A study conducted at the Cal Poly National Pool Industry Research Center (NPIRC) found that considerable water savings could be realized if outdoor swimming pools were covered by market-available covers.
Use of pool covers could reduce 95% of evaporation from California pools, saving more than 55,000 acre-feet of water per year. This is enough to supply a city of approximately 500,000, said principal investigator Misgana Muleta, an associate professor in Cal Poly’s Civil & Environmental Engineering Department.
“Given the severity of drought California, this potential water saving is substantial,” said Alan Smith, chair of NPC’s Research Committee.
The study involved taking daily water-level measurements and weekly water-chemistry readings for eight pools at the NPIRC for 90 days, starting in July. Climate data included air temperature, wind speed and rainfall collected at a Cal Poly weather station.
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Six different cover types were tested, specifically four solid covers and two liquid “covers.” The liquid covers are chemical monolayers that produce an ultra-thin layer on the water surface that increases resistance to evaporation.
The study was sponsored by the National Plasterers Council (NPC), the California Pool and Spa Association, the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, and the Independent Pool and Spa Service Association.
Full study can be downloaded at: www.npconline.org
