Filling your pool during a drought: the smart way

The sun is shining, the garden is gasping for water and you are longing to cool off. During a heatwave, there is nothing you want more than to fill your pool and jump in with the kids. But that is exactly when water is scarce. Ireland is facing drought, and even hosepipe bans, more and more often. So can you still fill your pool? And how do you do it responsibly? In this blog, you will read all about filling your pool in times of drought: the rules, the dilemmas and, above all, the smart solutions.

Drought and your pool: why this is a real issue

An average above ground pool quickly holds thousands of litres of water. To compare: an EXIT pool of 300 x 200 x 65 cm holds around 3,700 litres, and the largest round pools more than 19,000 litres. That is a lot of water at a time when the water supply, farmers and nature are all asking for the same water.

 

During prolonged drought, groundwater levels drop and rivers and streams run low. During a heatwave, Uisce Éireann regularly asks everyone to go easy on tap water, because usage peaks. And in a serious drought, it can issue a Water Conservation Order, better known as a hosepipe ban, which specifically restricts filling a pool with a hosepipe. In short: filling your pool is no longer a given.

 

Does this mean a pool in the garden is off the cards? Absolutely not. It does mean choosing more consciously when you fill, what you fill with and how you keep that water in good condition for as long as possible. We are happy to help you with that.

The ethics: can you fill your pool during an extreme drought?

Let's be honest: there is no black-and-white answer here. A filled pool means exercise, outdoor play and cooling off for the whole family. At the same time, using thousands of litres of water feels uncomfortable when nature is drying out and your neighbour is not allowed to water the garden.

 

Our advice: make it a conscious decision.

• Fill your pool early in the season. In May or June there is usually no water shortage yet, and you spread the demand. Turning on the tap en masse on the first tropical day puts pressure on the water network at its peak.
 
• Think of it as one fill per season. With good maintenance, your water lasts all summer. That one fill then stands against months of swimming fun in your own garden.
 
• Follow the local rules. During a drought, check the updates from Uisce Éireann. Is there a Water Conservation Order or a call to save water? Then postpone filling for a while.
 
• Choose your water source consciously. Not every source has the same impact. More on that below.

 

That way, you can enjoy your pool with peace of mind, even in a dry summer.

Which water source is smartest during a drought?

Groundwater, tap water or rainwater: every source has pros and cons. During a drought, it is mainly the timing and the impact of your choice that shift.

 

• Groundwater: only an option if you have your own well or pump, and never when abstraction restrictions apply. Especially during a drought, groundwater levels are strictly protected, because nature and farming depend on them.
 
• Tap water: instantly clear water, but during a heatwave drinking water usage peaks, and under a hosepipe ban filling a pool is not allowed. So preferably fill before such a peak period, at the start of the season or in a cooler week.
 
• Rainwater: free and water-conscious. Collect it in a water butt and start treating the water straight away, as rainwater usually has a low pH.

 

Want to know exactly what each type of water means for your water quality, from brown discolouration caused by iron to the right pH level? Then read our blog What water should you use to fill your pool? There you will also find a handy table with the water capacity and filling time of every EXIT pool.

Having your pool filled by tanker

Do you have a large pool, or do you want to spare the mains network? Then you can have your pool filled by tanker. Various suppliers deliver water in bulk to your home. It is quick, and the water is usually immediately suitable for swimming. Ask the supplier where the water comes from and what it costs for your volume; prices differ per region and per volume. For most EXIT above ground pools this is not necessary, by the way, but for large volumes it can be a practical and conscious choice.

 

One more tip: the fire brigade does not fill pools. Firefighting water is for emergencies, so you can skip that question.

How to keep your water in good shape all summer (and save thousands of litres)

The most water-conscious fill is the one you never have to repeat. With these habits, one fill lasts all summer:

 

• Cover your pool. A pool cover keeps dirt out and limits evaporation. During a heatwave especially, an uncovered pool loses a serious amount of water every day.
 
• Test and treat weekly. A good pH level and the right chlorine content prevent green or cloudy water, and therefore a new fill. You can read how in our blog on pool water testing and treatment.
 
• Filter daily. Run your filter pump every day and clean the filter material in time. You will find more tips in How do I keep my pool clean?
 
• Top up instead of replacing. Is the water level dropping through evaporation? Then only top up the difference. That costs dozens of litres instead of thousands.
 
• Rinse feet, wipe feet. A bucket of water or a small foot bath by the ladder keeps grass and sand out of the pool.
 
• Give the water a second life. Does the pool need emptying at the end of the season after all? Let the chlorine level wear off first and use the water in the garden where possible.

Frequently asked questions about filling your pool during a drought

Can I fill my pool during a drought?

Usually yes, but first check whether Uisce Éireann has issued a call to save water or a Water Conservation Order. Under such an order, you are not allowed to fill your pool with a hosepipe. Outside a ban, there is rarely a prohibition, though you will often hear an urgent request to use water sparingly during a heatwave.

What is a Water Conservation Order?

A temporary order from Uisce Éireann during serious drought, better known as a hosepipe ban. It restricts using a hosepipe for things like watering the garden, washing the car and filling a pool. Check the Uisce Éireann website to see whether an order applies in your area.

Can you fill a pool with tap water during a heatwave?

Almost always, as long as no hosepipe ban is in place, but everyone is asked to spare the network during a heatwave. It is smarter to fill before the peak: at the start of the season or in a cooler week. Good maintenance then means you will not have to fill again.

How much does it cost to fill a pool?

Most households in Ireland do not pay per litre of tap water, so filling a 3,700-litre pool will not normally show up on a bill. Do keep in mind that an excess usage charge can apply if your household uses far more than average. Having your pool filled by tanker does cost money; request a quote from a supplier in your region.

Do I need to replace my pool water every week?

No, quite the opposite! With daily filtering, weekly testing and a pool cover, the water stays good for a whole season. That saves thousands of litres of water and a lot of work.

Want to know more? Call, email or chat with us!

Is your pool ready and would you like to talk through the best filling strategy? Contact us via the chat or email info@exittoys.com. We are happy to help, so you can consciously enjoy refreshing swimming fun in your own garden, even in a dry summer. #GoPlay