Filling a swimming pool with water may seem like an easy task, but it’s a decision that comes with several considerations. From the water source you choose to local regulations and long-term maintenance costs, each factor can significantly impact your budget and the quality of your pool experience. For instance, did you know that filling a standard-sized pool with municipal water can double your water bill? Understanding these nuances is essential to avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure your pool is safe and enjoyable.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common methods to fill up a pool—municipal water, well water, and water delivery services. You’ll also discover tips to maintain water quality, calculate your pool’s volume, and comply with local regulations. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information needed to choose the best option for your pool-filling needs while saving time and money. Let’s get started!
Types of Pool Filling Methods
Municipal Water
- Pre-balanced, treated, and safe for pool use.
- Expensive due to water and sewage fees.
- Local regulations may impose restrictions and check compliance.
Well Water
- Cost-effective alternative if a well is available.
- Requires water quality testing for minerals and sulphur.
- Slow filling may be necessary to avoid depleting the well.
Water Delivery Services
- Uses tanker trucks for fast and efficient pool filling.
- Ideal for large pools or areas with low water pressure.
- Convenient but can be expensive.
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The Pool Filling Process: A Detailed Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Pool
Before you begin filling your pool, it’s essential to prepare it properly:
- Clean the Pool: Remove any debris, leaves, or dirt from the pool surface. This will help prevent contaminants from entering the water.
- Inspect Equipment: Check that all pool equipment, such as filters and pumps, is in good working condition. This ensures that water quality can be maintained once the pool is filled.
Step 2: Choose Your Water Source
Selecting an appropriate water source is crucial for filling your pool:
- Municipal Water Supply: This is the most common option. Ensure you check local water restrictions or regulations regarding filling pools.
- Water Delivery Service: For larger pools or if you prefer a quicker fill, consider hiring a water delivery service. This can save time but may be more expensive.
- Well Water: If you have access to a well, test the water for quality before use, as it may contain minerals that could affect pool chemistry.
How would you know if the water is of good quality?
You can know if the water is good enough or not. If the pool’s water is discoloured, cloudy, green(with algae), or has an odour, then it is not suitable for your pool.
Solution: If you want to adjust your water for the pool, you need to pay for chemical needs for water treatment. You also need to check the pool water with the pool water tester. Clean your pool water until the water tester declares it as adjusted or on a safe level.
Step 3: Begin Filling the Pool
Once you’ve prepared the pool and chosen a water source, you can start filling it:
- Use a Garden Hose: Connect a hose to your municipal supply or arrange for delivery. Turn the water and begin filling slowly to avoid overwhelming the pool structure.
- Monitor Water Levels: Monitor the water level as it rises. To prevent overflow, it’s crucial not to leave it unattended during this process.
Step 4: Monitor Water Quality
As the pool fills, monitoring the water quality becomes essential:
- Test Water Chemistry: Use test strips to check pH levels and chlorine content regularly. This helps in adjusting chemical levels immediately.
- Adjust as Necessary: Depending on test results, add necessary chemicals like chlorine or algaecide to ensure safe swimming conditions.
Step 5: Circulate and Balance Water
After filling your pool, it’s important to circulate and balance the water:
- Run the Pump: Allow your pool pump to run for at least 24 hours after filling. This helps distribute chemicals evenly throughout the water.
- Final Adjustments: After circulation, retest the water chemistry and make any final adjustments needed for optimal balance
Why and When Does Your Pool Need Refilling?
It is good for your pocket and your pool to keep your swimming pool clean and adjusted water. Adjusted or treated pool water doesn’t need refilling often, which can reduce unnecessary costs and time. A little bit of prevention can be worth it.
But you should be prepared for any unpredicted accident. Perhaps you need to fill with the freshwater when;
- When you are filling your pool for the first time.
- You need fresh water if you’re opening it for the summer or after the splashout or evaporation.
- You’re replacing your inground pool or currently drained your pool.
- If your pool water doesn’t respond to your chemical testing or adjustment.
- In the time of every 3 to 5 years since you filled it last time.
Tips: If your pool needs frequent refilling, it may be leaking. Consult a pool-filling expert to clarify your doubts.
How much water do you need in your pool?
Old pool owners may know the water requirement of their pool but it might be tough for new pool owners to calculate the pool’s water needs to refill. An online calculator is the first option or you can do a calculator by yourself. For this, you need measuring tape and measuring the figure of your swimming up to use some easy formulas for your water needs.
Most common pool shape :
Rectangular Shaped Pool
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7.5 x Length x Width x (average) Depth
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Round Shaped Pool
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5.9 x Diameter2 × (average)Depth
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Oval Shaped Pool
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6.7 x (long diameter) Length x (short diameter) Width x (average) Depth
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Kidney Shaped Pool
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7.0 x (average)Depth x (average) width x Length
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Choose the Right Source of Water to Fill Your Swimming Pool
Let’s explore the different sources of water to fill your pool, their cost, time taken, and consideration:
City water and a garden hose
One of the most common ways to fill a pool is with city water or a garden hose. This method is the most viable and cheapest.
Consideration: Before filling your pool with a garden hose, you should call a utility office and ask them about the price of flying a pool. If you inform them about pool filling, they will help decrease sewer fees and may estimate the costs for you. If your area is short of water, they can add the extra charges to fill a pool with the garden hose.
Cost: One survey says that in the United States, one household uses around 12,000 gallons of water per month, so if you have a pool, you can expect to average double your water bill when filling it. Your city may also add an extra sewer charge.
Time taken: The time it takes to fill your pool depends on its size. On average, a normal-sized pool with a garden hose takes 2 to 3 days to fill.
Well Water
Homeowners with a well in their garden can use the water from the well. However, you need to check the capacity of your well to see if it can fill your pool.
Consideration: You can use well water to fill your pool, but it should be tested and treated for hardness, minerals, and other components. Well water is harder than city water, and it contains lots of sulphur, minerals, and other harmful components.
Costs: This is the cheapest method, but it can be a little risky. It is highly possible to add pressure to the pump or softening system, which can reduce the life of your tools. If your well capacity is not enough, your well will run dry, and drilling a new well can cost thousands of dollars.
Time taken: The time it takes to fill your pool with well water depends on your pump capacity. A quality pump can save you time. It takes approximately the same time as a garden hose.
City water from a fire hydrant
Many pool owners wonder if they should fill their pool with water from a fire hydrant. The firefighter can fill your pool, but they may not have time, and you’ll be turned down.
Considerations: You have to ask or make an appointment with them cause they may have an emergency. Calling a local firefighter is probably a good idea for the pool filling.
Costs: The cost varies from place to place. The fire hydrant can do it without charging any free in some places. In some places, the fire department can charge the cost of water or pay extra charges. In some places, you can’t fire the department for the pool filling you can get arrested for it.
Time taken: On average, the fire hydrant fills the pool faster than the above-mentioned source of water.
Pool water delivery service
It is the easiest way to fill your pool, or you can say it just like ordering pizza. This service delivers pool water to your house with high-capacity hoses to fill your swimming pool quickly. You can get chemically balanced and tested water to save your time and money. If you live in a place with a water shortage, a water delivery service will be the only option for you.
Consideration: It will be beneficial to choose a water delivery service because they are experienced and certified professionals at pool filling. They will be cautious while filling the pool and use the right method and the right amount of water.
Costs: Although it is easy to fill your pool with water, it can be very expensive. The cost will vary depending on the size of your pool and whether you choose a pre-treating option.
Time taken: It takes a couple of hours to fill with water with this method completely.
How much does it cost to fill the pool?
The cost to fill a pool may vary depending on various factors, including location, size of your pool, water source you choose, water needed for refilling, and more.
It averages around $4 to $10 per 1000 gallons of water. To fill an empty pool, it probably costs around $75 to $200 for the normal size of the pool.
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Conclusion
Filling your swimming pool is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and consideration of multiple factors. Whether you choose the economical route of municipal water, the convenience of a water delivery service, or have access to well water, each method has its distinct advantages and considerations. Remember always to check local regulations, calculate your pool’s volume accurately, and factor in both immediate costs and long-term maintenance implications when making your decision.
For optimal results, consider having your water tested after filling, regardless of the source chosen. This ensures proper chemical balance and helps prevent potential issues down the line. While the initial cost of filling your pool might seem substantial, choosing the right method can lead to significant savings in both time and money over your pool’s lifetime.
If you frequently need refills, don’t hesitate to consult a professional to check for leaks or other structural issues. With proper planning and maintenance, your filled pool should provide years of enjoyment with minimal need for complete refills. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start transforming your yard!