5-24
October 2012
Operation, Maintenance, and User Education
Controlling evaporation, splashing, leaks, and mineral buildup and ensuring that
filters are cleaned properly are important operation and maintenance measures to
ensure commercial pool and spa equipment efficiency.
Evaporation
To control evaporation, consider the following:
••
Do not heat pools above 79°F to reduce water evaporation rates.
58
••
Limit the use of sprays, waterfalls, and other features.
59
••
Use pool covers to reduce evaporation rates during periods in which the pool is
not in use. Covers also prevent debris from entering the pool, which in turn leads
to reduced water usage from filter backwashing.
60
••
As an alternative to pool covers, liquid barriers can be used to control evapora-
tion. These alcohol-based chemicals prevent evaporation by forming a thin film
along pool surfaces that acts as a barrier.
61
Liquid evaporation barrier products
are available through pool supply vendors.
62
Splashing
Splashing contributes to water loss. To reduce the amount of water loss from splash-
ing, set the pool water level to several inches below the edge of the pool.
63
In addi-
tion, plug the overflow line when the pool is in use or when adding water.
64
Filter Cleaning
Filter cleaning represents the greatest use of water attributed to pools or spas. Al-
though water use depends upon the type of filter system installed and the extent to
which the pool is used, consider the following:
••
Clean filter media only as necessary and not on a set schedule (i.e., clean only
when the filter is no longer operating effectively). Although there are several
methods by which effectiveness is measured, the typical rule of thumb is that fil-
ter cleaning is necessary after the filter pressure has increased by 5.0 to 10.0 psi.
65
••
Utilize the sight glass if one is installed to monitor the visual quality of the
backwash water running through the filter and determine when backwashing is
complete, rather than backwashing for a predetermined set amount of time (e.g.,
5.4
Commercial Pool and Spa Equipment
58
Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE). Swimming Pool and Spa Introduction.
.
59
Koeller, John and H.W. (Bill) Hoffman & Associates, LLC,
op. cit.
,
Page 33.
60
Ibid.
61
Ibid.
Page 34.
62
Williams, Kent. Professional Pool Operators of America. November 2002. “Liquid Pool Covers Save Energy.”
Pumproom Press
. # 25.
63
Koeller, John and H.W. (Bill) Hoffman & Associates, LLC,
op. cit.
,
Page 13.
64
AWE,
op. cit.
65
Koeller, John and H.W. (Bill) Hoffman & Associates, LLC,
op. cit.
,
Page 19.
