Scottsdale Water has a number of highly qualified staff that will walk around your property with you to read your water meter, review irrigation clock programming and provide tips to promote irrigation efficiency. One check per property, must be a Scottsdale Water Customer. Call 480-312-5650 to schedule.

Are you a do-it-yourselfer?

Review the Mini Morning Audit Checklist to perform your own efficiency check at your convenience.

Download Mini Morning Audit Checklist

Is the pool leaking?

Most pool leaks are found in the pool equipment. Periodically turn the pool equipment on and look for visible leaks on the equipment and for wet spots on the ground between the equipment and the pool. Also look for white crusty mineral deposits on pipes, which could indicate a slow leak.

Do a Bucket Test to see if there are nonvisible Leaks:

You can read the instructions below or watch: How to Do a Bucket Test

The bucket test is simple. You'll need a bucket and a wax pen.

1. Stop manually adding water to the pool or turn off the water to the pool's autofill until the test is complete. (An autofill is a device that fills your pool with water automatically. As with skimmer baskets, autofills are typically located next to the pool inside a recessed container beneath a round lid.) To turn off the autofill, find the pool's backflow device, which is usually located at the back or the side of the house. The pool's water supply line is usually the first line out of the pool's backflow. Turn its shut-off valve to the off position.
2. Don't backwash or allow any water to splash out of the pool during the bucket test.
3. Place a bucket or container on a pool step without submerging it, and fill it with water to the same level as the pool water. Use a wax pen to mark the level of the water in the pool.
4. Wait a minimum of two to three days to let natural evaporation occur. If it rains or it's a windy day you may have to redo the test. If the levels in the pool and in the bucket go down the same amount, then you do not have a leak. If the water level in the pool has dropped more than the level in the bucket, you have a leak.
5. To determine whether the leak is in the pool structure or the plumbing system, repeat the test with the pool equipment running and again with the pool equipment turned off. If more water was lost with the pump running, the plumbing is probably the cause.

Why do I have continuous water use going into my pool (the autofill never shuts off)?

This is a common occurrence and may be due to normal evaporation, depending on the rate of water entering your pool. However, it's important to investigate further to rule out any potential issues. To address these concerns, inspect your pool and autofill system, adjust the settings as needed, and seek professional help if the problem persists.

Autofill Settings: The autofill might be set too high, causing it to constantly add water. Your pool water level should be halfway up the skimmer box, if pool water level is near the decking it may be set too high. In some cases, the autofill may be broken or have mineral build-up preventing it from properly sealing. Check your autofill frequently for any of these concerns and adjust or repair/replace if necessary.

Evaporation: Significant water loss due to evaporation may cause the autofill to run more frequently, specifically in the hotter months. See next question: How Much Water Does My Pool Lose to Evaporation, for more information.

Supply Line: There might be a break or leak in the supply line to the autofill. If you have completed an isolation test and confirmed the only continuous use is going into your pool, and you do not hear or see the autofill running, seek professional help to determine if the supply line has a leak.

Leak in the Pool and/or Pump Equipment: This could be due to a crack, a damaged liner, or a malfunctioning component. Inspect your pool and equipment for visible leaks, complete the bucket test, or consider consulting a professional if needed.

How much water does my pool lose to evaporation?

Pool evaporation rates vary for a variety of reasons, including sunlight intensity, air and water temperature, wind, humidity and shading. It's estimated that a 400 sq. ft. pool will lose approximately 19,665 gallons of water per year to evaporation. This table shows inches and gallons of water lost to evaporation for each month.

Estimate of water lost to evaporation each month from a 400 sq. ft. pool.

Water saving tips for pools

• Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation and help keep your pool clean. A cleaner pool needs fewer chemicals and less backwashing. Consider using the new chemical covers, which create a microthin film of molecules on the water surface to reduce water loss to evaporation.
• Pools seldom require draining if chemical levels are properly maintained, so consult a professional to make sure it's necessary. Consider using water restoration systems that eliminate the need to drain the pool.
• If you have to refill your pool, know the rules related to draining and backwashing.
• Recycle pool water when backwashing by applying the water to the landscape. Don't add new chemicals for up to 72 hours, then use the backwash to water salt-tolerant plants such as oleanders, Bermuda grass, and natal plum.
• Backwash only when needed and just long enough for the water to run clean.
• Minimize 'splash out' by not overfilling the pool.

Additionally, the Smart Home Water Guide water guide is available through the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) website, or you can request a hard copy of this and other Water Conservation publications online or by calling 480-312-5650.