Pool Maintenance During Utah Drought Conditions

Utah has been in some level of drought for most of the past two decades. Pool ownership is compatible with responsible water use — but only if you’re paying attention. Here’s how to be a thoughtful Utah pool owner during drought conditions.

The Real Numbers

Average Utah pool water use:

• Initial fill: 15,000-30,000 gallons (one-time)
• Annual evaporation makeup: 8,000-25,000 gallons (covered) to 20,000-50,000 gallons (uncovered)
• Backwash water (sand/DE filter): 200-500 gallons per backwash
• Liner replacement (vinyl): partial drain + refill every 8-12 years

Cover Use Is the #1 Conservation Move

Pool covers reduce evaporation by 50-95% depending on type. The math is huge:

• Uncovered pool: 20K-50K gallons/year evaporation
• Solar (bubble) cover: 50% reduction = 10K-25K gallons saved
• Auto cover: 90% reduction = 18K-45K gallons saved

If every Utah pool installed an auto cover, the state would save billions of gallons annually.

Cartridge Filters Beat Sand/DE for Water

Cartridge filters need rinsing (uses some water) but no backwash. Sand and DE filters backwash 200-500 gallons each time — typically every 2-4 weeks. Over a year, cartridge filters save 1,000-5,000+ gallons.

Other Conservation Strategies

• Run pump during cooler hours — slightly less evaporation during pump operation
• Maintain proper chemistry — avoid having to drain and refill
• Skim daily — keeps water cleaner, avoids chemical-driven dumps
• Keep water cooler — heated pools evaporate faster
• Add windbreaks — wind dramatically increases evaporation
• Check for leaks — slow leaks account for surprising water loss; ask for an annual leak detection inspection

Reusing Drained Water

If you must drain your pool (for resurfacing, liner replacement, or shell repair):

• Drain to landscape if water is properly balanced (free of high chlorine, low pH)
• Test water before draining — must be safe for plants/soil
• Use submersible pump to direct water to lawn or garden zones
• NEVER drain to storm drains — water typically goes to natural waterways

Drought-Conscious Landscaping Around the Pool

• Native + drought-tolerant plants (Russian sage, sedums, lavender, blue oat grass)
• Avoid grass right up to the pool deck (water-thirsty + maintenance-heavy)
• Hardscape paths and seating areas
• Decomposed granite or pea gravel
• See Pool Landscaping Ideas for Utah

Pool Owners Aren’t the Problem

Honest perspective: residential pools account for less than 1% of Utah water use. Lawn irrigation is the dominant water use. Replacing thirsty lawn with drought-friendly landscaping does far more for conservation than skipping a pool.

That said, responsible pool ownership matters — both environmentally and reputationally for the Utah pool industry.

Drought-Smart New Pool Builds

• Cover system included (auto cover preferred)
• Cartridge filter
• Variable-speed pump (less heat = less evaporation during operation)
• Drought-friendly landscape design
• Leak-monitoring sensor (some smart automation systems)
• Right-sized pool (don’t over-build)

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