg/L of free residual chlorine respectively for at least half an hour and the pH should be about 7.5.

The pumps and filters should be operating during the disinfection period prior to swimming or bathing.

Change pool behaviour

Concentrate on keeping water in the pool. Try the following:

• Discourage pool users from "bombing" and continually getting out and jumping back into the pool.
• Drip dry on the top step so that water goes back into the pool.
• If you need to top up, get those who use the pool to top up the water level with a bucket so they're conscious of the amount of water they've used.

Regularly check for leaks

Leaks can easily develop in the pool's membrane and piping. Even a small leak can waste 7000 litres per year.

Leaks can be difficult to detect so it is recommended that you test your water pipe's pressure when installing your pool and then once every 3 years.

Pool maintenance

• Backwash only when necessary.
• Check regularly for cracks and leaks.
• Keep the pool and filters clean to reduce frequency of filter backwashing.
• If acid has been used to clean the pool, the water should be neutralised.