• Install a pool cover and keep your pool covered whenever it is not in use. This prevents water evaporation and can save hundreds of gallons of water a month. The cover can also reduce heating bills by preventing night heat loss and will save on chemicals too. Pool covers come in a wide range of types and costs, so consult your pool service company, builder or pool supply retail store. Make sure that it fits properly because the cover is the #1 water and heating fuel conservation device.

• Reduce splashing. Caution swimmers to guard against splashing on decking and lawns.

• Plug the overflow line when the pool is in use.

• Re-evaluate the frequency of backwashing if your pool has no separation tank. Most people backwash more frequently than necessary. This wastes water. Some pool filters do not have to be backwashed at all; they can be taken apart and cleaned, even though this process is less convenient. When cleaning around the pool, use a broom, not a hose.

• Turn off the tile spray device on your automatic pool cleaning equipment (if so equipped). A good deal of that spray evaporates before it hits the tile. Scale formation on tile is reduced when the spray is turned off.