Arizona Pool Owners: Water Use, Leaks and Pump Questions

A backyard pool is a big part of a desert household's water picture. This guide pulls together what Arizona water-conservation resources say, and how to prepare for talking to a pool pump supplier.

The pool as a water user

The Arizona Department of Water Resources' "Water - Use It Wisely" tips page calls the swimming pool the home's largest single water use. The campaign began in 1999 with Mesa, Scottsdale and Phoenix and has grown to 20 partners and almost 200 tips. Its pool page lists evaporation, splashing and leaks as the major sources of pool water loss. Not verified: exact gallons per year for a typical pool or the savings from a cover; the pages fetched give no figures.

The bucket test for leaks

Tip #127 on the Water Use It Wisely list recommends a bucket test using a grease pencil, noting that an unnatural water level drop may indicate a leak. A pool service or the campaign's linked resources can explain the steps in detail. If the test suggests a leak, a pool professional can locate it. Do not guess at the cause.

The pool page also notes that leaking liners can be associated with pool pumps, so mention any wet areas near the equipment when you call a technician.

Drain and backwash rules vary by city

The Water Use It Wisely pool page states that drain and backwash rules vary by municipality. It links to rules from nine Arizona cities: Chandler, Fountain Hills, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Surprise and Tempe. If you live elsewhere, Not verified: your local rule. Check with your city or town before draining or backwashing.

Pool removal

Talking to a pool pump supplier

The sources fetched do not discuss pump models, energy use or climate numbers, so none are given here. Prepare these questions instead:

What is my current pump type, and how old is it?
Is a variable-speed pump appropriate for my pool and filter? What does the manufacturer say about energy use? Ask for the manufacturer's data.
Does my utility offer any program for pool equipment? Not verified:; ask your electric provider.
Who installs it, and does the installer handle electrical bonding and wiring through a licensed electrician?
What is the warranty, and who services it locally?
Can you check the system for leaks while on site?

The Water Use It Wisely page also links to an SRP guide on keeping a pool clean and energy-efficient, which is a place to start reading.

Seasonal habits worth discussing with a pro

Arizona summers are hot and long, which affects how a pool is run. The fetched pages give no schedules, so ask your service company what run times and chemical routines suit your pool. Not verified: any recommended pump run hours.

Common mistakes

Topping up water for weeks without checking for a leak.
Draining or backwashing without knowing the city rules.
Replacing a pump without asking about the filter and plumbing it connects to.
Treating electrical work as a DIY job.
Relying on a single online number rather than the manufacturer's data.

What this guide does not cover

This article does not cover pool safety barriers, permits, chemical handling or health codes. Not verified: any Arizona state or county pool requirement. Check with your city or county.

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General information only. Not legal or engineering advice. Have a licensed pool or electrical professional confirm equipment, wiring and local rules.